Parent accuses YISD teacher of harming students

A parent is accusing a Thomas Manor Elementary teacher of physically harming her child in an attempt to discipline.

Linda Gamboa said the teacher grabbed her third grader by the face and shoulders when the student misbehaved, and also refused to let the child sit down for an extended period of time.

"This went far beyond telling a child to be quiet or you're going to have detention," Gamboa said. "She screamed in her ear, she caused her pain, and she did this to more than one child. It's unacceptable."

Patricia Ayala, public relations director for Ysleta Independent School District said the district was aware of the problem

"We do not condone this type of behavior in any of our teachers," Ayala said. "This is being handled administratively."

While the district said it can't comment on the status of the teacher because it's a personnel matter, it does have a range of disciplinary actions for an employee who doesn't follow district guidelines

"Disciplinary action for an employee would go anywhere from a verbal reprimand, written reprimand up to termination," Ayala said. "Parents should feel secure that their children are safe and being looked after."

Gamboa said the teacher is still teaching at Thomas Manor but is not allowed to work with her daughters class.