Decision On NJ Teacher Who Snorted Morphine At Classroom Desk

NEW JERSEY – An elementary school teacher in Ocean County has lost his job since he was accused of snorting morphine at his classroom desk near children.

Michael Palladino, 43, of Barnegat was charged last year with possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office. Palladino was a teacher at the Eagleswood Elementary School.

Prosecutors say he ingested the substance at his classroom desk during school hours while around teachers and students.

Palladino ultimately was convicted of possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Palladino apparently used a ballpoint pen case to snort the morphine while at his desk, according to prosecutors. He kept the ballpoint pen case in his classroom desk drawer, prosecutors say, and drug residue was found on it.

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Palladino held a teacher of elementary grades K-8 certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, and teacher of elementary grades K-8 certificates.

Palladino ultimately agreed to relinquish his certificates. At its Sept. 19 meeting, the state Board of Examiners voted to accept Palladino’s relinquishment.

Palladino's salary was $59,030 per year, according to the state Department of Education.

Palladino was not jailed 0n the charges, the OCPO said.