Virginia teacher Abby Zwerner resigns after being shot by 6-year-old student
Abby Zwerner, the first-grade teacher who was shot by her 6-year-old student in Virginia, has resigned from her position, according to school officials. The incident occurred on January 6 when Zwerner was shot in the hand and chest as she sat at a reading table in her classroom. She spent nearly two weeks in the hospital and has endured multiple surgeries. She sued the district for $40 million, alleging that the boy had a gun and was in a violent mood that day, and that school officials ignored multiple warnings. School officials have denied the claims and have asked a judge to dismiss the case, stating that Zwerner’s injuries fall under the state’s workers compensation act.
FAQs:
What happened to Abby Zwerner?
Abby Zwerner, a first-grade teacher in Virginia, was shot by her 6-year-old student in her classroom on January 6. She was shot in the hand and chest and spent nearly two weeks in the hospital.
Why did Abby Zwerner sue the district for $40 million?
Abby Zwerner sued the district for $40 million, alleging that school officials ignored multiple warnings that the boy had a gun and was in a violent mood that day.
What has the school board’s response been to the lawsuit?
The school board has denied the claims and has asked a judge to dismiss the case, stating that Zwerner’s injuries fall under the state’s workers compensation act.
What is the status of the lawsuit?
The lawsuit is pending.
Has Abby Zwerner resigned from her position?
Yes, Abby Zwerner has resigned from her position.
Why did Abby Zwerner resign?
Abby Zwerner resigned in March and her last day of contract was on Monday, June 14. School officials have refuted claims that she was fired and provided emails between the district and Zwerner in which she wrote, “I wish to resign. Thank you.”
What happened to the student who shot Abby Zwerner?
The 6-year-old student who shot Abby Zwerner had used his mother’s gun. His mother, Deja Taylor, pleaded guilty in federal court to using marijuana while owning a firearm, which is illegal under U.S. law. Taylor is facing charges on the state level of felony child neglect and reckless storage of a firearm. A trial for those counts is set for August.
6-year-old student shoots Virginia teacher Abby Zwerner, causing her resignation.
After being shot by her 6-year-old student in Virginia, Abby Zwerner, the first-grade teacher, has resigned from her position, said school officials on Tuesday. Zwerner sued the district for $40 million, two months after the incident. According to Newport News Public Schools, Zwerner’s contract ended on Monday, and she informed human resources in March that she wouldn’t be returning for the upcoming school year. She suffered injuries to her hand and chest, spent two weeks in the hospital, and underwent multiple surgeries.
Zwerner accused the school officials of ignoring the warnings of the boy’s violent behavior, which led to the incident. The school board asked a judge to dismiss the case, highlighting that the injuries fall under the state’s workers’ compensation act. Zwerner’s lawyers denied the board’s claim and argued that she could reasonably expect to work with young children who pose no danger. The school board said Zwerner has refused to accept workers’ compensation.
Deja Taylor, the boy’s mother, pleaded guilty to using marijuana while owning a firearm, which is illegal under US law. She is facing charges on the state level of felony child neglect and reckless storage of a firearm. A trial for those counts is scheduled for August. Zwerner’s resignation is another development in the aftermath of the shooting, which has affected the city and its citizens.