Art Teacher May Be Fired Over Topless Photos

Art teacher Tamara Hoover may lose her job after topless photos of her were discovered online by school officials.

The photos show Hoover in the shower, getting dressed, in bed and doing other activities. But Hoover says the photos are art and makes no apologies. "I'm an artist and I'm going to participate in the arts", she said. "If that's not something they want me to do then I want to be told that. I don't feel as if I was doing anything that was beyond expectations".

Officials and students considered Hoover an excellent art teacher who helped students find their creativity but they say the photos are inappropriate and violate the "higher moral standard" expected of public school teachers.

The district wants to revoke her teaching certification, which would keep her out of Texas classrooms permanently. Hoover will appeal the ruling and is prepared to take the case to court, she said.

Apparently, the photos came to light last month as a result of a feud over ceramics equipment with another art teacher. Students who had seen the pictures showed the teacher, who then notified school officials.

See the set of photos below.

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