Virginia teacher on administrative leave after being highlighted in GOA's report

May 22, 11:15 AMChicago Special Education ExaminerKindall Nelson

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The report on restraint and seclusion in special education by the Government Office of Accountability has done more than make the general public aware of the harsh and dangerous methods commonly used on children in special education classrooms. It is finally bringing to light the past sins of teachers who abused children and moved quietly to other states to continue teaching.

 According to the Loudoun Times, Dawn Marie Hamilton was fired from her job as a special education teacher in 2002 and added to the Texas registry of adults who have abused or neglected children when a 14-year-old student died after she restrained him by laying on top of him for refusing to stay in his seat.

 Cedric Napoleon, a foster child in the state of Texas, was in Ms. Hamilton's class because he was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. He was punished for refusal to do schoolwork by having his lunch delayed. Used to foraging for food in garbage cans when he was younger, Cedric tried to sneak out of the classroom and steal something to eat. When he was brought back to the classroom, he refused to sit still and reacted negatively to being held in his chair. At this point, the 230 pound Hamilton placed the 129 pound 14-year-old on the floor and laid on top of him using what she called a "therapeutic hold". When he stopped struggling and went limp they immediately let him up, but it was too late.

 Hamilton was not charged with any crime. However, she was found to have used "excessive, unnecessary force" and could no longer work in Texas. She subsequently moved to Virginia and began teaching again.

 When Virginia state officials were told of the incident, they told school officials in Loudon, who placed Hamilton on administrative leave as of May 15th pending an investigation.

 School officials do note that a proper background check was run, but because she was not charged with a crime, no flags were raised. Checks with previous employers also came back clean.

 Hamilton and her lawyers have remained unavailable for comment.

See Also:

GAO study on restraint and seclusion of special education students frightening

Parents are key to prevention of abuse in special education classrooms

Check back soon or subscribe to Kindall Nelson's Email Alerts above for updates as the investigation continues to unfold.

Click here if you would like to read the 65 page report from the Government Accountability Office.