Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for March 15, 2006 BEWARE OF TEACHER

Due to circumstances beyond my control, this edition comes to you by way of Philadelphia. All is calm here at the moment...and we hope it continues that way!

On "Beware of the Ides of March" day...and from the city of "Brotherly Love"...I couldn't resist sending out this article! It might be more properly classified under..."I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!"

Please do NOT try this at school...as much as you may be tempted!

From The Courier-Journal...

Teacher Fired After Allegedly Biting Boy

LOUISVILLE, Ky.

A middle school teacher was fired Tuesday after being accused of biting one of her students. Caroline Kolb also is facing an aggravated assault charge in Jefferson District Court, The Courier-Journal of Louisville reported Tuesday.

Kolb has pleaded not guilty to biting 14-year-old Garrick Hudson on the back during a classroom altercation at Stuart Middle School in January.

Jefferson County Public Schools fired Kolb for insubordination and conduct unbecoming a teacher, following a district investigation, according to a copy of her termination letter.

The letter said that Kolb at one point denied intentionally biting Garrick.

Kolb could not be reached for comment.

Garrick Hudsons mother, Cassandra Hicks, said the incident occurred Jan. 11 when her son disobeyed Kolbs order to spit out some candy. Kolb told him to stand in the hallway, but he returned to get his books, she said.

As Kolb and Garrick struggled over the books, he fell and hit his head and she "started biting him on his left upper shoulder."

Garrick was treated at Kosair Childrens Hospital for a bite wound, according to court records. He also had a small knot on his head.

According to Kolbs termination letter, two students said they saw her bite him, and several staff members said they later heard Kolb admit doing so.

"You denied biting the student, but admitted that you found fabric in your mouth during the incident," the letter stated.

Before her firing, Kolb had been reassigned to non-instructional duties.

In 2004 and 2005, administrators had warned Kolb to avoid being physically confrontational with students, according to her termination letter.