Former Teacher Speaks Out Against Allegations
Kimberly Fleming-McBeth recently found out she’s no longer facing charges stemming from an alleged attack in February.
“I was happy, I was grateful. I was just ecstatic; I was happy,” said Fleming-McBeth.
Police arrested her for allegedly pushing one of her students into the wall while she was substitute teaching at San Gorgonio Middle School . Police and the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office said they didn’t find enough evidence to press charges.
“I would say that I was happy to know that it was over, but technically it’s not over because my whole career was just demolished,” said Fleming-McBeth.
Beaumont Unified School District fired her and sent a letter to have the state revoke her license.
She said that probably won’t happen but she has plenty of other things to deal with.
She was released from the teaching credential program at the University of Redlands, and she still has to pay off her student loans.
The mother of five also said she had to pull one of her daughters out of school and 2 of her other children have faced teasing at school.
“I think the mistake I made when I went there was I trusted them (the students). And I should have never done that. I should have done what most teachers do and that’s kept the kids at a distance,” said Fleming-McBeth.
Fleming-McBeth said some students at San Gorgonio Middle School are still circulating a video of the alleged attack. She says others students supported her and told their side of the story to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
She said she has a pending civil case.
It’s just one of several recent cases against teachers, many getting national attention.
A court recently acquitted Georgia teacher Tonya Craft of allegedly molesting three girls, including her own daughter at a sleepover.
“Little magic wand fingers they can just point at you and your whole life is ruined, with the point of a finger, and they know that and they’re doing it. Any chance they can take to do it, they’re doing it,” said Fleming-McBeth.
Fleming-McBeth said she still wants to teach.
She says it’s her passion.
But it might be a while before she can.
