Teacher Fired for Forcing Food on Nonverbal Student

In a recent hearing, significant testimony was presented regarding the actions of a teacher, Miss Austin, accused of improperly restraining a nonverbal student during a feeding incident. Security footage captured Miss Austin wrapping her arm around the student multiple times while he attempted to resist her efforts to feed him. Eyewitness accounts from three aides, positioned to observe the situation closely, were pivotal in the case. They reported that Miss Austin forcibly fed the student, even after he spat the food out, and noted that he was visibly distressed, gagging and crying throughout the ordeal.

The aides emphasized that the student, who had no history of aggressive behavior, was not in any immediate danger that would justify such restraint. They described him as docile and eager to please, and all witnesses confirmed that the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) did not authorize the use of restraints.

In her defense, Miss Austin claimed her actions were appropriate physical prompting related to a new goal added to the student's IEP just a day prior. However, she struggled to reconcile her account with the eyewitness testimonies, which were unanimously critical of her methods. Miss Angie Delloso, an assistant superintendent and board-certified behavioral analyst, testified that forcing food into a student's mouth is never appropriate, regardless of the circumstances.

The hearing officer ultimately sided with the eyewitnesses, concluding that Miss Austin's actions constituted a violation of state law regarding restraint use and several ethical standards for educators. The officer determined that dismissal was warranted based on these findings.

The board is now considering whether to uphold the hearing officer's decision, with discussions ongoing about the implications of the case for educational practices and student safety.