A Norwalk, Connecticut math teacher has resigned from her position following an incident where she allegedly demonstrated a martial arts submission on three fifth-grade students, causing one of them to lose consciousness.
Stefanie Sanabria, who was a math coach for Norwalk Public Schools, is now facing multiple charges, including strang ulation in the second degree, reckless endangerment, and risk of injury to a minor.
Norwalk Public Schools released a statement regarding the incident, stating that the safety of their students is their top priority, and they immediately investigated the situation involving Sanabria when it occurred.
The district also reported that the moves were not part of instruction for the day, and it is unclear why Sanabria allegedly used them on her students.
According to reports, the incident took place on February 24, 2023, at Brookside Elementary School. Following the incident, Norwalk Public Schools contacted the Norwalk Police Department, who then launched an investigation into the matter.
Sanabria has since resigned from her position at the school, and her court date is set for March 10, 2023.
The job description for the position of Mathematics Coach at Brookside Elementary School, where Sanabria was employed, requires applicants to have a master’s degree and a Connecticut professional educator license.
The position involves facilitating student-centered mathematics instruction and coaching teachers and teacher teams to implement the district’s mathematics curriculum. Sanabria worked at Norwalk Public Schools from August 2021 to March 3, 2023.
It is fortunate that the student who lost consciousness did not sustain any permanent injury. However, this incident highlights the importance of ensuring that teachers are trained to use safe and appropriate disciplinary measures.
We hope that justice will be served in this case, and that the Norwalk Public Schools will take measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. It is important to remember that our children’s safety should always be our top priority, and we must work together to ensure that they are protected while they are in school.
Since 2014, Benny A. King has been fully immersed in the world of combat sports. Starting with a blog about Greco Roman wrestling, Benny’s passion for combat sports has led him to explore various disciplines.