Fort Smith teacher charged with battery after classroom video incident

Special education teacher pleads not guilty, faces possible jail time and fine

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:35am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken pencil or ruler, with harsh shadows and stark lighting, conceptually representing the aftermath of a troubling classroom incident.A broken classroom object captures the aftermath of a troubling incident of alleged violence against a special needs student.Fort Smith Today

A Fort Smith special education teacher at Euper Lane Elementary has been charged with misdemeanor third-degree battery after classroom video showed her striking and slapping a 12-year-old special needs student. The teacher has pleaded not guilty, is barred from the classroom during the investigation, and faces a possible year in jail and fine if convicted in Fort Smith City Court.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of special needs students in schools and the need for greater accountability and oversight when allegations of abuse or violence arise. It also raises questions about teacher burnout and the challenges faced by educators, especially those working with vulnerable student populations.

The details

According to police, the video footage showed the teacher, whose name has not been released, striking and slapping the 12-year-old special needs student multiple times during a classroom incident. The teacher has been charged with misdemeanor third-degree battery and has pleaded not guilty. She has been barred from the classroom during the investigation and faces a possible sentence of up to one year in jail and a fine if convicted in Fort Smith City Court.

  • The alleged incidents occurred in the classroom on an unspecified date.
  • The teacher has been charged and pleaded not guilty in Fort Smith City Court.

The players

Euper Lane Elementary

The Fort Smith school where the alleged battery incident took place.

Fort Smith City Court

The court where the teacher is facing charges and a potential sentence.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure the safety and well-being of all students, especially those with special needs, in our schools.”

— Robert Jenkins, Fort Smith resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the teacher out on bail during the ongoing investigation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in providing safe and supportive learning environments for special needs students, as well as the need for greater accountability and support for teachers facing burnout and other mental health struggles.