A Few Strongsville Teachers Cross Picket Line; One Teacher Alleges She Was Hit By Car

The vast majority of Strongsville teachers are at home or walking picket lines this week, but a couple are in their classrooms as usual.

At least three teachers reportedly crossed picket lines to report for work, including Jeff Port, a language arts teacher at Albion Middle School.

Port did not yet return a phone call seeking comment, but happy parents congratulated him on Strongsville Patch's Facebook page.

"A big shout out to Mr. Port at Albion Middle School who DID NOT strike and was there to greet my daughter and continue teaching her. I think HE put it best 'I care much more about my kids than money,'" one mom posted on Facebook.

Other people responded with these comments:

"That makes me happy. A true role model."

"Good for him! This is about these children! We need more like him."

"It is good that he is a committed teacher -- think it stinks that in today's society that athletes, actors, singer and politicians are paid more than those who are teaching and mentoring the next generation!!!"

"The sad part is he is probably going to be bad mouthed now."

"He told his students that unfortunately he is going to lose a lot of friends by his decision."

"Yay!! Mr. Port!!!! You've always been a favorite and now your putting your words into action. THANK YOU!!"

A teacher at Kinsner Elementary and one at Strongsville High School are also reportedly teaching this week, as well.

Picketing Teacher Hit by Car?

Police are investigating a report at Kinsner Elementary Tuesday morning that a parent struck a picketing teacher with her car.

Police Chief James Kobak said the two sides give different versions of what happened:

The parent told police she was dropping off her children about 9 a.m., but picketing teachers did not clear the driveway so she could get in. 

She said she beeped her horn and inched forward, and one of the teachers struck the hood of her car with her hand.

The teacher, however, told police she was actually grazed by the car as it went by.

Kobak said the teacher was not injured and continued to picket after the incident.

He said police are still interviewing witnesses to determine whether any charges will be filed.