Loudon County teacher investigated for relationship with student

MONA NAIR-6 News Reporter

LENOIR CITY (WATE) - A female teacher in the Loudon County school system is now under investigation after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with one of her students.

Loudon County Director of Schools Jason Vance says they opened the investigation Monday, but have not named the teacher in question.

They only say that the teacher is female and employed at Greenback School.

She's accused of having a relationship with a male student.

Vance says he was approached by parents over the weekend.

"They alluded to the fact the one of our teachers may have been having an inappropriate relationship with one of our students. I understand this happened off-campus," Vance explained.

It's not the first time a teacher at this school has been investigated in a crime like this. In 2009, a teacher at Greenback School, Amy Kennedy was investigated for exchanging inappropriate text messages with students.

Then in March 2013, another Greenback teacher, Angela Masingo was slapped with child sex charges over inappropriate Facebook messages to a high school student.

"I think they need to do a little bit better screening their teachers," said Mike Mullins, a parent.

Law enforcement is assisting the school system with its investigation.

Vance says if there is any truth to the allegations, district administrators will need to work with staff at the school.

"Probably bring in law enforcement and legal counsel to talk about what teachers should do, and how teachers should act and respond to children," Vance said.