MPS teacher speaks out after being attacked by a parent in front of students

MILWAUKEE – A Milwaukee Public Schools parent has been accused of assaulting a special education teacher at Bruce Elementary School in front of her students.

Previous coverage: https://www.tmj4.com/news/milwaukee-county/milwaukee-public-schools-parent-charged-with-assaulting-an-mps-teacher-in-front-of-her-students

Eddie Dewayne Caldwell, 53, is charged with assault by a school district official and disorderly conduct.

According to a criminal complaint, witnesses told officers that Caldwell assaulted a teacher in her classroom in front of her students at 8 a.m. on Oct. 29.

Shericka Nelson was looking forward to class on Tuesday.

“I arrived at 8 o’clock and went to the classroom because it was a very exciting day because then the kids got to go trick or treating around the classroom,” Nelson said.

Shortly after arriving, that all changed for the special education teacher. She said Caldwell, the student’s mother, and the student were sitting at the table where she sits.

Nelson said good morning to the family. That’s when she said Caldwell confronted her.

“He said, ‘My son told me you hit him and also held him down while another child hit him.’ I said, “No, that’s not true. That’s not what happened. I said, ‘If you want to get out, he’ll cut me off,'” Nelson said.

Watch: MPS teacher speaks out after being attacked by parents in front of students

MPS teacher speaks out after being attacked by a parent in front of students

She told TMJ4 that a day earlier she tried to stop Caldwell’s child and another from hitting each other.

The confrontation turned violent shortly afterwards.

“Then he just pushed me through the window, and my head jerked, and he hit me twice in the head,” Nelson said.

The incident happened in the presence of 29 students and 5 adults. Another teacher ran outside to call for help.

“After that I was shocked,” Nelson said. “I had a colleague who was there, you know, yelling like, “Stop, stop!” You know, don’t put your hands on her.’

Nelson said she did not retaliate and left the classroom and walked to the office to let them know what happened. Meanwhile, Caldwell remained in the building.

“I didn’t feel safe. I didn’t feel protected or anything,” Nelson said.

The special education teacher said she had to contact police for help. She went to the police station to report what had happened.

The attack left her with injuries to her neck, back and head, as well as emotional trauma.

“I just want to feel safe when I come to work. I never want to have to worry about something like this again,” Nelson said.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Caldwell, who is not currently in custody.

“Not only do children need to be protected and safe, but so do staff,” Nelson said.

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