Alabama Teacher of the Year arrested for allegedly beating her son with a belt, as captured in a video.

An Alabama Christian school teacher has been arrested following the emergence of a disturbing video that allegedly depicts her physically abusing her son. Nicole Staples, a second-grade teacher at Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile, was taken into custody after she was charged with willful abuse of a child under the age of 18. In light of the incident, the school has announced her termination from employment.

Authorities became aware of the video after receiving a tip. The recording reportedly shows Staples using a belt to strike her 12-year-old son more than 20 times. The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office disclosed that the child can be heard in the video screaming in apparent pain, while Staples is seen pulling him by the hair and using profane language in response to his perceived misbehavior.

Sheriff Paul Burch characterized the incident as extreme abuse, remarking that it exceeded the bounds of acceptable disciplinary measures. According to Burch, another sibling residing in the household recorded the incident and subsequently shared it with an older sibling, who posted it on social media. The sheriff indicated that the nature of the recording suggested this may not have been an isolated incident.

Jackson Staples, the 24-year-old brother of the victim, stated that their mother had exhibited abusive behavior throughout their lives. Following the incident, he confirmed that the children involved, including the victim, are now being cared for by their aunt while their mother faces legal consequences.

Cottage Hill Christian Academy had previously recognized Staples as a co-Teacher of the Year in May, an accolade that has since drawn scrutiny following the revelations about her conduct. The school’s reputation, along with its commitment to providing a safe environment for students, may be affected in the wake of this incident.

The case has sparked widespread concern, highlighting issues related to child discipline and the responsibilities of educators. As the legal proceedings unfold, the safety and well-being of the children involved remain a paramount concern for law enforcement and the community at large. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the serious implications of child abuse and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable populations.