Teacher Arrested for Assault on Autistic Students

Susan Martin, a special education teacher at Thacher Elementary School in Attleboro, Massachusetts, has been arrested and charged with two counts of assault and battery on students with intellectual disabilities. The charges stem from incidents on November 26, where Martin allegedly slapped two 5-year-old autistic students, incidents witnessed by multiple staff members. Following the allegations, Martin was placed on administrative leave and later apprehended after a trip to Florida. Attleboro Public Schools Superintendent David Sawyer described the situation as a 'profound betrayal of trust' and emphasized the district's commitment to student safety and cooperation with law enforcement. The incidents have sparked outrage and concern among parents, with calls for greater accountability and communication from the school district.