A former “Teacher of the Year” stands accused of brutally assaulting an 11-year-old student more than 20 times in the head and stomach, exposing how our education system fails to protect the most vulnerable children from those entrusted with their care.
Story Highlights
- Caroline Perkins, former “Teacher of the Year,” arrested for allegedly striking student over 20 times
- Victim was defenseless 11-year-old who simply put his head down on desk during class
- Multiple student witnesses reported the assault to school authorities
- St. Johns County teacher now faces criminal charges and loss of teaching license
Decorated Teacher Accused of Shocking Classroom Violence
Caroline “Carrie” Lee Perkins, a 7th-grade science teacher at a St. Johns County, Florida middle school, was arrested after allegedly grabbing an 11-year-old student by the hair and repeatedly pounding his head and stomach during class. The former “Teacher of the Year” honoree faces criminal charges for what witnesses describe as a vicious assault on a defenseless child who had simply placed his head on his desk.
Student Witnesses Expose Brutal Attack
Multiple students in Perkins’ classroom witnessed the alleged assault and courageously reported it to school staff, triggering an immediate investigation. According to reports, the 11-year-old victim attempted to shield himself while seated as Perkins allegedly delivered blow after blow. The brave student witnesses provided consistent accounts to law enforcement, demonstrating the shocking nature of what they observed in what should have been a safe learning environment.
Criminal Charges Filed Against Award-Winning Educator
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office arrested Perkins on charges related to child abuse and battery of a student by a school authority. She was subsequently released on bond pending trial proceedings. The school district immediately removed Perkins from the classroom and placed her on administrative leave while cooperating fully with law enforcement. Florida’s Education Practices Commission will likely pursue revocation of her teaching license regardless of the criminal case outcome.
Betrayal of Trust Highlights System Failures
This case exposes fundamental problems with how schools recognize and monitor educators entrusted with children’s safety. Perkins had no previous disciplinary record and was celebrated as “Teacher of the Year,” yet allegedly committed a brutal assault over minor classroom disengagement. The incident raises serious questions about whether recognition programs adequately evaluate an educator’s fitness to work with vulnerable students and whether districts properly screen for warning signs of potential abuse.
Parents across America must demand accountability from school systems that fail to protect children from predatory educators who abuse their authority. This shocking case demonstrates why stronger oversight, better training, and zero tolerance for physical abuse must become standard practice in every classroom across our nation.
Sources:
Former Mount Olive NJ Middle School Teacher Charged Sexual Assault
