A substitute teacher in Volusia County, Florida, has stirred up a whirlwind of controversy following an alarming incident on her very first day in the classroom. While managing a group of third graders at Turie T. Small Elementary School, the 61-year-old educator reportedly made a shocking threat: she claimed that if the students didn’t behave, she would allow a “bad man” into the room to “shoot them between the eyes.”
This unsettling moment occurred just hours into her new role, as the teacher allegedly waved her keys in front of the class and warned them about the consequences of their misbehavior. Disturbingly, every child present recounted the same story, leading to her immediate removal from the classroom and subsequent escort off school grounds.
Nancy Grey, a spokesperson for the school district, stated that the teacher’s background check had been clear, and she had previously worked in after-school care without incident. However, she expressed deep concern over the teacher’s “extreme lack of judgment.” In Florida, the requirements for becoming a substitute teacher are minimal, typically involving just a high school diploma, three days of training, and a clean background check.
As a medical professional, I understand how difficult it can be for parents to navigate conversations about violence and safety with their children—especially in a world where such events are distressingly common. This incident not only jeopardizes the students’ trust in authority figures but also complicates the already challenging task parents face in discussing topics like lockdown drills.
It’s crucial for educators to foster a safe and supportive environment, rather than inciting fear. One can only hope that this teacher will not be allowed to work with children again. Unfortunately, given the lenient training standards for substitutes in Florida, it’s uncertain if this will be the case.
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Summary
A substitute teacher in Florida threatened her third-grade class with violence on her first day, alarming parents and school officials. The incident highlights the need for better training and oversight for substitute educators, as well as the importance of creating safe environments for children.