Administrative Hearing Wraps Up In Case Against Special Education Teacher

It was the second day of testimony in a case that could affect the career of an Effingham County special education teacher.  Sara Hart has been accused of abusing students… And is fighting a one year suspension of her license by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
On the stand throughout the early afternoon Sara Hart addressed allegations against her one by one.  In testimony over two days - former co-workers accused her of abusing children in her classes both physically and emotionally.  She explained her actions to the court and prosecutor Rebecca Mick, “You’ve testified that you didn’t do anything wrong, isn’t that correct?” 
“Right - these situations have been looked at and you know, misconstrued to be what they were not,” said Hart.
“Can you tell us any motive why these 5 or 6 or actually 7 professionals would come forward and testify very differently from what you’ve told us here today?” asked Mick.  “I don’t know what the motivation would be for these women who I had working relationships with for years would choose to do things this way rather than say something to my face,” said Hart.

There were also witnesses who spoke up for the teacher…some co-workers and parents of students in her class.  Before the case wrapped up - the prosecution called a surprise witness to rebut one who allegedly made statements in the past inconsistent with her testimony.  “I think Sara has a passion for teaching, I think she’s in a very high stressful situation and I think she made some choices that were questionable,” said Special Education Resource Teacher Cathy Kreum.  Choices that may have been questionable - but not deserving of punishment according to Hart’s attorney.  “If there’s a suspension of her certificate for even one day - you know that is a punishment not only to Sara Hart but of the children in this community whom Sara has served so well,” said Alan Lowe.

It could take the judge in the case up to two months to make his recommendation to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission regarding Sara Hart’s license to teach.  We’ll let you know what happens.