A substitute teacher named Melissa Martin, 47, allegedly brought cocaine into her classroom leading to a situation where she mistook one of her students for a dog. The incident occurred at Barre Town Middle and Elementary School in Vermont. Martin was charged with cocaine possession and reckless endangerment after being found under the influence of drugs at the school.
Upon police arrival, Martin admitted to having cocaine in her jacket pocket. A subsequent K-9 search uncovered more cocaine in her jacket and backpack, totaling less than 2.5g of the substance. Barre Town Police Chief William Dodge stated that Martin faces charges of cocaine possession and reckless endangerment due to her drug use while responsible for the students in her classroom.
A concerned parent, identified as Brittany, reported that her son, who was in Martin’s class, observed the teacher exhibiting erratic behavior. The boy witnessed Martin almost falling asleep during the lesson and later mistaking him for her pet dog named Teddy when he followed her out of the classroom.
Following the incident, Martin, who had been a permanent substitute teacher for approximately three years, was dismissed from her position. She pleaded not guilty to charges of cocaine possession and reckless endangerment and was released with court conditions prohibiting her from entering school premises.
The superintendent of the Barre Unified Union School District, Joan Canning, reassured parents that despite the allegations, their children’s safety was not compromised as Martin was no longer present at the school. Canning emphasized the importance of reporting any concerns to ensure a safe learning environment for all students.