A Denver Public Schools French teacher has been fired following an independent review that concluded classroom activities and personal disclosures amounted to “incompetence and neglect of duty,” according to court findings and district records.
The case centered on allegations that students were directed to participate in scripted role-play exercises involving kissing scenarios and were exposed to sensitive personal information shared by the teacher.
Jennifer Honka, who identifies as a member of the LGBT community, taught French language and culture at Northeast Early College in Denver’s Montbello neighborhood for eight years before her termination was upheld in a unanimous vote by the Denver Public Schools Board of Education following an executive session.
The board accepted the recommendation of an administrative law judge who reviewed student testimony, district evidence, and instructional materials in reaching his findings, CBS Colorado reported.
Students raised concerns after participating in classroom skits used for language instruction.
Testimony described scripted exercises in which students were assigned roles involving physical interactions as part of French-language practice.
Several students said they felt uncomfortable during participation, and at least one student who refused to take part received a zero on the assignment, according to The Denver Gazette.
Students also referenced a classroom expectation described as “the answer is always ‘yes’ in this class,” which they said influenced participation in skits.
The review noted that participation was tied to grading, a factor the ruling identified as contributing to pressure on students to comply with instructions during class activities.
The administrative law judge concluded that while role-play can be an effective instructional tool in language education, its implementation in this case created an imbalance due to the teacher’s authority over grading and participation.
The ruling stated that students were placed in situations requiring immediate responses to personal prompts in front of peers, limiting their ability to decline without consequence.
The report further detailed classroom disclosures made by Honka, including accounts of childhood abuse, suicidal ideation, and her use of IVF with a sperm donor to conceive her child.
These disclosures occurred during instructional time and were later reviewed by district officials during the disciplinary process.
Honka denied any wrongdoing, saying students were not required to participate in skits and could opt out or use alternatives such as non-contact gestures.
She also alleged she was targeted because of her sexual orientation and union activity, claims rejected by the administrative law judge after reviewing testimony and evidence.
The case has drawn criticism from some community members who questioned why Honka remained employed during the administrative review process.
District officials said Honka was placed on administrative leave after complaints surfaced in early 2025 and remained employed while proceedings moved through the administrative review process.
The Denver Public Schools Board of Education ultimately voted 7–0 to terminate her employment after considering the judge’s findings.
The case originated from student complaints during the 2023–2024 school year, prompting a formal investigation that included student interviews, staff testimony, and review of classroom materials before final disciplinary action was taken.
No criminal charges were filed in connection with the allegations.
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