Port Huron Teacher Sentenced In Assault Of Special Education Students

PORT HURON, Mich. (AP) - A former early childhood special education teacher in the Port Huron school district who pleaded guilty to assault and battery involving students has been sentenced.

Shirley Thoen told a judge Thursday that she lost her "patience and let the frustrations of the classroom situation get the best" of her.

The Times Herald of Port Huron reports that Thoen was sentenced to 93 days in jail, with 73 days suspended once she completes probation. The 59-year-old Thoen of Marysville had been with the district 36 years.

Classroom paraprofessionals at Thomas Edison Elementary reported "inappropriate" behavior to school officials.

Surveillance cameras placed in the classroom recorded incidents on Oct. 29. Thoen was put on leave the next day and retired after pleading guilty in December.

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