We don’t know about you, but it feels like we’re living in a world where kids aren’t necessarily as respectful as they used to be. Maybe it’s because we’re the adults now and watching the behavior, but younger people seem to be pushing boundaries to see how far they can go. This is definitely an issue in schools, where kids are trying to impress each other and teachers have to deal with a lot of baloney on the job. Sometimes, teachers reach a tipping point, but as authority figures, it’s important that they maintain their composure. Arkansas teacher Tracy Matthews allegedly lost his cool with a student and wound up in jail.
The junior high teacher reportedly put his hands on a student.
According to court documents obtained by WREG, Matthews worked as a teacher at Wonder Junior High School in West Memphis. On April 15, 2026, classroom cameras captured Matthews in a verbal altercation with a student. The teacher reportedly asked the student about his computer and did not like the response.
“Bruh, I don’t have a computer,” the student allegedly said. “I’m not your bruh. I’m your sir,” Matthews responded
After Matthews corrected the student, the student reportedly said, “My bad, lil’ bruh.” This seemed to enrage the teacher, who allegedly grabbed him by the neck and pushed him against a desk.
According to court documents, Matthews followed the student out of the classroom and allegedly pushed him against the wall and choked him. The student complained of breathing trouble.
The student went straight to the principal.
The principal reportedly reviewed the surveillance and contacted the West Memphis Police. Police arrested Matthews, who now faces an aggravated assault charge.
James Barber lives near the school and shared his disappointment with WREG.
“They’re not supposed to just put their hands on the kids like that because they call them a ‘bruh.’ He is a ‘bruh,’” he said. “He shouldn’t have never put his hands on a student like that, and he’s a teacher, too. What kind of discipline is there for the rest of the community, you know?”
Barber added that, no matter the profession, all adults need to keep themselves in check. “Anger should be left at home and not in the school, not in the workplace.”
Some understand where the teacher was coming from.
Many shared their comments on WAVY’s Facebook page.
“The teacher was wrong for laying hands on the student,” someone wrote. “But I can understand his frustration. I teach every young man that respect is earned and it starts with you extending respect. I taught my son to say yes Sir & yes Ma’am at a young age. He’s now 28 years old and still does it to this day. It makes a difference.”
This person agreed: “The respect from kids towards adults has gone down significantly over the years. The fact the kid doubled down on his statement, is the prime example. Not saying its right but i definitely understand.”
Getting frustrated is one thing; assault is totally different. We all need to respect each other. Trying to combat disrespect with violence is the wrong way to go about things. Looks like Matthews and the student need a refresher on treating others.
