A former teacher’s allegations and a parent’s decision to pull her son from Dodson Elementary are raising questions about student safety and accountability inside Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) special education classrooms.¶
Former Dodson Elementary School special education teacher Amelia Cato, who resigned from her position at the school on Aug. 19, spoke at the MNPS Board of Education meeting on Sept. 22 and said that she quit because she believes the school’s leaders did not adequately respond to her allegations that she witnessed paraprofessionals verbally and physically mistreat special education students.¶
“When I raised my concerns with my administration, I was told I have to play devil's advocate,” Cato said. “But this is bigger than my classroom. Principals must be held accountable for the safety and well-being of every student, faculty member, and staff member in their building. Tennessee requires suspected child abuse and neglect to be reported.”¶
Cato Calls for Independent Review
Cato told board members that she repeatedly raised concerns about the treatment of students during her time at Dodson and alleged that school leadership did not take her concerns about verbal and physical mistreatment of special education students seriously enough.¶
Tennessee requires anyone who reasonably expects child abuse or neglect to report it, according to the Department of Children’s Services. State special education guidance also says restraint or isolation of a student receiving special education services is limited to emergencies. Cato told the board she believed her concerns should have prompted a stronger response rather than being handled internally.¶
“I could no longer watch children be hurt by adults while my administration was sweeping my concerns under the rug,” Cato said. “When I raised my concerns with my administration, I was told I have to play devil’s advocate.”¶
A Parent Speaks Up
Brenna Kraus, a parent of a student who used to be in Cato’s class, said her son left school in emotional distress and with physical bruising that she now believes was due to abuse, according to a WKRN article. She said the Department of Children’s Services was already investigating before she learned about Cato’s allegations through TikTok. Kraus said Cato described prolonged incidents involving a paraprofessional in which Liam was crying and distressed, and another adult sometimes had to intervene.¶
“MNPS Dodson Elementary has a lot to answer for and they got the right one with me,” Kraus said in a Facebook post. “Today my worst fear for my son has come true and I will not stop until I have answers and these babies have justice!!! Insanity!!!”¶
WKRN reports that MNPS has placed the paraprofessionals allegedly involved in the allegations on administrative leave while the Department of Children’s Services investigation continues. Cato, however, is asking the district for an independent investigation and “meaningful corrective action.” Her request focused on how school systems respond when employees raise concerns about students who may be unable to describe what happened to them, and how much information families receive while concerns are being investigated.¶
“Protect the children, protect the employees who speak up, and hold leadership accountable when they fail to do either,” Cato said.¶
