News Summary
BeTreylin Elder, a teacher at DeRenne Middle School, resigned after a troubling incident involving an 11-year-old student. The situation escalated when Elder allegedly made inappropriate comments and physically pushed the student, raising serious concerns among parents and the community. The incident has resulted in an ongoing investigation and calls for improved teacher vetting and training.
Shock in Savannah: DeRenne Middle School Teacher Resigns After Disturbing Incident
In a shocking turn of events that has left parents and students scratching their heads in disbelief, BeTreylin Elder, a teacher and football coach at DeRenne Middle School, has resigned following an incident involving a student that occurred on December 6, 2024. The fallout from this troubling matter has sparked deep concern within the school community.
The Incident Unfolds
Exclusive video footage has emerged showing Elder allegedly shoving an 11-year-old student named TJ. The confrontation reportedly began when TJ approached Elder, asking him to stop making inappropriate comments about his mother. Instead of de-escalating the situation, Elder’s response was anything but professional—he allegedly pushed TJ, causing the young boy to stumble between desks and fall hard to the ground.
Adding to the intense situation, witness statements from two fellow students have indicated that Elder went beyond mere teasing, making offensive remarks about TJ’s mother in a crude manner. One such comment involved Elder claiming he “left his shoes at TJ’s mom’s house,” which understandably upset TJ. It’s alarming that a person in a position of authority would act this way, and it’s no surprise that the incident has raised eyebrows across the community.
A Student’s Struggle
In the aftermath of the incident, TJ suffered from a concussion and multiple bruises, requiring a visit to the emergency room after the school day ended. Understandably, he is now grappling with fear about returning to school. With so much uncertainty lingering, many are left wondering how this situation could have been handled differently.
School’s Response
The school’s administration quickly got involved, with district school police being notified the very day of the incident. Just two days after the altercation, Elder submitted his resignation via email, citing “unforeseen personal circumstances” as the reason for his sudden departure. His previous experience included three years at another school out of state before he joined the Savannah Chatham County Public Schools in July 2024.
The Investigation Continues
The investigation by the Chatham County Board of Education Police Department is ongoing, and while Elder has not been charged with any legal offenses nor have any lawsuits been filed, the school community is still reeling from this incident. An assistant principal who reportedly witnessed the confrontation may provide crucial insights as the investigation unfolds.
Feelings of Betrayal
The boy’s mother, Che’Nelle Russell, has expressed feelings of betrayal and a profound lack of trust in the school system. Many parents in Savannah sympathize with her unease, especially with the potential lasting impact this might have not only on TJ but on the wider student body. Russell has taken a stance advocating for better teacher vetting and training to help prevent such troubling incidents from happening in the future.
Reassurance from the School District
In light of the situation, a communications executive from SCCPSS has stepped forward to reassure the public that the well-being and safety of students is their top priority, referring to this incident as isolated. However, many parents and community members are not entirely convinced, seeing this as a serious breach of trust that necessitates a thorough reevaluation of teacher conduct and supervision.
As this story continues to unfold, the Savannah community remains on high alert, waiting for answers and hoping for a resolution that will ensure the safety and morale of its students. This situation has highlighted the urgent need for accountability and change within the school system.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: New Details Revealed After DeRenne Middle School Teacher Shoved 11-Year-Old
- Savannah Now: Former SCCPSS Teacher Resigns After Incident
- KPEL: Video of Teacher Throwing 11-Year-Old Across Classroom
- NDTV: US Teacher Throws Student Across Classroom
- Google Search: DeRenne Middle School News
