Tag: teacher union

Metro Atlanta teacher spends her own money to prepare classroom for new school year

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painting and drawing tools set

While many families are beginning their back-to-school shopping, teachers are also filling carts with supplies for their classrooms often using money from their own paychecks. Gisselle Velez is preparing for her second year teaching third grade at Hopkins Elementary School. During a recent shopping trip in Chamblee, she picked up copy paper, glue sticks, hand sanitizer and Expo markers — items she says her classroom uses quickly. “I tend to save about $150 to $200 just to buy those school supplies because there are students that don’t have the money to buy school supplies,” Velez said.

“I want to make sure I have those resources for them.” Velez teaches at a Title I school and said many families are doing everything they can to prepare their children for the school year. She wants to make sure students who arrive without something they need do not feel unprepared. Her experience reflects a broader trend among educators. The National Education Association says about 94% of public school teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies, with many spending between $500 and $750 each year. Velez said her motivation is also personal. Growing up, her family sometimes struggled to afford school supplies. “I used to be in their position when I was growing up,” she said. “It was really hard to afford school supplies.”

Velez said she wants her classroom to be a safe and supportive place where students can focus on learning instead of worrying about what they do not have. At checkout, Walmart surprised Velez with a $200 gift card that covered the cost of her purchase. For Velez, the supplies represent more than items on a shopping list. They are one way she hopes to give students and their families peace of mind as the new school year begins.

Source: Metro Atlanta teacher spends her own money to prepare classroom for new school year – CBS Atlanta

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.
John 10:28-30

The Weight of Leadership

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OVER THE HILL GANG CAR SHOW, TAKE OVER!

Stew Leonard’s car show coverage over 400 classic cars, hot rods and custom builds completely packed out the lot as Stew Leonards in Newington, Connecticut, on Sunday, July 19, 2026. This…

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San Jose high school aide arrested for alleged sexual communications with teenage girls

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Heriberto Plascencia San Jose Police Department

A high school classroom aide was arrested in San Jose last week after he allegedly engaged in inappropriate behavior with two underage female students. One week before the arrest, the San José Police Department said officers responded to a report of an adult male suspect sharing inappropriate sexual messaging and conversations with a student at a high school in the 1500 block of Branham Lane, which is the location for Branham High School.  During their investigation, a second juvenile survivor came forward and reported that the suspect also victimized her, police said. 

The department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force identified the suspect as 31-year-old Heriberto Plascencia.  Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Plascencia and a search warrant for his residence. On May 21, with the assistance of the department’s human trafficking and special victims units, officers found and arrested Plascencia in San Jose, police said.  He was booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail on charges of sending harmful materials to a minor and for annoying or molesting a minor. Police said there may be other victims due to Plascencia’s position of trust as an aide at the high school.  A Campbell Union High School District spokesperson said Plascencia was hired just over a year ago and did clear background checks.

In a message to parents, Branham Principal Beth Silbergeld said that upon becoming aware of the matter, the administration promptly reported it to police and the school was providing support resources to students. “We are deeply troubled that an adult in a position of trust engaged in this type of behavior, which is unacceptable and has no place in our community,” said Silbergeld in the message. “As this remains an active law enforcement investigation, we are unable to share further details. 

Source: San Jose high school aide arrested for alleged sexual communications with teenage girls – CBS San Francisco

For it is written: “As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.”
Romans 14:11

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Tyler Doherty is an extraordinary eight-year-old boy armed with strong faith and courage as he faces his daily battle against cancer. Surrounded by a loving family and community, Tyler’s prayers take the form…

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Pharmaceutical salesman Tony Jordan and his wife, realtor Elizabeth Jordan, appear outwardly successful; they have a large house, plenty of money, and a beautiful daughter named Danielle. Behind the façade, however, Tony and…

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Denver Public Schools will implement bell-to-bell cellphone ban

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Denver’s school board unanimously passed a policy that will require students’ personal electronic devices to be turned off and put away while at school. This includes cellphones, smart watches, laptops, tablets and even wireless earbuds.  “It was a thoughtful community recommendation, not a top-down directive,” said School Board Director Marlene De La Rosa. “Number two was focused on educational outcomes, not punishment, as we really want to see this as a positive. It is focused on sustained attention, reducing distraction, [and] limiting social media harms during the school day.”

CBS In a survey of more than 7,000 DPS parents, teachers, students, and other community members, more than 60% were in favor of a bell-to-bell ban. That includes about ¾ of all staff surveyed. However, only 2% of students agreed. “I want to be really clear that this isn’t punishment, you know, that the adults, the leadership, the district wants what’s best for the kids, wants what’s best for their success,” said DPS parent, Jamie Chesser. Chesser has been a part of the community engagement process. “This is, in my opinion, the way that we need to go for children’s success, mental health focus, and also for the teachers,” Chesser added.

Source: Denver Public Schools will implement bell-to-bell cellphone ban – CBS Colorado

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Galatians 6:9

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God does not always remove the storm immediately, but He promises peace in the middle of it. His presence calms fearful hearts.  Bible Verse: “Peace I leave with…

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Miami-Dade teacher to face judge after being accused of having sexual relationship with student

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A South Florida teacher is expected to appear in court on Tuesday after he was arrested for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a student, according to deputies. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said that detectives with the Special Victims Bureau arrested Michael J. Enriquez, a teacher with Miami-Dade Public Schools, for engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a student. Michael J. Enriquez Miami-Dade Corrections Department According to the sheriff’s office, Enriquez, 53, a teacher at American Senior High School in Miami-Dade, began a sexual relationship with the student in May 2025 when the student was 17.

According to the arrest report, Enriquez would caress and hold hands with the student and invited her to lunch near the school. That’s when investigators said lunch turned physical in his car. Investigators said they didn’t have contact over the summer, then in the beginning of the current school year, Enriquez and the student communicated again and continued the sexual relationship. Investigators said that he continued the sexual relationship with the student until May 2026, after the student turned 18. Enriquez is facing charges including unlawful sexual activity with a specified minor, lewd and lascivious touching and offenses against students by authority figures.

Source: Miami-Dade teacher to face judge after being accused of having sexual relationship with student – CBS Miami

Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase.
Proverbs 13:11

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When opposition rises against God’s people, the natural response is often fear. Yet the early church teaches us that the answer to intimidation is not retreat, but prayer to have supernatural boldness. “And…

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Brookhaven preschool director and teacher arrested on child cruelty charges involving toddlers, police say

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The director of a Brookhaven preschool and its lead teacher have been arrested following multiple allegations of cruelty to children in their care.  Detectives with the Brookhaven Police Department began investigating reports of abuse of children at the Oglethorpe Presbyterian Pre-School and Kindergarten in early May. And on Thursday, 63-year-old Beverly J. Moon and 27-year-old Charles K. Wheeler were taken into custody at the DeKalb County Jail. The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services and the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning also conducted separate investigations, and their findings confirmed information gathered by Brookhaven detectives. 

Police said several witnesses came forward and told authorities that Wheeler, the lead teacher, used “excessive measures” to restrain kids inside the classroom, causing distress. However, no specific injuries were reported.  Based on the witness statements and accounts provided by the parents of the victims, detectives established probable cause to initially charge Wheeler with five counts of cruelty to children in the first degree. After investigators took Wheeler into custody, an additional victim came forward, and detectives charged him with one more count of cruelty to children in the first degree, bringing the total to six counts. 

Source: Brookhaven preschool director and teacher arrested on child cruelty charges involving toddlers, police say – CBS Atlanta

Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Hosanna in the highest!”
Matthew 21:9

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Denver Public Schools considering banning cellphones during school hours

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Denver Public Schools is now considering a bell-to-bell policy, which would mean students wouldn’t be able to use their cellphones, not even during passing periods and lunch. It would also include other personal devices such as laptops, smartwatches, and wireless earbuds to prevent students from working around the phone ban. All Colorado school districts must establish their own cellphone policies according to law.

“We all just realized, once you know better, you need to do better,” said Sarah Almy Moore, a DPS parent and a member of the Communication Devices Advisory Committee tasked with creating the cellphone policy recommendation for the school board. “We heard from a lot of different people,” she said. The committee spoke with and heard from hundreds of students, teachers, parents, and even members of the school safety team when doing the research. “There’s 17 states that have implemented a bell-to-bell ban on devices,” Almy Moore said. “So this is not like a groundbreaking thing.

Source: Denver Public Schools considering banning cellphones during school hours – CBS Colorado

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
James 1:17

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Florida teacher Angela Faith Jourdan fired after calling herself ‘million dollar prostitute’ and twerking in class

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A Florida substitute teacher who called herself a “million-dollar prostitute” was fired after she twerked and allegedly grabbed a student in a classroom meltdown. Angela Faith Jourdan was arrested on Monday when she was accused of acting erratically at Lake Minneola High School in Minneola, Fla. The district said her employment was terminated the same day as the incident. “Good afternoon. We are aware of the arrest. Parents have been notified. The substitute teacher was hired 2/4/2025, and employment was terminated today,” the district said in a statement to News 6.

Source: Florida teacher Angela Faith Jourdan fired after calling herself ‘million dollar prostitute’ and twerking in class

Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:17-18

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School Teacher Misconduct April 23–30, 2026

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an american flag inside the classroom

In the past week (April 23–30, 2026), several U.S. teachers faced arrests, firings, or administrative actions, mostly over allegations of inappropriate relationships or contact with students. These cases come primarily from Florida (a cluster of incidents), Alabama, West Virginia, New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. Below are the key verified stories reported in that window, based on local law enforcement and school district announcements.

Florida cases (multiple arrests and one high-profile firing)

  • Kirsten Rose, 37, math teacher at Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School (Brevard County): The school board unanimously voted to terminate her employment on April 28, 2026, after her earlier arrest. She faces one count of sexual conduct by an authority figure and five counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor (plus lewd and indecent exposure). The alleged relationship with a student began via social media. The district stated it was “deeply troubled by these allegations” and is cooperating with law enforcement. fox35orlando.com
  • Heather Mashburn-Smith, 37, teacher at Port Charlotte High School (Charlotte County): Arrested April 29, 2026, after detectives say she had sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old student on campus on two occasions in the prior month. She provided a full confession. Charged with unlawful activity with certain minors (enhanced to a first-degree felony because of her position as a teacher). The district placed her on administrative leave and said it is “working closely with law enforcement” while prioritizing student safety. winknews.com
  • Nicholas Sapp, ~38, teacher at Williston Middle/High School (Levy County): Arrested April 23, 2026, after a witness reported an inappropriate relationship with a student. Charged under Florida Statute 800.101 (offenses against students by authority figures). He was placed on administrative leave without pay. levyso.com
  • Angela Faith Jourdan, substitute teacher at Lake Minneola High School (Lake County): Arrested and immediately fired on Monday, April 27, 2026, after an alleged classroom meltdown. Witnesses reported she twerked in class, referred to herself as a “million-dollar prostitute,” and grabbed a student. The district terminated her employment the same day, citing the behavior as unacceptable. She was charged in connection with the incident. nypost.com

Alabama case

  • Gilford Kibler Jr., 62, career technical education teacher at Discovery Middle School (Madison City Schools): Arrested April 27, 2026, on a felony charge of school employee sexual contact with a student under age 19. Police and the district investigated allegations of inappropriate contact. He was booked into Madison County Jail. waff.com

Arizona cases

  • Diego Florentine Ontamucha Franco (also reported as Diego Antemucha Franco), 30, kindergarten teacher at Pueblo Elementary (Scottsdale Unified School District): Arrested April 28, 2026, at his Mesa home after police say child sex abuse material (CSAM/child pornography) was found on his electronic devices. No evidence indicates any Scottsdale students were involved. He was fired following the arrest. fox10phoenix.com
  • Amy Beck, teacher at Coyote Hills Elementary School (Peoria Unified School District): Placed on paid administrative leave April 27, 2026, pending an internal investigation. The action followed the resurfacing of a 2020 video (originally posted by her son, social media influencer Noah Beck) that appeared to show her simulating oral sex with him while lip-syncing to explicit lyrics. The district cited “an abundance of caution” and emphasized that student safety was not impacted; a substitute is covering her class. usatoday.com

West Virginia

  • Curtis Collins Jr., 44, teacher at Logan Middle School (Logan County): Arrested Wednesday, April 29, 2026, on one count of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, or custodian. The district confirmed the arrest and placed him on leave while cooperating with law enforcement. Details on the specific allegations remain limited in initial reports. wsaz.com

Texas

  • Cecilia Mueller, 46, elementary school teacher (Northside Independent School District, San Antonio): Arrested Monday, April 28, 2026, and charged with continuous sexual assault of a child. The alleged assaults occurred about a decade earlier while she taught at Lewis Elementary (she later taught at Henderson Elementary until 2019). The now-adult victim came forward recently. She was taken into custody without incident. ksat.com

New Mexico

  • Wyatt Cornelius, 43, middle school teacher and coach at Camino Real Middle School (Las Cruces Public Schools): Arrested Friday, April 24, 2026, on charges including criminal sexual contact of a minor (third-degree felony), child solicitation by electronic device, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Police allege an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old female student. He was placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation. lcsun-news.com

These bring the total reported incidents this week to around a dozen, with Florida again seeing multiple cases. Most stem from local sheriff’s offices and school district statements, with many still in early stages. No major national pattern or international stories broke in this exact seven-day period beyond what’s already been covered. If you’d like deeper details on any specific case, more states, or updates as they develop, just let me know!

Source: Grok by Twitter

But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.
Luke 6:27-28

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Florida math teacher Kirsten Rose fired after she’s busted for allegedly having sex with student

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women locked inside a jail

A Florida math teacher who allegedly had a romp with a student for five months before he revealed to his parents who his “secret girlfriend” was has been fired. A Florida math teacher who allegedly romped with a student for five months before the boy told his parents about his “secret girlfriend” has been fired.

Kirsten Rose, 37, was sacked from her position at Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School after the Brevard Public Schools came to a vote on her fate on Tuesday night.

Board members agreed to terminate Rose’s employment with the school district, 18 days after she was placed on administrative leave over the sordid allegations of her having sex with a minor, Fox 35 Orlando reported.

“We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and are deeply troubled by these allegations,” the board told the outlet. “The District remains committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.”

Source: Florida math teacher Kirsten Rose fired after she’s busted for allegedly having sex with student

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful.
Psalm 1:1

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New Hampshire teacher resigns after alleged inappropriate communication with students online

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A Salem, New Hampshire High School teacher has resigned after allegations of inappropriate interactions with students on social media.  “Definitely surprised. It just kind of hurts because he was a very liked teacher,” said senior Thomas Mallous. The district confirmed that the Salem Police Department has been notified and that a criminal investigation is underway. In a statement, Superintendent Maura Palmer said parents of students directly affected were notified immediately. The broader school community was informed of the teacher’s resignation on April 14. Parents described the situation as troubling. “I think it’s inappropriate,” said parent Inna Gacevic.

“I think we need to be careful with our kids on social media, definitely. I have kids on social media, but I make sure that we don’t interact with teachers outside of school in that way.” The Salem School District has a strict social media policy for staff. According to the policy, teachers are prohibited from “friending” students or sharing social media content unrelated to academic work. Community members say those rules are critical but acknowledge the challenges of enforcement. “It’s hard to keep track of that,” another parent said. “We can’t know what every teacher is doing outside of school or what every student is doing,but I think, for ethical reasons, as a teacher, you don’t do that.” Mallous said interactions between teachers and students on social media should be off-limits. “It should be rule number one of being a teacher never interact with your students online,” Mallous said. “It’s just not acceptable.”

Source: New Hampshire teacher resigns after alleged inappropriate communication with students online – CBS Boston

When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2

Former Miami-Dade high school teacher charged with multiple counts of battery, placed on house arrest

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A former Miami-Dade County Public Schools teacher is facing serious criminal charges after authorities say he was accused of multiple counts of battery involving students. According to court records, 53-year-old Rudolph Infante, a teacher at Miami Southridge Senior High School, has been charged with four counts of battery and one count of an offense against students by an authority figure.  Details surrounding the alleged incidents remain limited, but Infante appeared in bond court, where a judge imposed strict conditions on his release. Judge orders restrictions, attorney raises concerns During the hearing, a judge ordered Infante to stay away from the alleged victim and prohibited him from being near any schools.

His attorney pushed back on the restrictions, arguing they could be overly burdensome if a medical emergency were to occur. “I’m just saying that issuing a stay-away order that means he’d have to be 500 feet away from every single school in the county,” the attorney argued in court.  The judge ultimately upheld the conditions. Infante has since posted bond and is currently on house arrest, according to court proceedings. 

Source: Former Miami-Dade high school teacher charged with multiple counts of battery, placed on house arrest – CBS Miami

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Matthew 6:14

Florida math teacher Kirsten Rose busted for allegedly having sex with student, fling exposed after her ‘victim’ lied to parents

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A Florida math teacher has been busted for allegedly having sex with a student – and their illicit fling was uncovered when her alleged victim lied to his parents. Kirsten Rose, 37, was arrested…

Source: Florida math teacher Kirsten Rose busted for allegedly having sex with student, fling exposed after her ‘victim’ lied to parents: court docs

That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love.
Ephesians 3:16-17

Teacher Keeps Job After Allegedly ‘Licking’ Student’s Foot On Video

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A high school coach and teacher in Auburn, Washington is still on the job despite video showing him “licking” or “simulating” licking a student’s foot at a team event, according to reporting from Seattle radio host Jason Rantz. The unidentified teacher was removed as the head coach of the boys soccer team, allegedly after video of him licking “or simulating the licking of” the foot of a “male student athlete” came to light in March, according to talk radio station Seattle Red. The incident reportedly took place at a team dinner held during the 2025 season.

Source: Teacher Keeps Job After Allegedly ‘Licking’ Student’s Foot On Video | The Daily Caller

The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up.
Ecclesiastes 10:12

Student suspended for pro-ICE flyer while teacher’s union spends $1.7M to help anti-ICE protests

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two women bullying a man in the school

Astudent at Torrey Pines High School in San Diego was suspended after posting a pro-Immigration and Customs Enforcement flyer reading, “We [heart] ICE – Real Americans,” following an anti-ICE walkout on campus, according to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

Student-led anti-ICE walkouts have continued to rise nationwide. In 2026 alone, more than 300 such walkouts and protests have taken place. Various organizations have led training programs within K–12 schools, and the National Education Association has provided $1.7 million in funding to a May Day 2026 training toolkit that includes anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement messaging, according to an investigation by Defending Education.

A “Four Weeks of Power” training series is organized and led by Free the Future, the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, New York University’s Steinhardt Metro Center and the Midwest Academy.

Torrey Pines school officials reportedly claimed the student’s flyer was “harassment” and “intimidation,” leading to the student’s suspension and prompting concerns from free speech advocates.

“Schools cannot favor one viewpoint over another. When students express themselves non-disruptively, the First Amendment guarantees their right to freedom of speech, regardless of what opinion they share,” Conor Fitzpatrick, senior attorney at FIRE, told The Center Square.

Source: Student suspended for pro-ICE flyer while teacher’s union spends $1.7M to help anti-ICE protests | Just The News

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10