Board considers whether to fire teacher who slapped student

The Associated Press

MARYVILLE, Mo. -- A teacher who has slapped two students in three years was suspended and the school board is considering whether to fire her.

During a hearing Tuesday, Northwest Technical School teacher Marilyn Hamm admitted slapping a student in her personal finance class on Oct. 10 after he used profanity and refused to listen.

Superintendent Vickie Miller has recommended that the Maryville School Board terminate Hamm's contract.

Hamm also struck a student in May 2005, said Duane Martin, an attorney for the administration. He noted that the school's discipline policy bans corporal punishment.

"Frankly, I feel Mrs. Hamm has left you with no choice," Martin said to the board.

Hamm's attorney called several witnesses who praised her dedication to students.

"Daily, I have students coming begging to have Mrs. Hamm come back to the classroom," said one of the witnesses, Terri Welch, a business instructor.

A petition in support of Hamm contained the signatures of 183 students, teachers and parents.

Hamm, with tears streaming down her eyes, said her students are her life.

"And this petition seems to indicate that I'm pretty important to them, too," she said. "Our first thought should be what is best for the students, and the students think that I am what's best for them."