Accused of sexual abuse 8 months into teaching

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Accused of sexual abuse 8 months into teaching

by KalipsoRed

2 hours

Fortunately I had a career as an RN for well over a decade before deciding to give up nursing to try teaching. I have a 5 and 1 year old that took me a decade to get, so I just wanted to be on the same schedule. None of the schools around here had RN openings (LVNs yes, but not RNs, and even though I was willing to take the pay cut, they wouldn't hire me for an LVN spot with my RN.) So when presented with the opportunity to work as a preschool teacher for 4 year olds, I jumped at it.

I love kids, and it has been a real joy. Way better than getting cursed at and having pee and poop thrown at you. The 70% pay cut is whack, but I am willing to live in near poverty to see my kids on a regular basis.

A week ago one of my student's parents accused me of sexually assaulting her son with my finger. I was suspended with pay. It has been a week and I have yet to have been interviewed by CPS or the police. I have a criminal lawyer that I cannot afford, but will call if the pol...See MoreFortunately I had a career as an RN for well over a decade before deciding to give up nursing to try teaching. I have a 5 and 1 year old that took me a decade to get, so I just wanted to be on the same schedule. None of the schools around here had RN openings (LVNs yes, but not RNs, and even though I was willing to take the pay cut, they wouldn't hire me for an LVN spot with my RN.) So when presented with the opportunity to work as a preschool teacher for 4 year olds, I jumped at it.

I love kids, and it has been a real joy. Way better than getting cursed at and having pee and poop thrown at you. The 70% pay cut is whack, but I am willing to live in near poverty to see my kids on a regular basis.

A week ago one of my student's parents accused me of sexually assaulting her son with my finger. I was suspended with pay. It has been a week and I have yet to have been interviewed by CPS or the police. I have a criminal lawyer that I cannot afford, but will call if the police come. My husband and I are terrified that some how they will end up taking our kids. And the lawyer said even in the best case scenario I will have to pay to have this unfounded CPS report expunged from my record and have an additional investigation through the Texas Board of Nursing to ensure my license stays clear.

I have been a bedside nurse for a long time. I worked the ER. I am pretty good at reading people. There was no indication that this parent had an issue with me…and the kid is a good kid. I am left now trying to defend my reputation, which I can, because I have an inch thick folder with every patient letter and manager evaluation I've ever had. I've won awards for my nursing ability and integrity. I have 3 licenses in 3 states, all of which have been unencumbered since 2008.

I am so fortunate that I had an aide with me this year. So I am only alone with my class 15 minutes before lunch and 30 minutes for the second half of nap so my aid can eat her lunch. And I've never had to help this kid change his clothes or help him with the bathroom. And sadly, I did help at least 4 of my students with accidents this year….I didn't ask for supervision….I don't have supervision to wipe butts in the hospital. And CNAs are stretched so thin, I usually had to do my own baths….for 17 years and $46/ hr as of last year.

But when this is all over, I don't think I will continue this career change. $17/ hr is not enough to hire a lawyer. And what if I decided to move up to Kindergarten where they have no aides? Can other 5 year olds speak up for me and say I didn't touch their classmate? Not to mention what my children would have to go through if such an accusation happened when they were older….how many friends they would lose?…..where they would no longer be welcome. My 5 year old still may have to suffer some of that, but there is absolutely nothing I can do.

I hope nothing is happening to my student. But I have no clue how I got wrapped up in it.

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