When we think of kindergarten teachers, we envision kind, patient people who love little children. They presumably choose to teach kindergarten because they have a special way of connecting with the youngest and most innocent kids. Of course, we understand that every teacher has a bad day. Let’s face it: Sometimes teaching a room full of little kids can be quite a challenge. But even on the worst days, we expect our teachers to remain kind and on their best behavior.
Sadly, that’s not always the case. Just ask Pamela Mitchell. The 64-year-old kindergarten teacher at J.H. Hines Elementary School in Waco, Texas, found herself in jail after allegedly attacking a student.
According to court documents obtained by KWTX, school district police claimed Mitchell twisted the arm of a 5-year-old child and put her knee into his back because he broke a pencil. An aide reported the January 8, 2026, incident to the Department of Family and Protective Services, which then contacted school district officers.
The aide claimed the little boy broke the pencil while Mitchell was out of the room. When Mitchell returned, the aide informed her about what happened. The teacher “then went to the child and grabbed his arm, twisting it behind his back and forced him out of a chair,” KWTX reported. The aide added that Mitchell “used her knee and placed it in the center of the child’s back, forcing the child in the corner.”
During internal and CPS investigations, officials determined the incident caused the child pain. Police arrested Mitchell and booked her in McLennan County Jail on February 19.
Waco Independent School District spokesperson Jill Anderson told KWTX that Mitchell began teaching at the school in October 2025 and was working toward her certification. She’d previously served as a substitute teacher. The district confirmed its commitment to student safety.
“Waco ISD is committed to the safety and well-being of every student,” Anderson shared. “We take every incident that risks the safety of our students seriously and investigate every report thoroughly to ensure our schools remains safe, supportive environments.”
She added Mitchell has been fired and the school district will continue to help authorities with the investigation. “The student has recovered and is free from injury,” Anderson told the outlet. “We recognize the gravity of this situation and remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the students in our care.”
Teaching is a vocation, and it’s certainly not for everyone. Perhaps Mitchell should look into a different career.
