Teacher Resigns After Video Shows Him Throwing 11-Year-Old Student Across Classroom

A teacher at DeRenne Middle School in Savannah has resigned following an incident in which an 11-year-old student was allegedly thrown across a classroom. The confrontation, captured on video, shows teacher and football coach BeTreylin Elder grabbing the student, identified as TJ, by the shirt and hurling him onto desks.

According to WTOC, the incident, which took place last Friday, has sparked outrage and left the student’s family demanding accountability. TJ’s mother, Che’Nelle Russell, said her son was injured and is now afraid to return to school.

Russell explained that the altercation began after Elder allegedly made inappropriate comments about her in front of the class. According to another student, the remarks were sexual in nature, with Elder reportedly saying, “he left his shoes at TJ’s mom’s house.” TJ confronted Elder, asking him to stop, but the situation escalated when Elder threw him onto the desks.

“I have never even met this teacher before, and to hear he made such remarks about me to my son is appalling,” Russell said. “For him to grab and throw my child like that is heartbreaking. The school system failed us.”

Russell said her son suffered a concussion and multiple bruises. She also expressed concerns about the emotional toll the incident might have on TJ, adding that she no longer trusts the school district to ensure student safety.

The Savannah Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) issued a statement confirming that Elder was immediately reassigned following the incident. Over the weekend, Elder submitted his resignation, which the district accepted.

“This was an isolated incident, and we take matters like this extremely seriously,” the SCCPSS statement read. “The safety and well-being of our students are of the utmost importance, and we are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment.”

Russell is calling for stronger vetting and training for teachers. “I hate that my son had to endure this for change to happen, but something needs to be done,” she said.

Local authorities have not yet announced whether criminal charges will be filed.

See the full story here via WTOC.