Texas Kindergarten Teacher Faces Felony Charges After Alleged Assault on Student
A kindergarten teacher in Texas has been arrested and charged with a serious felony after authorities allege she physically assaulted a five-year-old boy in her classroom for breaking a pencil. The incident, which occurred at J.H. Hines Elementary School in Waco, has sparked outrage and led to swift action from school officials and law enforcement.
Details of the Alleged Assault Emerge from Court Documents
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by KWTX News, the alleged assault took place on January 8, when teacher Pamela Mitchell, 64, briefly left her classroom. Upon returning, she discovered that a pencil had been snapped by the young student. Court documents reveal that Mitchell allegedly lunged at the child, grabbed him, and twisted his arm behind his back before dragging him out of his seat.
The affidavit further states that Mitchell used her knee to force the child into a corner, applying pressure to his back. This violent interaction reportedly caused the boy pain, as confirmed during subsequent investigations by both the school and the Department of Family and Protective Services (CPS). The child was interviewed as part of these probes and told the principal that Mitchell's actions were hurtful.
Arrest and Legal Consequences for the Educator
Pamela Mitchell was taken into custody on Thursday, more than a month after the alleged incident, and was booked into the McLennan County Jail on Friday. She faces a charge of injury to a child, which is classified as a third-degree felony in Texas. This charge carries a potential prison sentence of up to ten years if she is convicted.
Mitchell is currently being held on a $3,000 bond while awaiting further legal proceedings. The Waco Independent School District (ISD) has confirmed that Mitchell is no longer employed by the district, having been fired following the allegations. A spokesperson for the district emphasized their commitment to student safety and thorough investigation of all reports.
School District Responds to the Serious Allegations
Jill Anderson, a spokesperson for Waco ISD, provided a statement to KWTX News regarding the incident. She assured the public that the student involved has recovered and is free from injury. Anderson added, "We recognize the gravity of this situation and remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the students in our care."
The school district also highlighted that Mitchell had started working at Hines Elementary in October 2025 and was teaching while earning her certification. Prior to this role, she had served as a substitute teacher. The alleged assault was reported to authorities after a school aide alerted CPS, leading to an internal investigation and police involvement.
In their official response, Waco ISD stated, "Waco ISD is committed to the safety and well-being of every student. We take every incident that risks the safety of our students seriously and investigate every report thoroughly to ensure our schools remain safe, supportive environments." The Daily Mail has reached out to the district for additional comment on the matter.
