Nationwide — Nicole Staples, who was awarded as one of the Teachers of the Year in the state of Alabama, is now facing a child abuse charge after a video surfaced showing her hitting her son. The footage quickly drew attention, sparked a police investigation, and led to her removal from the classroom.
Staples teaches second grade at Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile. Deputies charged her with willful abuse of a child under 18 after viewing the video, which spread online earlier this week.
According to TMZ, the recording shows Staples striking her adolescent son with a belt several times while yelling at him for not cleaning up. She also appears to grab him by the hair before hitting him again. Investigators say the video was a major factor in opening the case.
Her recent recognition became part of the public conversation as the story circulated. Reports say she was named Co Teacher of the Year in May, which added to the public reaction.
Cottage Hill Christian Academy issued a statement saying student safety is its highest priority. School leaders said they respond quickly to any concern that may affect the well-being of the school community.
Following her arrest, the school fired Staples. A spokesperson said she was initially placed on administrative leave while the school cooperated with Mobile police.
The sheriff’s office says her children are now in safety care as the investigation continues. Deputies are interviewing the children, along with teachers and neighbors, to gather more information.