Teacher demonstrates irrational, illegal behavior

 As students of a university that houses a first-rate education program, we understand that the discipline and dedication educators possess are exceedingly underrated in our society. It’s inspiring to know that despite having very little financial incentive, these people maintain the necessary amount of passion to deal with one of the biggest problems inherent in first and secondary American schools: smart-mouthed, entitled children who are void of a single shred of respect that their educators deserve. A good, sane teacher deals with such situations in a responsible manner: handing out detentions, ordering a visit to the principal’s office, calling the child’s parents—the standard, legal punishments. Some teachers however, snap and decide to implement more severe and illegal forms of discipline.

Last week, Kent Jones, the band teacher at Louisville's Monarch High School, received a citation for misdemeanor harassment based on allegations that he struck a student during class and has repeatedly belittled his pupils, calling them names and making them do push-ups when misbehaving. Kent pleaded not guilty to the charge and insisted “(he) didn't hit him; (he) twapped him,” according to an article in the Daily Camera.

Although we’ve never witnessed a “twap,” it’s safe to assume that any time a teacher puts his hand on a child, the situation is ugly. But it’s not a situation Kent is unfamiliar with. Within his 20-year career as a high school educator, this is the third time he’s been accused of physically and verbally abusing his students. The first instance was in May 2006 after he shoved his chest into a child’s chest and began yelling and spitting at him. The second instance occurred in October 2007 when an adult reported seeing Kent slap a student on the shoulders and back of the head.

Since the latest accusations, many students have come forth with allegations echoing those of past students and their peers. It’s a shame that a so-called reliable figure would engage in such appalling behavior. Though he claimed the group of students in question was the “class from hell,” his actions were irresponsible and negligent. How can an educator, a man who is trusted with minors, demonstrate such a blatant lack of restraint?

This isn’t the first instance of teacher stupidity, but we hope as time progresses, people will understand the severity of such actions rather than simply writing it off as something a “class from hell” deserves.