Special ed teacher charged with child abuse of student

WEST VALLEY CITY — A junior high school teacher was charged Tuesday with child abuse after allegedly pushing one of her students and throwing a soda can at him.

Kimberley Wallace, 49, was charged in 3rd District Court with child abuse, a class A misdemeanor.

A 14-year-old West Lake Junior High student told police that he was at school Feb. 29 when his teacher, Wallace, became upset with him for bringing a soda to class. He said he argued with Wallace, drank the soda and threw the can away.

The student said Wallace became angry with him, removed the can from the trash and smashed it in his hand. Wallace then began pushing him out of the classroom and once out the door, Wallace picked up the can and threw it at him, striking him in the shoulder, the charges state.

The student received scratches to his forearm, elbow and back, prosecutors said. Wallace is listed as a special education teacher on the school's website.

Granite School District spokesman Ben Horsley said disciplinary action has already been taken against Wallace. He said Wallace's employment has not been terminated but her actions were deemed inappropriate by the district.

Horsley could not confirm whether the incident occurred during a special education course.

Calls to Wallace were not returned.

— Benjamin Wood