Virginia first grade teacher shot by student in dispute over termination.

A Virginia First Grade Teacher in Dispute with School District Over Firing

In a shocking turn of events, a first-grade teacher from Virginia who was shot by her six-year-old student earlier this year is now embroiled in a dispute with her school district over whether she was fired or not.

Abby Zwerner, a dedicated first-grade teacher, received an email from Newport News Public Schools in May, informing her that she no longer works for the district. The email stated, “NNPS has processed a separation of employment for you effective the close of business 06/12/2023.”

Her attorney, Jeffrey Breit, firmly believes that Zwerner was fired. He stated, “I don’t think you can read this any other way than you’ve been fired. And that’s what she thinks. She doesn’t understand it; there’s no other communication.”

However, the district spokesperson, Michelle Price, has a different perspective. She claims that Zwerner had informed them in March that she would not be returning in the fall. Price said, “The email that Ms. Zwerner received from the Human Resources Department is a confirmation of her separation of service from Newport News Public Schools. Every employee who is separating from the school division receives a similar communication. Ms. Zwerner notified the Human Resources Department that she was resigning from her position as a teacher for NNPS on March 13, 2023.”

Despite the email from Zwerner to the Human Resources department stating, “I wish to resign. Thank you,” she was still shocked when she received the email notifying her of her separation. Her lawyer accused the district of trying to force her out two months early due to her ongoing lawsuit against school officials regarding the shooting incident.

Zwerner has filed a lawsuit for $40 million against the school board and three former administrators, alleging gross negligence and reckless breach of duty. The lawsuit claims that the school did not take heed of several warnings about the child who carried out the shooting.

Adding to the controversy, the district has not paid Zwerner since February. Her lawyer revealed that the district suggested she take worker’s compensation, but when she refused, they stopped her pay altogether.

The incident occurred on January 6 at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia. Zwerner was shot in the hand and chest while teaching her class. She suffered serious injuries and spent nearly two weeks in the hospital. The six-year-old student used a gun that belonged to his mother.

Deja Taylor, the child’s mother, has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the shooting, including unlawful use of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm and making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.