John Webster is a 27-year-old physical education and health teacher at P.S. 330 in Queens, NY. The 220-pound, former college football player says he’s threatening to sue after being injured by first grade student, Rodrigo Carpio, the New York Post reports.
Carpio, who has a history of violent behavior, kicked Webster in the knee and ankle causing damage that required surgery and has prevented him from returning to his teaching position. The incident occurred in April after Carpio acted out on the way to the cafeteria. When taken to the principal’s office, Carpio “karate-kicked” Webster and pinched the principal and school safety officer according to the occurrence report.
“It’s sort of like an angel-devil sort of thing,” said the 5-foot-10 Webster, who recently filed a notice of his intent to sue the city and says he must now wear braces on his right ankle and knee. “[Rodrigo] looks like an angel, but then, all of a sudden, that halo turns into horns. It’s been a nightmare. It’s embarrassing. It’s humiliating.”
Webster’s doctor advised him not to go back to work, but a Department of Education doctor suggested he go back to school last month. Webster’s lawyer, Andrew Siben, says that although the school was repeatedly warned of the child’s behavior, they did nothing to help.
“This kid is clearly a tiny terror,” Siben said. “It’s sad that teachers like Mr. Webster are not offered protection from someone who can endanger other teachers and students.”
BMWK– Are you familiar with “tiny terrors” in your child’s school? Do you fear for your child’s well-being or that of the teachers? Is Webster making the right choice by suing? Do we do enough to protect our teachers?