Substitute teacher charged with assault after incident at Dresden Elementary

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

DRESDEN, Tenn., (KBSI) — A substitute teacher has been charged with simple assault following an incident at Dresden Elementary School, according to school officials.

Administrators said they were first made aware of concerns April 20 involving interactions in a third-grade classroom while the substitute was teaching. School officials began an internal review and conducted interviews with students.

Based on initial findings, the district contacted its contracted substitute provider, StaffEZ, and requested the individual no longer be assigned to district schools. The company subsequently terminated the substitute’s employment.

Officials said additional information led to a review of surveillance video, which was shared with the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department in accordance with federal law.

Authorities later charged the former substitute with simple assault.

School officials said the individual had previously passed background checks and training requirements. They emphasized that student safety remains a top priority and said the district is cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.