Robert Crosland an Idaho, Preston Junior High School science teacher is under investigation after allegedly feeding a puppy to a snapping turtle. A smorgasbord of ‘classroom delights….’
A popular Idaho High school science teacher is under investigation after allegedly feeding a ‘puppy’ to a snapping turtle in front of students.
The teacher, Robert Crosland who has long taught at Preston Junior High School in has not been charged or suspended pending the investigation. The science teacher has not been placed on administrative leave reported EastIdahoNews.com.
In a news release on Friday, Preston School District Superintendent Marc Gee said his administration became aware of ‘a regrettable circumstance involving some of the biological specimens’ on March 7.
Noted the news release, ‘The event occurred well after students had been dismissed and was not a part of any school-directed program,’
‘We emphasize that at no time was the safety of students or staff compromised.’
Not clear was whether the dog was alive or dead when Crosland fed it to the turtle.
Administrators began investigating the incident immediately, according to Gee with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office contacted.
Reiterated Gee, ‘A part of any investigation includes determining the best course of action once the facts of the matter have been ascertained. This is not a situation that is easy, nor do we feel it is a measure that can be taken lightly’.
Robert Crosland science teacher known for exotic snakes and other animals and feeding stunts:
Crosland, a popular teacher according to students and parents is noted for having exotic snakes and other animals in tanks around his classroom. Three former students told of Crosland once feeding guinea pigs to snakes and snapping turtles during classroom demonstrations.
‘He is a cool teacher who really brought science to life,’ a former student said via EastIdahoNews. ‘I loved his class because he had turtles and snakes and other cool things.’
Which is to wonder how far ought any school teacher go to prove a point, even a scientific one?
Gee said the district was taking steps to ensure ‘this type of action could not be repeated’ and asked for patience while the investigation commenced.
‘While the district certainly does not condone individual actions that may violate district policy or reasonable expectations of behavior, we hope that any errors in judgment made by a teacher in this instance will not cause us to forget the years of care, effort and passion the teacher has given to students in Preston School District,’ Gee said.
Crosland has to date declined media overture for comment.
Preston teacher charged after feeding delicious puppy to snapping turtle in front of shocked class.
