Spivey given OK to return to classroom

By WILL STEWART / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

SPIVEY

Acquitted on child abuse charges last week, teacher Teresa Spivey will return to the classroom after the holidays, Director of Schools Dr. Jerry Hale confirmed yesterday.

“We talked it over and she will be returning to teach at Bobby Ray,” Hale said.

Spivey, 36, was charged with five counts of child abuse in September 2000 after she was accused of poking a mentally challenged first-grader with a straight pin as a form of discipline. Following her arrest, Spivey was suspended without pay, per school board policy, and has not been allowed to teach since. Following her acquittal, however, she is legally entitled to reinstatement to her tenured position, with all privileges previously earned, in addition to back pay.

A first-grade teacher at Hickory Creek Elementary when the charges against her were leveled, Spivey will fill a federal grant position at Bobby Ray Elementary when school resumes in January. Dr. Hale said she will be working with the school’s fourth- and fifth-grade teachers as part of a team teaching approach.

Spivey did not return phone calls for comment yesterday afternoon.