Substitute teacher terminated after simple assault charges
PRESS RELEASE FROM WEAKLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS:
DRESDEN, Tenn. — On Monday, April 20, Dresden Elementary administration became aware of concerns regarding interactions in a 3rd grade classroom while a substitute was teaching.
Administration began looking into the situation and conducted initial interviews with students. Based on those interviews, we then communicated with StaffEZ, our contracted provider for substitute teachers, and informed them this individual was no longer to be assigned to any of our schools. StaffEZ immediately notified the individual of their termination of employment.
On Tuesday morning, after more information was brought forth indicating that physical contact may have occurred in the hallway, we reviewed video footage. In keeping with federal law, the Weakley County School District and Weakley County Sheriff’s Department worked together to ensure proper channels were followed to release the video footage to the Sheriff’s Office.
We have since been informed that the former substitute has been charged with simple assault. While this individual had previously passed all StaffEZ background checks and training, we take this matter extremely seriously. This behavior is unacceptable for anyone who works with our students.
The safety and wellbeing of our students is our number one priority, as well as the number one priority for StaffEZ. We are proud of the students who came forward to share their experiences. They did the right thing, and we encourage others to do the same if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
We are fully cooperating with law enforcement officials and are grateful for their partnership, investigation, and the care they showed while working with our students.
According to the affidavit, the General Sessions Court of Weakley County says “through investigation, it was determined that on 4/20/2026 the defendant did unlawfully and without consent grab a juvenile by their face. The defendant and juvenile were located in the3rd/4th grade hallway entry at the Dresden Elementary School, 759 Linden St. B, Dresden, TN. This incident was recorded by school cameras and the affiant did view the incident through the camera recording. This incident did occur in Weakley County, TN.”
Regarding to her mugshot, Captain Stephany Robinson said “We do not currently have a mugshot of Paula Bell. She has not been booked into this facility.”
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