Elizabeth, NJ – May 24, 2025 — A mother’s allegations that her 6-year-old son was scratched and bruised by a teacher at a New Jersey elementary school have led to an official investigation by school and state authorities.
The incident, which allegedly occurred at Dr. Orlando Edreira Academy School No. 26 in Elizabeth, has ignited community concern and renewed questions about teacher accountability and student safety in public schools.
According to the child’s mother, Shakira Jackson, her son Ean Rodriguez returned home from school on May 22 with visible bruises on his arms. When she asked what had happened, the boy reportedly said, “The teacher scratched me.”
Jackson shared her alarm in a now widely circulated video: “I only saw one bruise until he raised his arms, and I asked him what happened. He said, ‘The teacher scratched me.’ I was in disbelief.”
The Allegation and Visible Bruising
Photographs provided by Jackson to media outlets show distinct bruising on both of Ean’s arms. The mother claims her son had previously complained about being mistreated but that this was the first time he came home with physical evidence.
She filed an incident report with both the school administration and local law enforcement shortly after discovering the injuries.
“This is unacceptable,” Jackson said during a press conference outside the school. “My son is six years old. No one should be putting their hands on a child, especially not someone entrusted to educate and protect him.”
School District and Official Response
Elizabeth Public Schools issued a statement confirming that the incident had been reported and is under active investigation. The teacher in question has not been named publicly, and it is unclear if they have been placed on administrative leave.
“The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority,” the statement read. “We take any and all allegations of misconduct seriously and are cooperating fully with all investigative bodies.”
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) has been notified, and an inquiry is underway. Under New Jersey law, any suspicion of child abuse in a school setting must be reported to DCF for assessment.
The agency is authorized to take protective action, including interviews with students, staff, and potential witnesses, as well as reviews of the teacher’s history and conduct.
Community Reaction and Rising Tensions
The local community has responded with concern and anger. Parents gathered outside the school in solidarity with Jackson, holding signs that read “Protect Our Kids” and “Zero Tolerance for Abuse.” Some have begun organizing town hall meetings with school board members and city officials.
“It’s heartbreaking that a child had to go through this,” said Marisol Rivera, a local parent. “We want to believe our kids are safe at school, but now we’re second-guessing everything.”
The Parent-Teacher Organization at Edreira Academy has issued a call for transparency, urging the school district to update families regularly about the investigation and to review its teacher training and disciplinary procedures.
Teacher Conduct and Oversight in New Jersey
In the state of New Jersey, educators are required to maintain professional conduct at all times and are subject to strict disciplinary rules if found in violation of state codes of conduct. Physical contact with students, except in cases of restraint to prevent harm, is heavily scrutinized.
If the teacher is found responsible, they could face disciplinary action ranging from suspension to termination, and their teaching credentials could be revoked by the New Jersey Department of Education. The department maintains public records of such actions, which can be found on the NJDOE Educator Discipline Website.
Psychological Impact and Support for Students
Experts warn that such incidents, even if isolated, can have long-term psychological effects on children. Dr. Lena Walker, a child psychologist in Newark, says that early exposure to authority figure misconduct can disrupt a child’s sense of safety.
“When young children are harmed by those they are supposed to trust, it affects not just their mental health but their academic development and social confidence,” Dr. Walker said. “Immediate support and counseling are crucial.”
According to Jackson, her son is receiving counseling and has been temporarily withdrawn from classes until further notice. “He’s scared to go back,” she said. “He keeps asking, ‘Is the teacher going to hurt me again?’”
A Larger Pattern?
While isolated, the case has renewed scrutiny of how schools in the state handle allegations of teacher misconduct. In 2023 alone, the New Jersey Department of Education reported over 700 formal complaints involving staff misconduct, ranging from verbal abuse to physical altercations.
Advocates are calling for better training for educators in conflict de-escalation and classroom management, especially when working with young or special-needs children.
Moving Forward
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not indicated how long it will take to reach a conclusion but have urged anyone with relevant information—including fellow students, staff, or parents—to come forward.
Elizabeth Public Schools has said that it will conduct an internal review of school policies and reinforce its guidelines for staff interactions with students. The district also pledged to communicate any major developments to families via its parent portal and official website: Elizabeth Public Schools.
As for Jackson and her son, the family is seeking legal counsel and may file a civil suit depending on the outcome of the investigation. “This isn’t just about my son anymore,” Jackson said. “It’s about every child who walks through those school doors. They deserve to be safe.”
For details on the child welfare reporting process, visit the NJ DCF Reporting Guidelines.
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