Brett Bigham

{{Short description|American educator}} {{Use mdy dates|date = June 2020}} {{Multiple issues| {{COI|date=May 2019}} {{unreliable sources|date=December 2015}} {{cleanup|reason=Inconsistent reference formatting, among other things, including spacing and order of refs|date=January 2016}} }} {{Infobox person | name = Brett Bigham | image = Brett Bigham Face Shot.jpg | alt = | caption = | birth_name = | birth_date = <!-- {{birth date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}} for living people. For people who have died, use {{Birth date|YYYY|MM|DD}}. --> | birth_place = | death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) --> | death_place = | nationality = | other_names = | occupation = Special Education Teacher | years_active = | known_for = Oregon State Teacher of the Year, National Education Association National Award for Teaching Excellence, NEA LGBTQ Teacher Role Model Award recipient, NEA Foundation Global Fellow, Bank of America Neighborhood Hero. Christian Science Monitor EqualEd Advisory Board. | notable_works = Ability guidebooks }} [[File:Brett Bigham with President Obama.jpg|thumb|President Obama with Oregon State Teacher of the Year Brett Bigham at the White House Honoring Ceremony, May 1, 2014.]] '''Brett Bigham''' is an American educator. He has won multiple teaching awards for his work as a special education teacher. After publicly declaring that he was gay while accepting an award, Bigham began to have conflicts with his school district. These conflicts led to his firing which caused upheaval in Bigham's district and with Bigham eventually receiving a large financial settlement from the district. Bigham has authored several guidebooks for those with autism.

== Work as an educator == Bigham and his class hosted a citywide prom<ref>{{Cite web|title = 2013 Oregon Proms - MESD|url = http://photos.oregonlive.com/photo-essay/2013/05/2013_oregon_proms_-_mesd.html|website = OregonLive.com|access-date = 2016-02-19|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222171548/http://photos.oregonlive.com/photo-essay/2013/05/2013_oregon_proms_-_mesd.html|archive-date = December 22, 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref> for youth with disabilities who needed to attend a prom during school hours.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Oregon's Teacher Of The Year Hosts His Annual Special Needs Prom|url = http://www.opb.org/news/article/oregons-teacher-of-the-year-hosts-his-annual-special-needs-prom/|website = www.opb.org|access-date = 2016-02-19|first = Lucy|last = Ohlsen|archive-date = January 24, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160124050759/http://www.opb.org/news/article/oregons-teacher-of-the-year-hosts-his-annual-special-needs-prom/|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = A Prom Like Any Other — But With A Few Exceptions|url = https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2014/05/12/311880562/special-needs-students-with-a-prom-of-their-own|website = NPR.org| date=May 12, 2014 |access-date = December 16, 2015| last1=Chappell | first1=Bill }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = 2013 Oregon Proms - MESD|url = http://photos.oregonlive.com/photo-essay/2013/05/2013_oregon_proms_-_mesd.html|website = OregonLive.com|access-date = December 16, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222171548/http://photos.oregonlive.com/photo-essay/2013/05/2013_oregon_proms_-_mesd.html|archive-date = December 22, 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = A Prom Like Any Other — But With A Few Exceptions|url = http://wvpublic.org/post/prom-any-other-few-exceptions|website = wvpublic.org| date=May 12, 2014 |access-date = 2016-01-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Multnomah Education Service District Prom for students with disabilities held in Gresham|url = https://www.oregonlive.com/prom/index.ssf/2014/05/prom_for_students_with_disabil.html|website = OregonLive.com| date=May 10, 2014 |access-date = 2016-01-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/298183-174745-special-needs-prom-is-on-for-now|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323042424/http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/298183-174745-special-needs-prom-is-on-for-now|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 23, 2016|title=Special-needs prom is on - for now|website=Oregon Local News|date=March 17, 2016 |language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-25}}</ref> It was featured nationwide on NPR and in the monthly newsletter from the United States Department of Education.<ref>{{Cite web|title = THE TEACHERS EDITION -- May 22, 2014|url = http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USED/bulletins/b28dd3|website = U.S. Department of Education|access-date = 2016-02-19}}</ref> Bigham was awarded the Bank of America Neighborhood Hero Award for organizing the prom,<ref>{{Cite web|title = Portland Heroes and Nonprofits Recognized by Bank of America's Neighborhood Excellence Initiative|url = https://blog.oregonlive.com/my-portland/2010/11/portland_heroes_and_nonprofits_recognized_by_bank_of_americas_neighborhood_excellence_initiative.html|website = OregonLive.com| date=November 11, 2010 |access-date = 2016-01-06}}</ref> as well as the Bob Speltzer Community Service Award by the Q Center for his work on LGBT issues. He also received the Community Hero Award in Education from PHAME for his work with the special needs population.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Brett Bigham - Teacher of the Year - AboutFace Magazine|url = http://aboutfacemag.com/interviews/education/brett-bigham-teacher-year/|website = AboutFace Magazine|access-date = December 16, 2015|language = en-US|archive-date = December 22, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222150041/http://aboutfacemag.com/interviews/education/brett-bigham-teacher-year/|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Special Ed teachers: masters of creating curriculum|url = http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2014/feb/06/special-ed-teachers-masters-creating-curriculum/|website = www.thedalleschronicle.com|access-date = December 16, 2015|archive-date = December 22, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222112348/http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2014/feb/06/special-ed-teachers-masters-creating-curriculum/|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = PHAME Announces Inaugural Community Champion Award Winners, to be honored at Nov. 2 Gala|url = http://phamepdx.org/blog/phame-announces-inaugural-community-champion-award-winners-be-honored-nov-2-gala|website = PHAME|access-date = December 16, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Announcing Q Center's 2014 Winter Gala Award Winners|url = http://www.pdxqcenter.org/announcing-q-centers-2014-winter-gala-award-winners/|website = Q Center|access-date = December 16, 2015|language = en-US|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222143317/http://www.pdxqcenter.org/announcing-q-centers-2014-winter-gala-award-winners/|archive-date = December 22, 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Portland State University Studies {{!}} Profile|url = http://sinq-clusters.unst.pdx.edu/profile/brett-bigham-02|website = sinq-clusters.unst.pdx.edu|access-date = December 16, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222121627/http://sinq-clusters.unst.pdx.edu/profile/brett-bigham-02|archive-date = December 22, 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Portland Heroes and Nonprofits Recognized by Bank of America's Neighborhood Excellence Initiative|url = https://blog.oregonlive.com/my-portland/2010/11/portland_heroes_and_nonprofits_recognized_by_bank_of_americas_neighborhood_excellence_initiative.html|website = OregonLive.com| date=November 11, 2010 |access-date = December 16, 2015}}</ref> Bigham was named Outstanding Special Educator of the Year by the National Association of Special Education Teachers and he was a finalist and Circle of Excellence Winner of the OnPoint Prize for Outstanding Educators. Bigham was named a Kentucky Colonel in 2014 for his work in special education. In 2014-15, Bigham was featured in Portland State University's "Fearless" campaign and was the keynote speaker at the 2014 PSU hooding ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Portland State Fearless {{!}} Brett Bigham|url = http://www.pdx.edu/fearless/brett-bigham|website = www.pdx.edu|access-date = 2016-01-06|archive-date = March 1, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160301120220/http://www.pdx.edu/fearless/brett-bigham|url-status = dead}}</ref>

Bigham created an online resource of guidebooks for people with autism.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/living/index.ssf/2011/09/online_photo_books_work_as_gui.html|title=Online photo books work as guides for those with autism|website=OregonLive.com|date=September 8, 2011 |access-date=2016-03-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Special Ed teachers: masters of creating curriculum {{!}} The Dalles Chronicle tablet version|url = http://t.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2014/feb/06/special-ed-teachers-masters-creating-curriculum/?templates=tablet|website = t.thedalleschronicle.com|access-date = 2016-01-03|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080603/http://t.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2014/feb/06/special-ed-teachers-masters-creating-curriculum/?templates=tablet|archive-date = March 4, 2016|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = "Explore Portland" series of social stories|url = http://spectrumsmagazine.com/explore-portland-series-of-social-stories/|website = Spectrums Magazine|access-date = 2016-01-03|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160122165855/http://spectrumsmagazine.com/explore-portland-series-of-social-stories/|archive-date = January 22, 2016|url-status = dead}}</ref> There are over 170 of these Ability Guidebooks in 38 countries in six languages. [https://arroautism.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/LC-Santa-en-Espanol.pdf] He later wrote a guide about autism and air travel for the Portland International Airport.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Readers weigh in on autism and air travel; teacher suggests photo guide to airport|url = https://www.oregonlive.com/kiddo/index.ssf/2015/05/readers_weigh_in_on_autism_and.html|website = OregonLive.com| date=May 21, 2015 |access-date = December 16, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.portofportland.com/pdfpop/PDX_Special_Needs.pdf|title = Port of Portland|access-date = December 16, 2015|archive-date = December 22, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222173112/http://www.portofportland.com/pdfpop/PDX_Special_Needs.pdf|url-status = dead}}</ref> Bigham was honored for this by being named as an Autism Light, one of 442 people internationally who have been recognized for their dedication to people who are autistic.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Autism Light: Brett Bigham|url = https://autism-light.blogspot.com/2011/10/brett-bigham.html|website = Autism Light|date = 2011-10-14|access-date = 2016-01-06|first = Alan|last = Stokes}}</ref>

Bigham was a keynote speaker for the Save Our Schools Rally at the Lincoln Memorial in July, 2016 along with Diane Ravitch and the Reverend William Barber. Bigham's August, 2016 meeting with Dr. Stephen Hawking included a scarfing for the Portland Timbers that trended on Twitter and was covered by Major League Soccer<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/11/02/story-behind-stephen-hawkings-timbers-scarfing|title=The story behind Stephen Hawking's Timbers scarfing|date=2016-11-02|work=MLSsoccer.com|access-date=2017-09-23|language=en}}</ref> and Univision<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.univision.com/deportes/futbol/mls/stephen-hawking-se-hizo-aficionado-de-portland-timbers-de-la-mls|title=Stephen Hawking se hizo aficionado de Portland Timbers de la MLS|website=www.univision.com|access-date=2017-09-23}}</ref> and many other media outlets.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://katu.com/news/local/rctid-stephen-hawking-rocks-timbers-scarf|title=RCTID: Stephen Hawking rocks Timbers scarf|last=Staff|first=KATU.com|work=KATU|access-date=2017-09-23|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.kgw.com/sports/stephen-hawking-rocks-timbers-scarf/301695809|title=Stephen Hawking rocks Timbers scarf|last=TEGNA|work=KGW|access-date=2017-09-23|language=en-US|archive-date=September 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923050657/http://www.kgw.com/sports/stephen-hawking-rocks-timbers-scarf/301695809|url-status=dead}}</ref>[https://kcby.com/news/local/remembering-stephen-hawking-oregon-teacher-of-the-year-gave-famed-physicist-timbers-scarf]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://kcby.com/news/local/remembering-stephen-hawking-oregon-teacher-of-the-year-gave-famed-physicist-timbers-scarf|title=Remembering Stephen Hawking: Oregon Teacher of the Year gave famed physicist Timbers scarf|last=News|first=KATU|work=KCBY|access-date=2018-03-15|language=en-US}}</ref>

Bigham was named to the NEA Foundation Global Fellowship in both 2015 for Peru and 2018 for South Africa. In March 2018 Bigham travelled to Bangladesh through Asha Inc. to work with the country's first special education programs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/387305-276804-effort-to-send-portland-teacher-supplies-to-bangladesh-could-have-lasting-impact-on-nations-special-education|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220102349/http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/387305-276804-effort-to-send-portland-teacher-supplies-to-bangladesh-could-have-lasting-impact-on-nations-special-education|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 20, 2018|title=Effort to send Portland teacher, supplies to Bangladesh could have lasting impact on nation's special education|last=Moore|first=Shasta Kearns|work=portlandtribune.com|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-gb}}</ref> He is also the first Special Education columnist for The Teaching Channel.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.teachingchannel.org/blog/2018/03/19/importance-of-your-team|title=Recognize the Importance of Your Team|date=2018-03-19|work=Teaching Channel|access-date=2018-12-03|language=en}}</ref>

He was the 2014 Oregon Teacher of the Year,<ref>{{Cite web|title=2014 Oregon Teacher of the Year - Oregon Department of Education|url=http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=4281|access-date=December 16, 2015|website=www.ode.state.or.us|archive-date=December 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222153557/http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=4281|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="oregonlive">{{cite web|title=Oregon Teacher of the Year: Special education teacher Brett Bigham driven by promoting access for all students &#124; OregonLive.com|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2013/10/oregon_teacher_of_the_year_bre.html|access-date=December 16, 2015|newspaper=The Oregonian|date=October 18, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Oregon's Teacher of the Year|url=https://southeastexaminer.com/2014/02/oregons-teacher-of-the-year/|access-date=2016-01-06|website=southeastexaminer.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Cisneros|first=Sergio|title=Special Needs Teacher Selected Oregon Teacher Of The Year|url=http://www.opb.org/news/article/special-needs-teacher-selected-oregon-teacher-of-the-year/|access-date=2016-02-19|website=www.opb.org|archive-date=February 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221112135/http://www.opb.org/news/article/special-needs-teacher-selected-oregon-teacher-of-the-year/|url-status=dead}}</ref> was the 2015 Oregon Education Association Teacher of the Year, and was a 2015 National Education Association California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence.<ref name="wordpress">{{cite web|title=GSE graduate Brett Bigham receives NEA award &#124; Graduate School of Ed|url=https://www.pdx.edu/news/alumni-news-brett-bigham-receives-nea-award|access-date=2020-06-18|publisher=Portland State University Graduate School of Education|archive-date=June 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620084656/https://www.pdx.edu/news/alumni-news-brett-bigham-receives-nea-award|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Moore|first=Shasta Kearns|date=2015-04-07|title=Why was Oregon's Teacher of the Year Brett Bigham fired?|url=https://pamplinmedia.com/pt/9-news/255987-126232-why-was-oregons-teacher-of-the-year-brett-bigham-fired|access-date=2020-06-18|website=Portland Tribune|language=en-gb}}</ref> Bigham was the first teacher to hold both state awards currently and the first Oregon special education teacher to be named state teacher of the year.<ref name=":0" /> He was fired less than a year later after filing state and federal complaints against the Multnomah Education Service District for discrimination over his sexual orientation, retaliation and harassment.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Multnomah Education Service District terminates 2014 teacher of the year|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2015/04/multnomah_education_service_di_2.html|access-date=December 16, 2015|website=OregonLive.com|date=April 4, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Oregon's Teacher of the Year spoke openly about being gay — and then he was fired|url=https://www.vox.com/2015/7/6/8900589/gay-discrimination-oregon-teacher|access-date=2016-01-03|website=Vox|date=July 6, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Fired Oregon Teacher of the Year files third complaint with labor bureau|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2015/04/fired_oregon_teacher_of_the_ye.html|access-date=2016-02-24|website=OregonLive.com|date=April 15, 2015 }}</ref> The state investigation supported these allegations.<ref>{{Cite web|title=BOLI: Oregon Teacher Of The Year Suffered Discrimination, Retaliation|url=https://www.opb.org/news/article/boli-oregon-teacher-of-the-year-suffered-discrimination-retaliation/|access-date=2016-01-06|website=www.opb.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Shasta|first=Kearns|date=2015-07-07|title=State supports claims made by Bigham; MESD denies bias|work=Portland Tribune|url=http://publications.pmgnews.com/epubs/portland-tribune-070715.pdf}}</ref> The district paid Bigham a large settlement.<ref>{{Cite web|title=MESD to pay once fired Teacher of the Year $140,000 per settlement agreement|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2015/06/mesd_to_pay_fired_teacher_of_t.html|access-date=2016-02-24|website=OregonLive.com|date=June 27, 2015 }}</ref> He was honored at a White House ceremony on May 1, 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Brett Bigham|url=http://photos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2015/02/brett_bigham_2.html|access-date=2016-02-24|website=OregonLive.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311042600/http://photos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2015/02/brett_bigham_2.html|archive-date=March 11, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Gay rights activism == Bigham is one of the first openly homosexual teachers to be named a Teacher of the Year nationally. He came to prominence when his education service district ordered him not to say he was gay publicly, demanded the right to monitor his speaking and writing both personal and public, and then illegally fired him when he refused to allow district control of his speech. Despite being under orders from his district not to<!-- From whom? -->, Bigham made a statement to the White House Press Corps following his honoring ceremony saying he was openly gay and calling for the ending of bullying of LGBT youth. Bigham continued to support LGBT youth despite his orders. He also continued in his advocacy role for people with special needs (radio interview KMUZ ''Special Needs, Special People'').<ref>{{Cite web|title = Special Needs, Special People – 1/20/2015 – Brett Bigham {{!}} Community Radio KMUZ 100.7 & 88.5 FM|url = https://kmuz.org/special-needs-special-people-1202015-brett-bigham/|website = kmuz.org|access-date = 2016-01-06}}</ref>

On May 17, 2014, the day gay marriage became legal in Oregon, Bigham married his long-term partner, Mike Turay.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Oregon Teacher of the Year Brett Bigham Weds at Melody Ballroom|url = http://photos.oregonlive.com/4450/gallery/oregon_teacher_of_the_year_bre/index.html#/0|website = OregonLive.com|access-date = 2016-02-24|language = en-US|archive-date = March 11, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160311042758/http://photos.oregonlive.com/4450/gallery/oregon_teacher_of_the_year_bre/index.html#/0|url-status = dead}}</ref> ''The Oregonian'', Oregon's largest news agency, ran 40 pictures and a video of the full ceremony online.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Brett Bigham, Oregon Teacher of the Year, weds Mike Turay|url = http://videos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2014/05/brett_bigham_oregon_teacher_of.html|website = OregonLive.com|access-date = 2016-01-06|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160124124313/http://videos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2014/05/brett_bigham_oregon_teacher_of.html|archive-date = January 24, 2016|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Gay Marriage Oregon 2014 - Brett Bigham|url = http://photos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2014/05/gay_marriage_oregon_2014_-_bre.html|website = OregonLive.com|access-date = 2016-02-19|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160311001822/http://photos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2014/05/gay_marriage_oregon_2014_-_bre.html|archive-date = March 11, 2016|url-status = dead}}</ref> Bigham was still under orders not to say he was gay in public.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Gay marriage in Oregon: Oregon's Teacher of the Year to join same-sex couples getting married today|url = https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2014/05/gay_marriage_in_oregon_oregons.html|website = OregonLive.com|access-date = December 16, 2015|date = 2014-05-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = OR Teacher of Year marries longtime partner|url = http://legacy.kgw.com/story/news/2014/05/20/or-teacher-of-year-marries-longtime-partner/12637876/|website = KGW|access-date = December 16, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222113448/http://legacy.kgw.com/story/news/2014/05/20/or-teacher-of-year-marries-longtime-partner/12637876/|archive-date = December 22, 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = PHOTOS: We're Getting Married in Oregon {{!}} Advocate.com|url = https://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2014/05/20/photos-were-getting-married-oregon|website = www.advocate.com|date = 2015-11-17|access-date = 2016-01-03}}</ref> In June, Bigham and Turay became the first gay couple to ride in the Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade.

Bigham was told he could not introduce a gay student choir at a concert on a Sunday, he could not meet with Oregon Safe Schools Coalition, a group that fights anti-gay bullying, and he was told he could not speak to a local high school gay alliance club. His supervisor informed him in writing that meeting with these students had "no value to the district." Bigham filed state and federal complaints against these actions and went to the press.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Oregon Teacher of the Year says school district bullied him because he's gay|url = https://katu.com/news/local/oregon-teacher-of-the-year-says-school-district-bullied-him-because-hes-gay|website = KATU|access-date = 2016-01-06|language = en-US|date = 2014-10-06}}</ref>

When Bigham was named the 2015 Oregon Education Association's Educator of Excellence, the district accepted the prize money but barred him from attending the ceremony to receive his award.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Last-minute agreement allows 2014 Oregon Teacher of the Year to attend D.C. awards gala|url = https://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2015/02/district_threatens_discipline.html|website = OregonLive.com|access-date = December 16, 2015|date = 2015-02-11}}</ref> The district then tried to get Bigham to drop his state and federal complaints by offering to allow him to attend the ceremony if he withdrew them.<ref>{{Cite web|title = GoLocalPDX {{!}} News {{!}} Emails Show District Tried to Blackmail Oregon Teacher of the Year|url = http://www.golocalpdx.com/news/emails-show-district-tried-to-blackmail-oregon-teacher-of-the-year|website = GoLocalPDX|access-date = December 16, 2015}}</ref> Bigham went public with the alleged blackmail attempt and demanded an investigation into the actions of the superintendent, and called for the termination of the head of Human Resources ("Emails show district tried to blackmail Teacher of the Year").<ref>{{Cite web|title = I will not follow their directives and I will continue to be who I am|url = https://katu.com/news/local/i-will-not-follow-their-directives-and-i-will-continue-to-be-who-i-am|website = KATU|access-date = 2016-01-04|language = en-US|date = 2014-10-07}}</ref>

In March, the district terminated its superintendent and barred her from the building.<ref>{{Cite web|title = MESD parts ways with superintendent amid allegations of harassment|url = http://www.kptv.com/story/28547464/mesd-parts-ways-with-superintendent-amid-allegations-of-harassment|website = www.kptv.com|access-date = December 16, 2015|archive-date = March 5, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160305071332/http://www.kptv.com/story/28547464/mesd-parts-ways-with-superintendent-amid-allegations-of-harassment|url-status = dead}}</ref>

Bigham was placed on leave on March 20.<ref>{{Cite web|title = 2014 Oregon Teacher of the Year on paid administrative leave|url = http://www.ksla.com/story/28577936/2014-oregon-teacher-of-the-year-on-paid-administrative-leave|website = www.ksla.com|access-date = 2016-01-03|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113325/http://www.ksla.com/story/28577936/2014-oregon-teacher-of-the-year-on-paid-administrative-leave|archive-date = March 4, 2016|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Gay teacher says district retaliated against him|url = https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2015/03/25/gay-teacher-says-district-retaliated/70413730/|website = Statesman Journal|access-date = 2016-01-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.ksla.com/story/28577936/2014-oregon-teacher-of-the-year-on-paid-administrative-leave | title = 2014 Oregon Teacher of the Year on paid administrative leave | last = Watts | first = Kelsey | website = www.ksla.com | access-date = 2016-03-01 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113325/http://www.ksla.com/story/28577936/2014-oregon-teacher-of-the-year-on-paid-administrative-leave | archive-date = March 4, 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref> The story made international news.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Oregon 2014 Teacher of the Year placed on paid administrative leave|url = https://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2015/03/oregon_2014_teacher_of_the_yea.html|website = OregonLive.com|access-date = December 16, 2015|date = 2015-03-21}}</ref> He filed additional complaints at the state and federal level for retaliation and illegal labor practices.

Bigham was fired in April<ref>{{Cite web|title = Oregon's Teacher of the Year Brett Bigham fired|url = http://koin.com/2015/04/03/oregons-teacher-of-the-year-brett-bigham-fired/|website = KOIN.com|access-date = December 16, 2015|first = Shasta Kearns|last = Moore| date=April 3, 2015 }}</ref> and filed additional state and federal complaints of retaliation over his illegal firing.<ref>{{Cite web|title = 2014 Oregon Teacher of the Year fired|url = http://www.kptv.com/story/28718951/2014-oregon-teacher-of-the-year-fired|website = www.kptv.com|access-date = 2016-01-06|archive-date = January 10, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160110220058/http://www.kptv.com/story/28718951/2014-oregon-teacher-of-the-year-fired|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Oregon state's Teacher of the Year says he was fired for speaking openly about being gay - Gay Star News|url = http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/oregon-state%E2%80%99s-teacher-year-says-he-was-fired-speaking-openly-about-being-gay050415/|website = Gay Star News|access-date = 2016-02-19|language = en-GB|date = 2015-04-05|archive-date = March 1, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160301095055/http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/oregon-state%E2%80%99s-teacher-year-says-he-was-fired-speaking-openly-about-being-gay050415/|url-status = dead}}</ref> The district stated Bigham was fired for missing too many days as Teacher of the Year and because he refused mediation. Bigham provided copies of his schedule to prove he had administrative pre-approval for every absence. He refused mediation with the district because they demanded he retract his state and federal complaints before mediation could occur. Bigham refused to be coerced or retract the complaints.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Embattled Teacher Responds to MESD Firing|url = http://www.opb.org/news/article/embattled-teacher-responds-to-mesd-firing/|website = www.opb.org|access-date = 2016-01-06|archive-date = March 2, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160302094012/http://www.opb.org/news/article/embattled-teacher-responds-to-mesd-firing/|url-status = dead}}</ref>

The district reinstated Bigham<ref>{{Cite web|title = District reinstates Teacher of the Year, board to review termination recommendation|url = https://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2015/04/district_reinstates_teacher_of.html|website = OregonLive.com|access-date = 2016-02-24|date = 2015-04-22}}</ref> when the union filed state paperwork in his support.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Oregon Teacher of the Year rehired, likely to be re-fired|url = https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/education/2015/04/22/teacher-year-reinstated-placed-leave-district/26212417/|website = Statesman Journal|access-date = December 16, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Oregon's Teacher of the Year rehired to be refired|url = http://koin.com/2015/04/22/oregons-teacher-of-the-year-rehired-to-be-refired/|website = KOIN.com|access-date = 2016-01-03|first = KOIN 6 News|last = Staff| date=April 22, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Ore. Teacher of the Year reinstated, will be fired again|url = http://legacy.kgw.com/story/news/local/2015/04/21/ore-teacher-of-the-year-reinstated-will-be-fired-again/26150543/|website = KGW|access-date = 2016-01-06|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151219114536/http://legacy.kgw.com/story/news/local/2015/04/21/ore-teacher-of-the-year-reinstated-will-be-fired-again/26150543/|archive-date = December 19, 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref> The district then announced they were firing Bigham at the next board meeting.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Ore. Teacher of the Year reinstated, will be fired again|url = http://legacy.kgw.com/story/news/local/2015/04/21/ore-teacher-of-the-year-reinstated-will-be-fired-again/26150543/|website = KGW|access-date = December 16, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151219114536/http://legacy.kgw.com/story/news/local/2015/04/21/ore-teacher-of-the-year-reinstated-will-be-fired-again/26150543/|archive-date = December 19, 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref> The district cancelled that meeting following a flood of calls and emails from the public and petitions for the board to be censured.<ref>{{Cite web|title = GoLocalPDX {{!}} News {{!}} School District Cancels Board Meeting Amid Calls To Discipline Administrators|url = http://www.golocalpdx.com/news/school-district-cancels-board-meeting-amid-calls-to-discipline-administrato|website = GoLocalPDX|access-date = December 16, 2015|last = interns2}}</ref> They then announced publicly Bigham would be fired the following month,<ref>{{Cite news|title = How Does a Teacher of the Year Get Fired?|url = http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teaching_now/2015/04/oregon-teacher-of-the-year-fired.html?cmp=SOC-SHR-FB|newspaper = Education Week|access-date = December 16, 2015|first = Ross|last = Brenneman| date=April 8, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Gay teacher still in limbo as school district marches in Pride Parade|url = http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/263755-136899-gay-teacher-still-in-limbo-as-school-district-marches-in-pride-parade|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150619003110/http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/263755-136899-gay-teacher-still-in-limbo-as-school-district-marches-in-pride-parade|url-status = dead|archive-date = June 19, 2015|website = Oregon Local News| date=June 15, 2015 |access-date = 2016-01-06|language = en-US}}</ref><ref name="oregonlive.com">{{Cite web|title = Workplace discrimination: 5 Oregon stories from the front lines|url = https://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2015/04/workplace_discrimination_5_ore.html|website = OregonLive.com|access-date = 2016-02-24|date = 2015-04-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Culture shift comes to education district board|url = http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/261491-133438-culture-shift-comes-to-education-district-board|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150602041158/http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/261491-133438-culture-shift-comes-to-education-district-board|url-status = dead|archive-date = June 2, 2015|website = Oregon Local News| date=May 26, 2015 |access-date = 2016-02-24|language = en-US}}</ref> while privately offering him a sizable settlement at the same time.

Bigham's situation became one of the main topics during the May 2015 school board election. Three new school board members were elected.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Beaudoin, Burke, Durrow win Multnomah ESD seats|url = http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/260978-132640-beaudoin-burke-durrow-win-multnomah-esd-seats|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115644/http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/260978-132640-beaudoin-burke-durrow-win-multnomah-esd-seats|url-status = dead|archive-date = March 4, 2016|website = Oregon Local News| date=May 19, 2015 |access-date = 2016-02-24|language = en-US}}</ref> Two of them demanded better treatment for Bigham.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Durrow, Beaudoin, Burke in lead for MESD board seats, according to partial counts|url = https://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2015/05/voters_choose_for_multnomah_ed.html|website = OregonLive.com|access-date = December 16, 2015|date = 2015-05-20}}</ref> A fourth board member resigned immediately after the election.

== Settlement == Bigham accepted a settlement from the district<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-33393-mesd_settles_two_employment_disputes_pays_out_more_than_%2524300000.html | title = MESD Settles Two Employment Disputes, Pays Out More than $300,000 | website = Willamette Week | access-date = 2016-03-01 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160308085138/http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-33393-mesd_settles_two_employment_disputes_pays_out_more_than_%2524300000.html | archive-date = March 8, 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref> and resigned his position in June 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Oregon Teacher of the Year Gets Settlement in Antigay Harassment Case {{!}} Advocate.com|url = https://www.advocate.com/education/2015/07/02/oregon-teacher-year-gets-settlement-antigay-harassment-case|website = www.advocate.com|date = November 17, 2015|access-date = December 16, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Teacher of the Year part of $306,612 settlement|url = http://koin.com/2015/07/03/teacher-of-the-year-part-of-306612-settlement/|website = KOIN.com|access-date = December 16, 2015|first = Shasta Kearns|last = Moore| date=July 3, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Kernels - Monday, July 6, 2015|url = http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1255413|website = CNN iReport|access-date = December 16, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Teacher of the Year responds to $140,000 settlement with MESD|url = https://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2015/06/teacher_of_the_year_fired_by_m.html|website = OregonLive.com| date=July 2015 |access-date = 2016-02-24}}</ref> He was still the sitting Oregon Education Association Teacher of Excellence. He was also the current Oregon teacher selected to be a National Education Association Foundation Global Fellow. He refused a non-disclosure agreement as part of the settlement.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Oregon Teacher Wins Settlement For Anti-Gay Harassment, Firing... But... {{!}} Unicorn Booty|url = https://unicornbooty.com/oregon-teacher-wins-settlement-for-anti-gay-harassment-firing-but/|website = Unicorn Booty|access-date = December 16, 2015|language = en-US|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222120320/https://unicornbooty.com/oregon-teacher-wins-settlement-for-anti-gay-harassment-firing-but/|archive-date = December 22, 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Gay 'Teacher of the Year' Harassed by Ore. School, Wins Settlement|url = http://southfloridagaynews.com/National/gay-teacher-of-the-year-harassed-by-ore-school-wins-settlement.html|website = southfloridagaynews.com|access-date = 2016-01-06}}</ref>

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries investigation was released and found "substantial evidence of discrimination".<ref>{{Cite web|title = BOLI finds 'substantial evidence of discrimination' against Teacher of the Year|url = https://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2015/07/boli_substantial_evidence_of_d.html|website = OregonLive.com|access-date = December 16, 2015|date = 2015-07-03}}</ref> The Bureau released the full investigation including interviews of all parties.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://media.oregonlive.com/education_impact/other/Mooreinterview.pdf|title = Oregon Live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = BOLI: Oregon Teacher Of The Year Suffered Discrimination, Retaliation|url = https://www.opb.org/news/article/boli-oregon-teacher-of-the-year-suffered-discrimination-retaliation/|website = www.opb.org|access-date = December 16, 2015}}</ref> In the interviews during the state investigation the superintendent walked out after refusing questions; Bigham's supervisor, Kelly Raf, also refused to answer questions.

The district parted ways with their head of Human Resources in September.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Education service district pays to lose HR chief Heyke Nickerson|url = http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/280223-155507-education-service-district-pays-to-lose-hr-chief-heyke-nickerson|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151109084142/http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/280223-155507-education-service-district-pays-to-lose-hr-chief-heyke-nickerson|url-status = dead|archive-date = November 9, 2015|website = Oregon Local News| date=November 5, 2015 |access-date = 2016-01-03|language = en-US}}</ref> The head of special education was transferred, the head of Bigham's program was demoted, and his supervisor left the district.

Bigham's case was given coverage nationally over the issue of work place discrimination.<ref name="oregonlive.com"/>

In July 2015, Bigham was given the National Education Association LGBT Caucus Teacher Role Model Award at the National Education Association National Conference. He was the keynote speaker.

In September 2015, Bigham published an essay entitled Teacher of the Year in the book ''One Teacher in Ten in the New Millennium'', edited by Kevin Jennings.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Brett Bigham, Oregon Teacher of the Year Fired for Being Gay, at the L.A. LGBT Center Tonight|url = https://www.frontiersmedia.com/frontiers-blog/2015/10/07/brett-bigham-oregon-teacher-of-the-year-fired-for-being-gay-at-the-la-lgbt-center-tonight/|website = Frontiers Media|access-date = December 16, 2015|language = en-US|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222124330/https://www.frontiersmedia.com/frontiers-blog/2015/10/07/brett-bigham-oregon-teacher-of-the-year-fired-for-being-gay-at-the-la-lgbt-center-tonight/|archive-date = December 22, 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = One Teacher In Ten: My Experience As An LGBT Educator|url = https://www.teachthought.com/everything-else/culture/one-teacher-in-ten-my-experience-as-an-lgbt-educator/|website = TeachThought|access-date = December 16, 2015|date = 2015-09-16}}</ref>

Bigham was named to the Board of Directors of Directors of Oregon Safe Schools, one of the groups he was told he could not meet with in October 2015. He also serves on the board of Clubfunder, a group that provides funding for Gay Student Alliance clubs. He is a member of the Portland Art Museum's Teacher Advisory Board. Bigham appeared in front of Portland Mayor Charles Hales, along with Cameron Whitten, to advocate for cultural diversity in the classroom.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Advocates Push for Culturally Relevant Education|url = http://www.theskanner.com/news/northwest/23527-advocates-push-for-culturally-relevant-education|website = The Skanner News|access-date = 2016-02-05|language = en-gb|first = Arashi|last = Young}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Our Stories Matter|url = http://portlandobserver.com/news/2016/jan/26/our-stories-matter/|website = portlandobserver.com|access-date = 2016-02-05|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160205113629/http://portlandobserver.com/news/2016/jan/26/our-stories-matter/|archive-date = 2016-02-05|url-status = dead}}</ref>

In December, 2015 Multnomah Education Service District was fined by the state of Oregon for releasing Bigham's personal information to the public. They were fined for nine counts of violating state law.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Oregon's Teacher of the Year plagued with credit problems after MESD data release|url = http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/288049-164926-oregons-teacher-of-the-year-plagued-with-credit-problems-after-mesd-data-release|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160110071125/http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/288049-164926-oregons-teacher-of-the-year-plagued-with-credit-problems-after-mesd-data-release|url-status = dead|archive-date = January 10, 2016|website = Oregon Local News| date=January 7, 2016 |access-date = 2016-01-08|language = en-US}}</ref>

Bigham's case has been referenced by The American Bar Association.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/young_lawyers/assembly/sogi_resolution.authcheckdam.pdf |title=American Bar Association |access-date=February 19, 2016 |archive-date=March 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312034551/http://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/young_lawyers/assembly/sogi_resolution.authcheckdam.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Bigham continued to be a voice for LGBT teachers and students. An April 2018 interview by the Chicago Tribune used a quote by Bigham as the headline of the Article<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/ct-life-gay-teachers-coming-out-0418-story.html|title='Your entire career can be derailed': For gay teachers, coming out remains risky|last=Schoenberg|first=Nara|work=chicagotribune.com|access-date=2018-06-20|language=en-US}}</ref> in reference to the difficulty LGBT teachers face.

== Ability guidebooks and other education work == Bigham began a series of support books for people with autism entitled ''Ability Guidebooks''. These books are step-by-step instructions on how to visit community destinations. The original series were books for the Portland, Oregon area including ''I Am Going UP on the Portland Aerial Tram!''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mrbsclassroom.com/uncategorized/117/|title=I Am Going UP on the Portland Aerial Tram! Ability Guidebook – Mr B's Classroom|website=www.mrbsclassroom.com|date=May 20, 2016 |access-date=2016-09-07}}</ref> In May 2014 Bigham was recognized at the White House by President Barack Obama. Bigham used this and future visits to begin a series of books for the Washington, D.C. area including ''I Am Going To The National Museum of the American Indian'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mrbsclassroom.com/uncategorized/my-newest-ability-guidebook-national-museum-of-the-american-indian-in-d-c/|title=Ability Guidebook: Explore D.C.! I Am Going to the National Museum of the American Indian|website=www.mrbsclassroom.com|date=March 18, 2016 |access-date=2016-09-07}}</ref> ''I Am Going to the Supreme Court'' <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mrbsclassroom.com/uncategorized/its-time-to-visit-the-supreme-court/|title=I Am Going To The Supreme Court!|website=www.mrbsclassroom.com|date=May 13, 2016 |access-date=2016-09-07}}</ref> and ''I Am Going to the Renwick Gallery!'' When Bigham was named an NEA Foundation Global Fellow he was sent to Peru as an ambassador of U.S. education. During this visit Bigham created his first international Ability Guidebooks for the Inca Museum in Cusco, Machu Picchu, Kennedy Park, The Love Park and the Larco Museum. There are now more than 148 Ability Guidebooks in 36 countries and in six languages.

In March 2018 Bigham appeared on the front page of the Portland Tribune in an interview about Bigham traveling to Bangladesh to mentor teachers and share best practice. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180220102349/http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/387305-276804-effort-to-send-portland-teacher-supplies-to-bangladesh-could-have-lasting-impact-on-nations-special-education Effort to send Portland teacher, supplies to Bangladesh could have lasting impact on nation's special education]

Bigham is the Co-Editor of the National Network of State Teachers of the Year [https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED581422 NNSTOY Social Justice Book List.] <ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ed.|first=Bassett, Katherine, Ed.{{!}}Bigham, Brett, Ed.{{!}}Calvert, Laurie|date=August 2017|title=Social Justice Book List.|url=https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED581422|journal=National Network of State Teachers of the Year|language=en}}</ref>

In 2018 Bigham was named a LEAE Leading Educator Ambassador for Equity by ECRA Education Civil Rights Alliance.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://edrights.org/press-releases/leading-educators-urge-betsy-devos-to-keep-school-discipline-guidance-that-protects-children-of-color/|title=Leading Educators Urge Betsy DeVos to Keep School Discipline Guidance that Protects Children of Color - ECRA|work=ECRA|access-date=2018-12-03|language=en-US}}</ref>

Bigham has had essays published in ''One Teacher in Ten In the New Millennium'' by Kevin Jennings and ''Gender Diversity and LGBTQ Inclusion in K-12 Schools, A Guide to Supporting Students and Changing Lives'' by Sharon Verner Chappell, Karyl E. Ketchum and Lisa Richardson. He is one of the NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellows that helped author ''12 Lessons to Open Classrooms and Minds to the World'' along with Fernando M. Reimers, Dr Robert Adams and Kristen Shannon and he was interviewed and quoted in ''Think Like Socrates'' by US National Teacher of the Year Shanna Peeples.

==See also== * List of LGBT people from Portland, Oregon

== References == {{Reflist|30em}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bigham, Brett}} Category:Living people Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Place of birth missing (living people) Category:Educators from Oregon Category:American gay men Category:LGBTQ people from Oregon Category:People from Multnomah County, Oregon Category:21st-century American LGBTQ people