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Ex-Standard Middle School teacher accused of hitting students must take anger management course for plea deal

Shannon Robinson must complete 10-week anger management course
Posted at 12:05 PM, Jul 17, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-17 15:34:32-04

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A former Standard Middle School teacher who was accused of hitting students in her class as well as calling some of them names has taken a plea deal and will have to complete an anger management course as a condition of the deal.

Shannon Robinson pleaded no contest to a pair of misdemeanor battery on a person charges on July 5.

The Kern County District Attorney's Office confirmed to 23ABC News that as part of the deal, the charges could be dismissed on Jan. 7, 2020 if Robinson completes a 10-week anger management course approved by the probation department and commits no new law violations.

The D.A.'s Office says this is common resolution for misdemeanor cases "as it compels the defendant to accept responsibility while providing a path to reform, and provides a strong incentive to address the underlying cause of criminal conduct – in this case, anger management issues."

As of Jan. 9, Robinson was on paid administrative leave with the Standard School District. She started at Standard Middle in August of 2018.

Standard School District Superintendent Paul Meyers confirmed to 23ABC News that Robinson is no longer employed by the district. Her last day of employment was May 31, Meyers said.

In January, Robinson was charged with two misdemeanor counts of battery on a person in January, stemming from a November incident during which she allegedly yelled at students in her math class, according to court documents obtained by 23ABC News. She was initially arrested on 28 misdemeanor counts of willful cruelty to a child and two counts of battery.

According to court documents, Robinson allegedly told the students in November that "they were idiots for failing," and even "got into the faces of several students." At one point, Robinson allegedly hit a student in the arm. Robinson then allegedly told a student that "no one will love you if you don't get good grades. No one loves you now."

Two students also told investigators that Robinson hit them.