This blog is about a man I worked with in my last years of teaching. I
came to the school, not knowing anyone. It felt strange for a long time. One
of the teachers I worked with closely was in his 30's. he was a family man. His
children were young, so was his wife. I thought he had a nice manner in the
classroom. I have never seen a more organized or neater educator. His name is
Simon.
First and third impressions can be deceiving. Sadly people do not wear
signs stating their real intentions. How wonderful if we could look into the
hearts and see their true natures. Some of my second graders became his third
graders. Some moved up to fourth grade with him..When the children both boys and
girls starting telling the counselors and parents about inappropriate touching
and suggestive language, the school began to investigate.
The scandal broke, and many students came forward. It was an ugly time for
all. I could not believe the allegations. I spent many hours in that
classroom, He was my friend and coworker. I spoke to reliable people and they
insisted the stories were credible. The evidence was damning. Most of the staff
believed he was guilty.
Time passed and he was convicted, and will serve jail time. I believe in
truth and courts and the justice system. I cry for my students and innocence
lost, which is never found I wish I could have protected them. How could I
have been so wrong?
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/queens-teacher-convicted-abuse-article-1.1377199#ixzz2kMe46NCX
Queens teacher convicted of molesting students in classroom
Simon Watts abused four girls and one boy, ranging in age from 8 to 10 years old
Comments (13)By Corinne Lestch / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 4:15 PM
Todd Maisel/New York Daily News
Fourth grade teacher Simon Watts, 38, convicted of molesting 8-10 year old children at PS 15 .
A Queens teacher was convicted of molesting five of his students over three years within view of their classmates, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown announced Wednesday.
Hulking sexual predator Simon Watts abused four girls and one boy, all ranging from 8 to 10 years old, during class time while he taught them in third and fourth grades at Public School 15.
The 41-year-old pervert fondled them and forced them to touch his genitals, and then threatened them not to tell anyone. The sick acts took place while he was a teacher at the Springfield Gardens school between September 2007 and March 2010.
After the two-week trial concluded, Watts was convicted of three counts of second-degree sexual conduct against a child, two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, one count of forcible touching and five counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Watts, who had been free on $200,000 bail since shortly after his arrest in April 2010, had his bail revoked and was ordered remanded. He has been terminated by the Department of Education.
Watts, who began working as a city substitute teacher in 2000, faces up to 35 years in prison when he is sentenced July 22. His lawyer, Amy Marion, did not respond to a request for comment.
Hulking sexual predator Simon Watts abused four girls and one boy, all ranging from 8 to 10 years old, during class time while he taught them in third and fourth grades at Public School 15.
Todd Maisel/New York Daily News
Fourth grade teacher Simon Watts, 38, convicted of molesting students.
Watts, who had been free on $200,000 bail since shortly after his arrest in April 2010, had his bail revoked and was ordered remanded. He has been terminated by the Department of Education.
Watts, who began working as a city substitute teacher in 2000, faces up to 35 years in prison when he is sentenced July 22. His lawyer, Amy Marion, did not respond to a request for comment.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/queens-teacher-convicted-abuse-article-1.1377199#ixzz2kMe46NCX
Seeing we cannot be in all places at all times and do not read minds, we depend upon the children to tell us what is going on. Some do not have the words that clarify the situation. Some cover up out of shame, fear, or misinterpretation of this abusive behavior as "love." And some use our fears and the laws as weapons to destroy those they dislike, like in the play/movie, The Bad Seed. Once accused, the teacher is always seen as guilty, even if the statement is later proven false. Once abused, the child is always damaged, even after therapy, apologies, and putting the abuser in jail. It is a lose-lose situation. Prevention is the best course of action, ...and watchful, observant people who step in ahead of the disaster.
ReplyDeleteB.