The incident has sparked outrage among students and parents who say she was just being compassionate.
More than 5,000 supporters have now signed a petition demanding her reinstatement as the row intensifies over what many consider a harmless gesture.
The teacher's dismissal stems from a 2023 Florida law requiring written parental permission before educators can use a student's preferred name.
Brevard Public Schools has claimed Calhoun 'knowingly' failed to obtain such permission.
Kristine Staniec, a media specialist at the same school, defended her colleague at Tuesday night's school board meeting.
'The teacher made a difference in her classroom and in the lives of our students, including my own child. She deserved more than a quiet exit. She deserved fairness, context, and compassion,' Staniec told board members, as reported by Click Orlando.
'There was no harm, no threat to safety, no malicious intent, just a teacher trying to connect with a student,' she added.
The school district insists Calhoun was aware of the requirements but chose to disregard them.
This reportedly resulted in a formal letter of reprimand after the student's parents complained.
Janet Murnaghan, Chief Strategic Communications Officer for Brevard Public Schools, said in a statement that 'Brevard Public Schools (BPS) was made aware that a teacher at Satellite High School had been referring to a student by a name other than their legal name, without parental permission when the parent reached out to us.'
'This directly violates state law and the district's standardized process for written parental consent. BPS supports parents' rights to be the primary decision-makers in their children's lives, and Florida law affirms their right to be informed.'
'After the accusation was made, the district conducted a detailed investigation. Based on the teacher's own admission that she knowingly did not comply with state statute she received a letter of reprimand. Teachers, like all employees, are expected to follow the law.'
The statement continued to say: 'The teacher is working under a ten-month contract that expires in May 2025. Since the state will be reviewing her teaching certificate based on these actions, the district decided not to renew the annual contract until the issue is resolved with the state.'
'At BPS, our focus is on education--teachers are here to teach and support students academically. Our job is to work in partnership with parents and guardians to ensure student success.'
Former students have rallied to Calhoun's defense and called her an exceptional educator.
The Change.org petition stated: 'Ms. Calhoun, a cherished teacher will lose her teaching position in Brevard County. A dedicated educator and respected member of the community where she grew up and now greatly contributes, Ms. Calhoun is being punished merely for showing respect to a student's choices.'
'She was reprimanded for referring to a student by the name they prefer rather than their official name - a direct blow to personal rights and respect.'
'Ms. Calhoun is an embodiment of what proper education should be: inclusive, understanding, and respectful of individuality. Losing her would be a significant loss to Brevard County's education community.'
'Her story highlights a fundamental problem in our education system where empathy and understanding are pushed aside for rigid bureaucracy.'
Calhoun had worked for Brevard Public Schools for eleven years, previously teaching at DeLaura Middle School before moving to Satellite High, as reported by the outlet.
The petition has reached over 11,000 signatures.