Woodbridge Teacher Who Ridiculed Student, Cursed Out Cafeteria Worker Loses License for 2 Years

WOODBRIDGE, NJ - A former Woodbridge math teacher who ridiculed an ESL student, cursed out a cafeteria worker and called another student a "Loser!!" on Facebook had her teaching license revoked for two years by the State Board of Examiners, on behalf of the New Jersey Dept. of Education. The board's decision was made public Wednesday.

Paula Weckesser was at risk of losing her license entirely, but the State Board of Examiners decided a two-year suspension was sufficient. Weckesser used to teach high school math at both Woodbridge High School and JFK Memorial High School. However, she was fired from her tenured position in 2013, on charges of unbecoming conduct and insubordination. The Woodbridge school district alleged that Weckesser conducted herself "in an inappropriate and disrespectful manner over a prolonged period of time" and interacted with colleagues and supervisors in an unprofessional manner.

But it wasn't just other teachers: Woodbridge also alleged that Weckesser treated students poorly. On one occasion she ridiculed an ESL student for not being able to read numbers off a calculator. On another
occasion, she made a student stand up in class for an extended period of time (approximately 30 to 45 minutes) because he fell asleep during the lesson. The student held his notebook and took notes while standing. Weckesser also posted a response to a student’s comment on Facebook and called other students “Loser!!” on the site, the district alleged.

In another incident, Weckesser asked a cafeteria worker if there was any breakfast left that had been served to students. When the worker responded that there was no more left, Weckesser responded: “What the f--k do you know?," the district said. Students were in the general area when the remark was made.

The district also alleged that Weckesser had been tardy on numerous occasions, despite repeated warnings and did not calculate grades in an objective and fair manner.

Woodbridge also said Weckesser continually refused help from superiors when offered and, on multiple occasions, commented that she did not want to take advice from anyone who had less experience than she.

After she was fired, Weckesser's case went before the Board of Examiners, where she testified that she had been a teacher for 30 years and that she loved kids, teaching and helping people. Weckesser told the board she had learned the effect her words and actions could have on others. Her attorney, Edward A. Cridge, also spoke on her behalf, noting that her actions were not so grave that Weckesser should lose her teaching license. He added that maybe it was right she lost her job but she should be allowed to teach again.

The Board ultimately ruled to suspend her license, writing, "Weckesser’s testimony and submissions indicate that she is remorseful for her actions and accepts responsibility for her behavior. The Board therefore is convinced that, given Weckesser’s long teaching career, the appropriate response in this matter is a two-year suspension of her certificates."

You can read the board's entire decision here.