A 64-year-old kindergarten teacher in Waco, Texas, was reportedly charged with a felony after she allegedly injured a 5-year-old student during an incident in her classroom earlier this year.
The incident reportedly took place on January 8 at an elementary school in Waco. Authorities stated that the teacher had briefly stepped out of the classroom and returned to learn from a school aide that a student had allegedly broken a pencil while she was gone. According to an arrest affidavit, she then reportedly confronted the child about the situation.
The affidavit alleges that the teacher grabbed the boy’s arm, twisted it behind his back, and forced him out of his chair. Authorities further stated that she allegedly used her knee against the child’s back to push him into a corner of the classroom as a form of punishment. The child reportedly suffered an arm injury during the incident.
Sources report that the injury was brought to the attention of school officials, which led to an internal investigation. A Child Protective Services inquiry was also reportedly launched. During those investigations, the child was interviewed and reportedly stated that the teacher’s actions caused him pain, according to the authorities.
District police later arrested the teacher on suspicion of felony injury to a child. Authorities stated that she had begun working at the school in October 2025 and was reportedly in the process of obtaining her teacher certification. She had also reportedly worked as a substitute in the past.
According to the authorities, the teacher was no longer employed with the district as of last week. Officials also stated that the student has reportedly recovered and is no longer injured. The district indicated that it takes reports involving student safety seriously and conducts thorough investigations when concerns are raised.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a child abuse offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.