Middle school teacher disciplined after taping student's mouth shut

A teacher at Southern Wake Academy was disciplined after she taped the mouth of a student closed. (Photo: Facebook)
A teacher at Southern Wake Academy was disciplined after she taped the mouth of a student closed. (Photo: Facebook)

A middle school social studies teacher at Southern Wake Academy, a tuition-free public charter school in Holly Springs, N.C, has been disciplined after she taped a student’s mouth shut with clear masking tape, WTVD reports.

Principal David Thomas confirmed on social media that the incident, which occurred last month, was handled “quickly and seriously.”

The teacher is now on a probationary status for the rest of the school year while she continues teaching students in the school that houses grades 6 through 12. According to Thomas, the teacher has an excellent rapport with her students and was joking around, but took it too far.

The parents of the student filed a report, but have not requested follow-up conversations or meetings with the school.

Thomas shared the following statement on Facebook:

The administration of SWA was made aware of a situation that happened in a middle school classroom last month in regards to a teacher taping a student’s mouth with masking tape. This was handled quickly and seriously by contacting parents and meeting with the teacher. Although inappropriate, the teacher’s actions were not of a malicious intent. The teacher was placed on a disciplinary action plan for the remainder of the school year. The parents were contacted in regards to what disciplinary action took place and were extended an invitation weeks ago with dates and times to meet with both the teacher and administration. No grievances were filed and no other instances have taken place.”

Principal David Thomas did not immediately respond to Yahoo Lifestyle’s requests for comment.

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