Ardmore teacher accused of abusing first-grade student
ARDMORE, Okla. (KTEN) — An Ardmore school teacher has been accused of physically and verbally abusing one of her first-grade students.
Susan Marie Hartman, 62, was arrested Tuesday and charged with child abuse by injury after the March 27 incident at Charles Evans Elementary School.
A police statement said Hartman was walking her class to lunch when she began scolding a developmentally disabled student, "clapping in his face." According to the narrative, Hartman "grabbed his left wrist and jerked him aggressively out of the line."
An unnamed school official questioned about the incident told investigators that she "absolutely believes [the student] was in pain when Susan jerked him around."
The entire incident was recorded by surveillance cameras.
The district attorney's office reviewed the evidence and decided to press charges.
Hartman was released on bond and is on administrative leave from her teaching position. Police said the Ardmore City Schools superintendent is considering possible termination.