Student uses phone cam to get back at bully teacher

With a phone camera, a special-needs student in New Jersey managed to turn the tables on a teacher who had been bullying him.

 

US-based ABCNews.com quoted the school district superintendent as saying teacher Steven Roth now faces disciplinary action for his actions.

 

The ABCNews.com report said Roth was heard on the recording calling the 15-year-old student a "tard" and saying, "I will kick your a** from here to kingdom come."

 

Gloucester County Special Services District Superintendent Michael Dicken said that after an executive session held Wednesday, "the Board of Education voted to enact disciplinary action against the teacher."

 

Roth, who was identified by the student's family, is now on paid administrative leave from Bankbridge Regional School in Gloucester County, N.J.

 

School board member Leona Mather added they are following the statutes of the state of New Jersey.

 

"When something like this comes up, believe me, we take this very, very seriously," she said.

 

Mather said the teacher will be notified about the school board's decision by their attorney.

 

"It's not an easy thing for the board to see. We pride ourselves in the education of special needs children. We have a superb teaching staff, we have public recognition all the time. It's a wonderful district, I'm very proud to be associated with it," she said.

 

The ABCNews.com report said that when the boy, who has ADHD and emotional issues, first told his parents about Roth's bullying, they were skeptical.

 

Video recording

 

But eventually, his father gave him permission to take his cell phone to school and record the bullying - and the boy did that last Oct. 24.

 

On the video, which lasted nearly 10 minutes, the boy had asked the teacher several times to stop calling him "special," provoking an outburst from Roth.

 

The ABCNews.com story said the video also showed Roth to appear to use physical intimidation, walking up to the boy and standing directly in front of him.

 

The boy's mother said she was appalled after watching the video. "I'm just appalled. I'm sickened and appalled," she said.

 

Roth has been at the school for eight years, according to the boy's mother.

 

"Teachers are supposed to build students up and build their self esteem, not rip it down. You don't scream at them ... degrade and threaten," she added. — TJD, GMA News