Former Alabama "Teacher of the Year" Arrested After Viral Video Shows Physical Abuse of 12-Year-Old Son

A former Alabama educator recognized as "Teacher of the Year," Randi Nicole Staples, has been arrested and dismissed from her position following the circulation of a disturbing video showing her allegedly physically assaulting her 12-year-old son with a belt. The footage was shared across social media platforms by the child's older sibling. Staples, 44, previously taught second grade at Cottage Hill Christian Academy located in Mobile, Alabama.

The video, captured by another family member present in the residence, depicts Staples repeatedly striking her young son with a belt while shouting obscenities. At one point during the incident, she is seen lifting the child by his hair. According to reports, the boy endured more than 20 strikes within a brief timeframe. The confrontation allegedly stemmed from the child's failure to complete assigned household chores.

"I didn't feel like, you know, she should be working at the school or even doing that to my little brothers. You know, she done it to me my whole life, so I'm 24. Something about he wasn't cleaning the kitchen like he was supposed to be, he left, went to the neighbor's house, come back and then it transpired into that," explained Jackson Staples, the eldest son of Randi Staples, in an interview with Fox 10.

Following the incident, authorities arrested Staples on charges of willful abuse of a child under 18 years of age, which constitutes a felony offense. She has subsequently entered a not guilty plea. Despite the incident occurring away from school property, Cottage Hill Christian Academy immediately placed Staples on administrative leave, initiated an investigation, and ultimately terminated her employment.

The school released a statement saying, "Cottage Hill Christian Academy is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment for all students. This commitment guides every action our school takes regarding student welfare and staff conduct."

Jackson Staples informed reporters that his younger brothers are currently residing with their aunt in Baldwin County. Randi Nicole Staples is scheduled to appear before the court on Friday for a formal bond hearing related to the child abuse case.

Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch characterized the actions as "repulsive" and "way beyond any form of discipline."

"I mean I'm all about disciplining a child if you have problems with them, you know, if that involves a spanking, you know, everybody disciplines their children different ways, but that was way above and beyond any form of discipline. The fact that another person in the home felt the need to video...that is somewhat telling," the sheriff stated.