Teacher Still Loves Job After Student Throws Punch
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – A teacher, after reportedly being punched with a closed fist in the face by a student, said despite the incident she's looking forward to going back.
Ruthanne Stadnik, a 62-year-old teacher at Sunrise Middle School, said one of her sixth grade students punched her in the face Friday.
According to the arrest report, the 12-year-old defendant was returning to class bouncing a basketball and when Stadnik told him it needed to be put away during class, he became angry.
"As she was putting it away, the defendant came up from behind her and punched her with a closed fist in the left cheek/left eye area, then grabbed the basketball and ran off."
School officials obtained four written statements from witnesses all confirming the punch.
"I'm seeing stars and my nose is bleeding--I had to keep control of myself for the sake of my students," Stadnik told CBS4's Joan Murray.
Stadnik said she believes the student became agitated because something he treasured was being taken away.
"I told him it would be there at the end of the day but it was too much for him," she said.
Ft. Lauderdale police arrested the 12-year-old and charged him with battery on a school employee.
Stadnik said the incident wasn't the first time she's been hurt by a student. Just recently, another student deliberately stomped on her foot. She also said other teachers have experienced violence.
"They are losing good teachers who are afraid to teach there," she said.
The latest incident at the school follows the arrest of a 13-year-old who is accused of bringing a book bag loaded with a handgun, knife and ammunition into the school's cafeteria.
Some parents said they are worried.
"I'm scared for my daughter," said parent Nesloy LaFrance as he picked up his child on Tuesday.
"I hope the school is doing what is right to protect our kids while they are here," said parent Gayle Williams.
"I hope they both get the help they need," said Stadnik.
