Online Mob, Real Consequences: Her Story

“I prided myself on being an exceptional AP Calculus teacher. My "Final Review Packets" were legendary, often predicting major exam questions with uncanny accuracy. I believed I was helping all my students achieve their best, providing every resource available. Then, a notification popped up from the PTA Facebook group: "Sarah Miller is playing favorites with the AP Calculus exam!" It was Karen Thompson, Brittany' s mom, the queen of helicopter parenting, accusing me of giving unfair advantages and leaking exam content. The comments section exploded, parents accusing me of taking bribes and having "secret coaching sessions." Even a student I' d stayed late tutoring for free seemed to corroborate their lies. The next day, they ambushed me at the AP US History exam, screaming "Fire unfair teachers!" and physically shoving me. My personal information was suddenly online, coupled with old, embarrassing photos from college. My life, my reputation, everything I had built was being systematically destroyed. I was bewildered and terrified, watching my life unravel because I simply tried to help every single student. How could a comprehensive review packet, emailed to everyone, be twisted into an accusation of corruption and favoritism? I felt utterly betrayed, trapped in a nightmare where my good intentions were weaponized against me. But when Karen and a mob of parents forced their way into my home, trashing my apartment and physically assaulting me, I snapped. That' s when I realized: I wasn't just a victim anymore. I was fighting back.”