Strollerderby

That is completely terrible. I think the teacher needs to go to the principals office

That teacher should get the same treatment as she inflicted on the little boy.  What a total clueless asshole.  Just incredible.  

That is really just heartbreaking!  How could that teacher be so cruel and stupid?  That teacher needs to be fired.  So the lesson that day for Alex was that "he's not special"?  Just. plain. wrong.

This teacher obviously forgot the golden rule "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you".  How would she feel if her fellow teachers got her up in front of a staff meeting and listed all the things that they did not like about her and then voted whether or not to let her stay at the school.  There will always be something that you don't like about someone, the lesson to learn, is how to be tolerate of other people's differences and to learn to celebrate our differences.  The teacher may have scared that child for life and in the process taught the other children that being different is bad.  She needs to go back to old school where children were taught to be nice to their classmates even if they didn't like them.  Reember the golden rule.

I saw this on the news this morning, and it really struck me.  My wife and I have two sons, and our oldest has autism.  While I'm extremely thankful that we have not had to deal with issues like this, I'm completely outraged at this type of behavior, not only from the kids, but the teacher's actions are totally inexcusable.  Ms Barton should be commended and encouraged for the restraint she's shown thus far, as I know I'd be frothing at the mouth and fighting mad over something like this.  The teacher's actions are tantamount to rolling a physically disabled person's wheelchair down a hill for laughs during recess.  The young man has a medical condition, not a simple attitude problem (having a child with autism myself, I understand full well that he may have both a medical condition & an attitude problem.  Kids with autism are kids first and foremost, after all).  To top things off, the school apparently did nothing other than express their relief that the teacher's not being sued over this.  In my opinion, Ms Barton should sue the teacher as well as the school into oblivion.  Further, the "teacher" should be stripped of her credentials, and have to do 5,000 hours of community service working with children who have autism so that she can have the opportunity to open her freaking eyes to the fact that children with autism are CHILDREN.  Unbelievable...  Just unbelievable...  I'll be praying that Ms Barton doesn't let the school and the "teacher" get away with this garbage.

I would like to have the teachers children be treated the same way, lets see if she likes that.  I think of the teacher as ignorant, mentally challenged (doesnt know how to handle the situation and has the children do it for her).  I hope she does get fired and have her feel like she is not special which i think she will always carry it in her consciuos.

I am outraged to read this, I am a mother and grandmother and work with children in California,   all people are different and all are SPECIAL in His Sight, the teacher should be stood up in front of her peers and voted OFF, and her teaching credential taken away...SO Sorry To This Child that this happened:-)

I am a teacher in Missouri. With 10 years of kindergarten and 12 years of preschool experience, I found myself very challenged by the behavior of a student with autuism/asbergers this year.  If I had not had a classroom assistant it would have been impossible to keep one student from spitting, hitting, screaming, biting, throwing chairs, and endagering other children. Academic instruction would not have taken place.  Teachers are often expected to accomplish the impossible without assistance.  Do the other children in the class have the right to be safe at school?  I was not there so it is impossible to say what that teacher was actualy dealing with in the classroom.  What solutions do you propose when a child is out of control?  What should a teacher do to make a child with receptive language delays understand that their behavior is not safe?  I had more than one parent complain about the behaviors from my classroom.  Would you be happy if your child was being spit on?

This action by the "teacher" would be just as awful had the child in question not had any type of disorder: the whole thing is just heartless. How I would love to see her get up in front of a whole bunch of parents or her peers and let them tell her what they really think. Hey, I'll go first!

Outrageous!

This woman is not only a awful teacher...she's a awful human being.

This woman needs to be voted out of the school system pronto!

In response to sl's comments...

 Of course I wouldn't be happy if my child was spit on...  But Standing someone up in front a verbal firing squad of their peers is malicious, unproductive, and hands down the wrong way to handle any situation with kindergarten kids, especially when special needs children are involved.  These are 5 year old children we're talking about here.  Ms Portillo, as I'll refer to her henceforth, as she's certainly not a teacher in any positive sense of the word, might as well have held Alex down and forced each student to punch him while she was at it.  As I said previously, My wife and I have a child with autism, so we know full well how hard it can be, but you'll never see us vote him out of our household, and there'd be hell to pay if someone ever did this to my child.  He's not perfect, but he deserves the respect any other human being does, and he deserves an education just the same as any normal traits kid.  Bottom line in my opinion is this...  The adult in that situation did not have any of the students' best interest in mind, acted in a manner that is deplorable, morally reprehensible, and is deserving of consequences due to her actions.  I'm responsible for my behavior, she'd better expect to take the consequences for hers...  Is living with and teaching a child with autism easy?  Most definitely not.  Is that an excuse to berate them in front of a classroom of other children, then encourage (or possibly demand) that the other children do the same before you permanently expel him/her from a classroom?  Hell no.  Should she lose her job over this?  Absolutely in my opinion.  Should she be thankful that it wasn't my son she did that to?  Damn right.  I'd own everything but her dreams before it was said and done.

Sad story!  I believe there are always two sides...was the teacher certified in dealing with "special needs" kids?  How many conferences had been held to attempt to modify apparent classroom disruptions?  How long does disruptive behavior by any kid have to be tolerated by both a teacher, class, or the school?  Was this kid placed in the proper education setting?  Are the needs of the one greater than the needs of the whole?  

Next--the school wil be involved in a court battle--they will lose or a settlement will be reached--our tax dollars at work!

Enough!  Educators can not save each and every child.  Parents need to make sure that their children are placed in an educational environment that can meet the needs of the child and at the same time allow the class to make marked progress throughout the school year.

I agree with Carlene, that teacher should be put in a front of a group of adult and we should see if she should be voted out of the classroom.  If you are a teacher, you should know and follow the rules of conduct. I believe that any child who would turn on a peer; their behavior would be disciplined;  so should this teacher. Since when do we allow 5 year olds to be the judge and jury? Shame on her and for any teacher who would side with this behavior.  As a teacher you should be setting en example, not making one of another.  Sad and unacceptable.

OMG !!!! What is wrong with this woman...I have a son that has Autism and if my son was ever subjected to this kind of treatment I would be furious and wanting this "so called teacher" FIRED!!! How can anyone stand a child that has special needs in front of other children and have those children belittle him so badly and then throw him out of the classroom...Ms. Barton if you read this PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE file a lawsuit against this teacher and the school district. Ms. Barton please let your son know that he is a very special little boy and that no one can change that...and let him know there are people like me that love him regardless of how special he is even though we have never met.

I am not a parent but I have worked with children with autism.

I can't believe how anyone in there right mind(meaning the teacher) would let children know its ok to tease or be just plain rude to someone that is different. The teacher needs to be taken out of the classroom! I have worked with all types of children and if I ever heard or saw a child/ren picking on one another because of there differences I would sit those children down and have talk. I really can't believe this at all I'm in shock.    

My co-teacher has 2 children with autism.  

Yes, autism is just as difficult for parents as it is for teachers.  

That does not resolve the issue of what is a teacher to do in a classroom?  Is there anyone who can answer my question?  What do you want a teacher to do when talking does not work to stop undesirabe or dangerous behavoure?  I am talking about behavoirs like spitting and slapping that occur 15-30 times each day.

Teachers are often instructed to have children state their feelings and to exclude children who misbehave, even in preschool and kindergarten.  Use of the democratic process is also expected. Voting to exclude a child would be a mistaken extension of these principles.

Teachers are responsible for academic advancement of all children and held accountable for test scores. Yes, even for 5 year olds. What do parents want to have happen when a child with communication delays continues to be disruptive?  

The parent of the child with autism I worked with this year was wonderful.  She suggested using the same behavior technique that worked for her at home, even using the same words.  That did help reduce inappropriate behaviors with this child.  But unfortunatley, the school decided standing in the corner was punitive and required this child to sit in a time out chair instead, which did not work for the child and disruptive behaviors increased.  

Fortunatley the child was assigned 3 hours daily in a special education class with 2 teachers for 6 children.  Their special training and experience allowed great advancements in the child's behavior.

Next year this child will be in a Kindergarten class with 18 students and one teacher.  She has fortunatley had a great deal of expereicne with aspergers and autism, but she is still one person to teach and control behavior.  I will be anxious to see what happens.

Don't most kids who have a behavior, emotional or health issue have a PCA who helps mitigate the situation?  SL, thank you for further explaining your thinking.  What upset me about this story was the "solution" that the teacher chose (which to me is not at all "solving" anything.)  I have no doubt it would be challenging and frustrating and perhaps sometimes scary to have a violent, uncooperative child in one's classroom.  I don't have any answers, just questions - my kids go to school with a few children who have adults with them at nearly every step of the way (PCA's, I think.)  Seems this child would warrant one of his own.

My wife and I try to work very closely with our child's teachers, and thus far, communication between the adults has been key, and very effective.  We've used some of the ideas they use in the classroom, and vice versa.  For habitually unacceptable behavior (We haven't had much of that with our son, thankfully), I would think that a logical step would be to address it with the parent(s) of the child as a first step.  Even if this meant scheduling something that wasn't a normal parent/teacher conference.  This at the very least would get the adults talking in a hopefully constructive manner in the child's best interest.  Certainly better than berating a 5 year old with a life-long learning disability, then leading a bunch of other 5 year olds in doing the same thing.  I understand where you're coming from, ls, but to me the issue isn't "what's a teacher to do?"...  It's what this  so-called teacher did do.  We make it very clear to our son's teachers that we're committed to him, involved, and want to help him learn any way we can.  But we also aren't going to let him get pushed around or shuffled through the system just to get him out of it.  No matter how you slice this one, the parent and child have been wronged, and there needs to be a price paid, or it will only happen again somewhere down the line...  And if nobody cares now, why should anyone care later?

I have a 5 yr old son than has autism. Although he screens as very mild, due to sensory issues, we have some very severe behavior issues at times.  He will be beginning kindergarten next year and I am already very anxious about what this will intell for him.  Reading this article and seeing this on the news at first made me very angry because the child has no idea how to control his behaviors because of the disease(autism).  It would be different if they could. Impulse control is a facor for these children and if he is as high functioning as he sounds by what is being report the school board has a responsibility to place this child in a setting that will not cause him to fail but allow him to succeed.  My heart just breaks that a teacher would degrade a child by these actions and that the school board would allow the teacher to get by with it.  No Child Left Behind.  Is that not what is most important?

OK I have a child with cleft lip/palate (not harelip-that term isn't exceptable anymore)  who is now 8 yrs old.  In Kindergarten his teacher didn't always understand him.  The children understood him more than the teacher.  He didn't have any behavior problems but there were several children that did have behavior problem.  One was already diagnose with ADD and another wasn't diagnose yet but couldn't keep his hands to himself.  The teacher had decades of experience and did a terrific job of handling all the children and everyone got along with no problem.  I helped out a couple of times in the classroom.  Yes some student are harder to handle.  If a child is too hard for that teacher to handle she/he talks to her principal and get some help in there until the evaluations are finished.  Because of my sons speech delay I foresee years of teasing ahead of him.  And it is never OK.    I can't imagine kids voting another  child out.  It is not the child's fault they are born the way they are.  Children are mean at one time or another that part of growing up and learning to being a friend and citizen of the world.  They learn to not to be mean and learn empathy.  I don't know what this teacher is thinking.  There is nothing positive or  educational about this what so ever.  I have volunteered in the schools and classrooms for about 9 years and some of my good friends are teachers and I  am so very sad for these children in the classroom for  having a bad behavior being taught to them.  This is why I don't watch reality television and don't allow my kids to watch.  The idea of contest to be mean to other peers on purpose for greed is not good example for any child to see.  I am grateful in both school my sons are attending the teachers are excellent and wonderful.  One is graduating this June from 8th grade and the other is in 2nd grade.  

This hits too close to home for me.  I have 2 on the spectrum.  My oldest wasn't very high functioning.  He did have to be restrained to sit facing the circle during circle time.  He had communication problems.  He had an aide.  No one at that school gave up on him.  Now, the administration on the other hand, did.  I was told he would NEVER talk, be able to hold a conversation, spell, do math, anything.  

It wasn't easy, but the children in his class loved him.  They learned how to work with someone with special needs.

My son is graduating from high school next week.  He has lettered in track, cross country and orchestra (played the viola).  He has a GIRLFRIEND.  

It makes me sick to think where he would be now if I hadn't had any faith in him, and trusted the school administration.

My second child is another story.  He is brillant.  But he is socially inept.  He doesn't make friends easily.  He is learning though.  

I work hard with my children. Make sure they are neat, clean, on time, homework completed.  I volunteer for school stuff so I can see for myself his progress.  

After reading some of the comments of the so-called educators, I am wondering, do you only want to teach the middle of the class--no one advanced or too far behind???  What did you think you were getting into when you decided to be a teacher???  I am this/close to a teaching degree, and I have absolutely no plans on finishing it.  Why?? Because I know I couldn't do the job "right" so to speak.  I know teachers work 16 hours a day.  I know they usually love what they do.  But this teacher is just plain wrong.  She needs to lose her job.  But she won't.  If she didn't like her job/class, she has an option.  Moving on to another career.  Teaching is too important to do it badly.  Our children deserve more.

I agree with you, but for the future, harelip is a very offensive term, my son has a cleft lip and palate, and i don't enjoy him being referred to as an animal. Other than that I do agree with you I just had to say something about the harelip thins sorry

My heart really goes out to Mrs. Barton.  Our daughter has Aspergers, but we were fortunate to have understanding, patient teachers.  Our daughter did have some behavior problems, but starting in second grade, they gradually started going away.  I hope Mrs. Barton continues to fight for her son and doesn't get discouraged.  I admire her.  While I think the teacher's actions were absolutely wrong, this is a definite wake-up call to schools to find ways to educate autistic children.   Our daughter is mainstreamed in the regular classroom and learns nothing all day long.  I have to teach her in the evenings on top of working outside of the home full-time.  She's frustrated   and suffers from low self-esteem due to her learning disabilities and social problems.   Mrs. Barton has a long road ahead of her, but she has certainly helped pave the way!

As the mother of a child with Down Syndrome, I know that this has to stop. The teacher was so out of line. That child has the right to a education among his peers. I am so glad that she went public with this. Shame on the teacher.

If you have a child with any diagnosed condition & in public school, it is imperative that you fully understand your rights & your child's rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA].  It is a long piece of legislature that covers many diagnoses.  Private schools don't have to follow the same set of rules due to private money.  

For those of you who may work in a school, this law also addresses what support system the school can/must provide for the student in the classroom.  

Knowledge is power.  

Wow! What are we teaching are childern? My prayers go out to ALEX.

I have a Son with Asperger's.  I have been down this road many times myself.  How very sad and unfair.  Kid's with Asperger's can be very difficult to understand but it is not their fault.  They have enough to deal with, without the adult's in their lives dropping the ball.  Those other children are not adults and therefore should not have been given the job of making adult decisons like who should or should not be allowed in class.  Not up to them.  The teacher should have to take a course on special needs and also on basic human kindness.  I hope that little boy knows that he is extra special because God makes these children that way and for a reason!!!!

I am sickened by this teacher!!! First, I have known SEVERELY AUTISTIC children, and they were all the coolest kids!!! Second, I have always wanted to be a teacher myself...one of the biggest reasons is to try and teach KIDS  the respect and common courtesy that this monster obviously doesn't have herself!!!I am so troubled by this I am at more of a loss for words than I thought I would be...I hope this woman for lack of better words is fired AND punished harshly!!!My heart and prayers go out to you and your son!!! Much love and respect ALWAYS Ryan  ;)

freakosuave69@hotmail.com

If this child's parents and teachers had already been in conferences and set out a specific IEP for him, then it should have been followed.  I am not sure that this child's case is as severe as SL's and I do know that teachers do end up sacrificing the education of the class when constantly dealing with one particular student with either special needs OR behavioral problems. This is a difficult thing BUT in answer to your question SL, you are to follow the IEP set forth in conference. The IEP's should be updated yearly or as needed in situations that occur during the year that become intolerable. It should NEVER come to a point where you are having to decide between one student and the 23 others in the class!!!!

A teacher is expeced to keep the parent updated on any behavior modifications that she thinks would help. If that teacher is unsure, then she needs MORE training in that particular area. Elementary teachers are supposed to be updated on all special needs modifications concerning students that are integrated into the regular classroom.  

I will say that my son is ADHD-Impulsive, and he went through simular circumstances with those around him not understanding him and his first grade year was a nightmare!!! But, we worked with a psychologist, a neuro-psychologist, teachers, two principals and our pediatrician and found some solutions to help our child. By his second grade year, he excelled!!!!  EVERYONE must work together for it to work.  This in no way excuses this teacher for what she did. It was not an educated solution and was harmful to ALL of the students. She not only taught Alex that he was not wanted or special, but she taught those other students that they could be cruel to someone without repercussions. Sorry, even under extreme circumstances, she should have contacted the principal and worked with the parents on this one.

What's the matter with our government education system. Survival of the fittest, the most attractive, the smartest, must I go on. How is it these incredible ideas are even considered by our government teachers and I use the word teacher with prejudice. I have two boys with Aspergers. One of them has other delays and health issues. I had government teachers tell me they didn't want my son in their classroom and some who were and are patient, kind and really enjoy my son. I will say this son is unable to function in a "normal" classroom even with an aide. This child is finally in a great program but it took until Jr. High to get it but I still have to fight each year to make sure he gets the most appropriate education and I keep close tabs on social issues. Fortunately he is oblivious and is really enjoying Jr high.

Shame on that teacher. I'll pray for her and hope she'll realize what message she sent to the other children in her class. I hope the other parents are just as outraged.

well i would be very peed off if thyey did that to my child just becuase he has a disorder doesn't mean he can't be in school i will always love any child that has any disorder1!!

I am a Behavior Specialist and I have worked with dozens of Autistic individuals. What has been done to this young boy can set back any program his parents have been working on. This can be the same for the other children in his class. The only thing learned in that class was how to belittle and segregate another child. I have worked with clients in schools and teachers to help develop programs to work on behaviors described by some posts. The school is at fault for not supporting this teacher and the teacher for not standing up for all the children in the classroom.  

I have a son with Asperger's Syndrome; due situations like the one we are all discussing, and some of the comments from the "professional" educators on this BLOG, we home-schooled our child for over three years before finding a Private School that would work for us. The issue with Asperger's is that this child is truly alone, he does not bear the outward sign of a disability, yet cannot defend himself against peers who pick on him. The mother of the boy who was voted out of class stated his only friend he'd ever had was in that class. Now, not only will the child not be going to school, he will miss out on desperately needed social interaction. I am not an "eye for an eye" type of person but the teacher needs to be fired. To all the teachers out there: These kids are tough..deal with it. I spent twenty years in the military which was though on my son, if he could handle that, you can handle him in a class for a few hours. I'm so over public education, inadequate facilities, uneducated teachers, and punks. You can have it.

  These kids disrupt classroms and need to be separated from normal kids.  In years past, we could put them in special education classes so normal kids could learn.  Unfortunately, federal intervention dictates that we have to put up with the disruptive behavior of these crippled kids!  This affects normal kids ability to learn.  Three cheers for the teacher who stood up for the rights up the majority of students over the selfless needs of this one kid!

Although I don't agree with the caustic comments made by "Barack Obama", he/she does have a good point.  Too often the education of our children is hindered by disruptive behavior caused by the introduction of handicapped children into the classrooms.  And in many cases, having the handicapped child in the classroom with normal kids isn't going to help him/her in the long run.  Children suffering from retardation, who are not going to progress from the mental age of a young child or disruptive children such as autistic/Asperger kids should be taught in separate facilties/classrooms.

Hopefully once the family obtains the diagnosis they're hoping for the parents, teachers, and school system will be able to help their child further.

I can sympethize with the teacher's frustration, but it was still a very inappropriate solution to something that was probably a frustration to all, including the child.  Calling for backup from an administrator would have been an appropriate response.

Brett, "harelip," really?!

i think this is every wrong to start off with, for a teacher to do that to a child is wrong when this child is older, he will think no one likes him and he may end up being the one who  kills someone or dose something bad n that teacher will have this on her shoulders as well as if something happeneds to him at school or home, i think the teacher her self should indead be fired. god help her.

How can you sympathize with this woman?  I would ask that this incident be examined more closely as well as any other "punishment" she may deem acceptable and for what other behaviors from 5 year olds she may find fault with. The addage "little children, little problems, big children, big problems" comes to mind and wonder what is being done to insure the physical safety and mental well being of some other 16 "little" children in her care.

If this was my child I would own the school in about a week.

and as for some people that have written in ie:Barack Obama and Parent of a normal kid, get over yourselves, you self absorbed morons. how would you like to be isolated and not be able to function in normal society? maybe you can't because the only point you see is on the end of your nose.

Barack and Parent, (you don't sound normal to me, so I'll leave it out)

Please check your facts.  If inclusion is done CORRECTLY (meaning proper supports and training are offered to all teachers and aides), it BENEFITS BOTH handicapped and non-handicapped children alike.

Each and every child is different.  I've met plenty of so-called normal children who are disruptive and who have actually interferred with MY son's right to a free appropriate education.  I have yet to march down to school and tell them to remove so and so from my son's class.

I'd like both of you to take out the words "crippled" or "handicapped" and substitute the words "African American" or "Mexican".  Yep, I'm calling you a bigot.

Are you expecting to collect social security??? How about medicare or the like???  I wouldn't count on it.  Why???  Because people like you don't want to "deal" with people who are unlike you.  You want to lock them up in some room and teach them how to drool properly.  You see, these children grow up.  I've seen miracles with my son, because he was in a regular classroom where other kids modeled "normal" behavior for him.  He was given standards so he could learn math, reading and all the other subjects he needs.  Will he ever cure cancer??? Nope.  But he is far better off now than if he were to be in some self-contained class where there are very few expectations put on him, where everyone else in the classroom has a disability.  He isn't going to collect social security for the rest of his life.  He is getting a job and giving back.  

Finally, I will be praying for both of you.  I would NEVER wish for anyone to have a child with a disability.  You both are a little too smug for your britches.  One day, your so-called normal kids will grow up and have children of their own, and karma can be a bitch.  

Why are you attacking those parents who want a good education for their children, undisturbed by the disruptions of a handicapped child?  I had to remove my daughter from a class where they insisted on bringing in a "mentally challenged" child.  This child made constant grunting noises, urinated in the classroom, and generally made it impossible for my child to learn.  Sure, you parents of handicapped children have the laws and greedy lawyers to insure your children get whatever they want, but at what cost to those of us with normal children?  Not everyone embraces this “feel-good”, “love-one-another” politically correct crap.  Our society will be hurting if our children are not able to achieve the scholastic levels necessary for America to maintain its edge in the business world.  This social experiment run-amok will be to the detriment of the future United States.

Actually my chils is normal, he processes information differently than many of his peers.  He may have communication problems but he is capable of finishing university.  Each school has a responsibility to ensure all children get an education.  If there is a problem then more parents need to attend PTA, get involved with school policy meetings, organize more volunteer times.  You cannot expect an underfunded public school to take the brunt of a situation no one  will get involved in.

My child has an aide who helps ensure his safety as well as his peers and a compassionate teacher who included his peers in assisting him.  A competent school like his has no problem finding a solution so that no child is left behind.

ALL children deserve an education.  I have never hired a lawyer in dealing with a school district.  And those laws are in place for a reason.  Children who were hyper or had problems reading or didn't do as well for whatever reason could be removed from the classroom whenever.  Many children with special needs were locked in a closet and taught nothing.  As I have said before, we can either try and embrace them and allow them to thrive OR we can pay for these children for the rest of their lives-and yes, you and your child will end up paying.  I don't begrudge anyone's child an education, and I believe it is the school's responsibility to make sure ALL children receive an appropriate education.  True, that is not always in a regular education setting, but for many children, that is what is appropriate.  

Your school system is responsible for ensuring your daughter's safety.  Obviously, this child needed an aide, the teacher was untrained and the school did not do it's job.  Your daughter probably needs therapy since she had to talk to people you obviously feel are inferior to her.  I'm so sorry to hear that.  Poor thing.

I'm sorry you don't believe in compassion or caring about others.  Your child could be a genius, but if she isn't a kind and compassionate person, you've done nothing, and she is nothing.  

I am so glad to know how Barack Obama feels on this topic. I know where the future of my child's education could be if he is elected. I am stunned at the callous remarks that he made. The majority rules.Too bad I am just one of those poor individual voters who will be saying no thank you for his services as president. If a presidential canidate will not stand up for this child, then why would a teacher? Poor role model.  

Last year I witness as a volunteer several special children culminate from our elementary school.  Some were in a Special  Day Class and Some were in the classroom  with one on one aides.  I remembered these children through the years grow up before my very  eyes.  I know these children who culminated with these children are better for it.  They helped and played together over the years and cheered when they came on stage.  So I see a bigger picture.  No this was not one of my sons class.  I have also seen these parents year after year communicating with  staff and administration.

It takes a village to raise a child.  A collaboration of teachers, aids, administration, staff, parents, and volunteers.  Every child is different and every child is special.  Every child should be told they are special especially when they are born special.

It just saddens me that this happened as a parent, volunteer, advocate for every child(PTA) and as a taxpayer.  I know this isn't the first teacher to do this  or the last.  I think that is what saddens me the most.  And to think we just celebrated at the beginning of the month Teacher Appreciation week.

And for all the amazing and compassionate educators out there that not only educate our children but teaches them empathy, compassion, and values  THANK YOU.  

My son is graduating this year, he is developmental delay with autistic tendencies and has a seizure disorder.  This story did hit close to home.  I was fortunate to have my son in a school system that was caring and inclusive.  Most  of the kids were tolerant and helpful.  When my son got an award last year, he had the biggest applause.  He went to the prom and the kids were great with him.  I say all this because it was the teachers and the parents who taught this children how to be with him.  There isn't any place I take my son that someone doesn't say hi to him or wave to him.  This teacher was a disgrace to her profession,  my heart goes out to this boy and his mother.  Parents worry about there children even when there are no special needs, but when there are special needs the worry is tenfold, not just because of their needs but also how will the world treat our children.  When we send them to school it is with bated breath and lots of prayers.  This story broke my heart and it is still not mended.

Maria

My bright grandson has aspergers. A little girl in his class told him nobody likes you. He wants friends but doesn't know how to relate to them. He is in first grade and knows all the US presidents in order, their dates, VPs and interesting facts about them. Has other obsessions about facts, is brilliant in math and reading etc.He has a tender heart but no one will play with him. It breaks my heart.

My bright grandson has aspergers. A little girl in his class told him nobody likes you. He wants friends but doesn't know how to relate to them. He is in first grade and knows all the US presidents in order, their dates, VPs and interesting facts about them. Has other obsessions about facts, is brilliant in math and reading etc.He has a tender heart but no one will play with him. It breaks my heart.

I have a 6 year old Autistic nephew.  He is the love of my life, and the smartest, most creative, lovable kid I have ever met.  I was absolutely outraged when I read this story.  I have learned from my nephew that there is a reason that he acts out, because he doesn't know how to tell you that he is upset, or doesn't like something.  When he is angry he bangs his head. There are ways to avoid that kind of thing, learn what triggers the bad actions, and learn what you can do to prevent them from happening.  I think all teachers need to take a class or something to learn about Autism because of how common it is becoming.  If a teacher did that to my nephew, I would have to use all my will not to beat the living day lights out of her for being so ignorant!!

My heart goes out to you just please know that Autism is not a handicap it is a Blessing in disguise!  

um, Jonet's mom? the person who signed their comment as Barack Obama is not the real man. I think they're just acting as a troll. I wouldn't base your vote on a comment you read in a web forum.

I have 2 children 1 is 14 & the other is 9.  They are both ADHD.

I could NEVER imagine what that little boy felt like.  That is what IEP (Individual Evaluation Process)kind of like a special education class is for.

It is DISGUSTING that his teacher allowed this to happen.  SHE IS A DISGRACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would sue the crap out of that school system.  I will pray for them.

Just playing devil's advocate for a moment here;

The child was at the school since January.  Where did he go to school before?  Was he asked to leave?  I think there are some missing facts before we go off the deep end on the teacher - come on we are all only human.  Perhaps the child and his mother need counseling as well.

I am a former teacher, and although I disagree with what this teacher did to the boy, I must make the observation that there is always a lot of press and outrage about the few negative things that happen in classrooms across the country.  For every teacher that does abominable things like this, there are thousands of others that are making changes in the lives of special needs children every day. If we would focus on and highlight the good that teachers are doing and de-emphasize the bad, perhaps the low performing teachers would learn proper classroom management, and the press would have to find other ways to shock and dismay the public.