Top video courtesy of Andrew Abelkis
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Bowie High School substitute teacher was asked to leave early in the school day Friday after he was recorded by students singing with a karaoke machine.
An Austin Independent School District representative said the teacher was asked to leave after the first period because he “wasn’t following [their] best practices.”
Contrary to rumors, AISD said the teacher was a registered substitute and was placed on campus by AISD to cover a class. KXAN received a tip the teacher, who has not been identified by the district, just walked into the classroom posing as a substitute and was later arrested, which prompted us to ask AISD about it. The teacher was not arrested, AISD said.
A Bowie student sent us a video of the substitute teacher belting out what we think is the song “Toxic” by Britney Spears, but it’s hard to tell for sure.
“I’ve heard worse Britney Spears covers, but the lights are a bit much,” said an AISD spokesperson.
AISD confirmed the teacher brought a karaoke machine to the class. AISD said the teacher didn’t have a formal AISD badge but was checked in through the front office through the visitor system, and that includes a background check.
“All processes were followed, it was simply a case of a substitute not following our practices,” AISD said.
KXAN reached out to AISD officials Tuesday on the vetting process for substitute teachers’ former jobs; we will update this story if a response is received.
According to AISD’s substitute handbook, substitute teachers are required to “follow the plans exactly as left by the regular teacher” and maintain the class’ typical routine. The handbook also prohibits computer use for anything unrelated to the regular teacher’s lesson plans or use of electronic equipment without explicit approval.
Computer Usage
Austin ISD 2021-2022 Substitute Handbook
Substitute Teachers are not to use the computer without the expressed approval of a campus administrator. Computers should only be accessed as directed in the teacher’s lesson plans and are not to be accessed for personal use other than reviewing / printing your paystub in the AISD Cloud. All substitutes are held responsible for computer usage by the students under their charge. Close supervision is required to ensure that students access appropriate material.
Use of Electronic Equipment
Substitutes are not to use cameras and/or camera phones to take pictures during the school day without prior approval from school administration. The same applies to the use of cell phones and other electronic equipment such as MP3 players, laptops, iPads, iPhones, iPods, Kindles, etc. This is a serious violation of privacy and could result in the dismissal of the substitute.
The school district confirmed the sub did pick up another job at Austin High School after the Bowie High incident and “was relieved of his duty” but not after performing another song (possibly Lady Gaga).
KXAN has reached out to the substitute teacher for an explanation, and once we hear back, we’ll update this story.
