Two teachers at the same elementary school are accused of attacking their young students.
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Elizabeth Kay Sutton allegedly grabbed a 10-year-old boy, forcing him back to his seat. She then struck him in the face. She had only been a teacher's aide for five months when the incident occurred.
Ottoria McClung was allegedly seen putting a 5-year-old student in a chokehold and carrying him down a hallway.
Both incidents occurred at Elgin Elementary School, located an hour outside Oklahoma City, within months of each other.
Both Teachers Were Charged With Assault and Battery Upon a Student
According to the New York Post, principal Gabe Winn reported the 38-year-old Sutton to authorities after she assaulted her student.
A security camera caught the teacher's aide swinging her arm toward his face. It caused his head to snap back on impact. His teacher noticed a red mark on the child's face after he returned to lunch.
Sutton was arrested and pleaded "not guilty" to the assault charge. She told police that the student "had been difficult since returning to school after the break." Sutton added that she never meant to harm him. School Superintendent Nate Meraz stated that she had been fired.
Both Teachers Will Appear in Court Next Month
Police were told by a witness that the boy held by McClung was crying and his face was red. The alleged incident took place on March 13, just months after Sutton assaulted the 10-year-old student.
"I can't deal with this," she was heard to have said when the incident took place.
The 37-year-old personal care assistant was then arrested and fired.
In a statement issued by Meraz, he said that "all of the appropriate authorities were notified immediately" and told parents that "all employees must pass a background check and professional references are called prior to employment."
He added, "Both of these instances were reported to administration by fellow employees, which reflects the culture of accountability here.
"My philosophy on personnel is this: If we have reasonable hesitation in the interview process, we will not employ you. Once employed, if you harm a student, you will be terminated. We are here to educate kids in a safe environment. Elgin Public Schools' highest priority is the safety and well-being of its students."
Both teachers are scheduled to appear in court on May 20.
