An Indiana high school teacher was given an early retirement enabling him to collect his pension after an incident in which he allegedly hit a student.
On Friday, Feb. 25, surveillance footage in Jimtown High School in Elkhart, Indiana, caught Mike Hosinski allegedly striking a child after the two allegedly got into a back and forth discussion in the school’s hallway. Hosinski has taught at the school for 40 years.
The verbal exchange was reportedly about the student wearing a hoodie to class. South Bend Tribune reports the student suffered visible injuries and had to be treated. In the video, Hosinski allegedly is seen running after the student. Once he catches up to him, he uses the child’s backpack to sling him against the wall. After some brief words, Hosinski swiftly strikes the child’s head, sending his head against the wall. The kid then falls to the ground and Hosinski walks away.
“The slap caused the student’s head to strike the wall; the student suffered visible injuries,” Baugo School District said in a news release. “Medical staff immediately treated the student.”
That same day, the school confirmed in a press release that Hosinski was no longer a staff member in the school district and that he was not allowed on school grounds. On Sunday, the district sent out a statement to families saying Hosinski was not fired but instead approved for retirement. Several supporters of Hosinski have shown their support for the former teacher online, and a change.org petition, which now has more than 1,300 signatures, has been posted.
“The safety of students attending Baugo Community Schools is our highest priority and greatest responsibility,” the district said. “When anyone, including a teacher, undermines that priority and responsibility, swift action must and will be taken to safeguard Jimtown students. Anything less cannot be tolerated.”
During a Monday (Feb. 28) meeting, Hosinski was granted retirement; he will be able to receive his full pension per his request, The Charlotte Observer reports.
Congratulations Mr. Hosinski: JHS Teacher of the Year. pic.twitter.com/3xKuvy0gyv
— Jimtown High School (@JimtownHigh) May 7, 2020
