An MPS teacher speaks out after being attacked by a parent in front of students

MILWAUKEE – A Milwaukee Public Schools parent has been charged with assaulting a special education teacher at Bruce Elementary School in front of her students.

Previous coverage: https://www.tmj4.com/news/milwaukee-county/milwaukee-public-schools-parent-charged-with-assaulting-an-mps-teacher-in-front-of-her-students

Eddie Dewayne Caldwell, 53, faces charges of battery on a school district officer and disorderly conduct.

According to the complaint, witnesses told officers that on Oct. 29, Caldwell attacked a teacher in her classroom in front of her students.

Shericka Nelson was looking forward to Tuesday’s classes.

“I arrived at eight and went to class because it was a very exciting day because then the kids could trick-or-treat in the classroom,” Nelson said.

Shortly after arriving, everything changed for the special education teacher. She said Caldwell, the student’s mother, and the student were sitting at the table where she is sitting.

Nelson said good morning to the family. She then said Caldwell confronted her.

“He said, ‘My son told me that you hit him and also held him while another child hit him.’ I said, “No, that’s not true. This is not what happened. I said, ‘If you want to perform,’ that’s when he cut me off,” Nelson said.

Watch: MPS teacher speaks out after being attacked by a parent in front of students

An MPS teacher speaks out after being attacked by a parent in front of students

She told TMJ4 that the day before she had tried to separate Caldwell’s child and the other child from fighting.

Shortly thereafter, the confrontation turned violent.

“Then he just pushed me through the window, which caused my head to jerk, and he hit me twice in the head,” Nelson said.

The incident occurred in front of 29 students and 5 adults. Another teacher ran out and called for help.

“Then I was shocked,” Nelson said. “You know, I had a co-worker there who was screaming, ‘Stop it, stop it!’ You know, don’t lay your hands on her.

Nelson said she did not retaliate and left the classroom, going to the office to inform them what happened. Meanwhile, Caldwell remained in the building.

“I didn’t feel safe. I didn’t feel protected or anything,” Nelson said.

The special education teacher said she needed to seek help from the police. The woman went to the police station to report everything that had happened.

As a result of the attack, she suffered injuries to her neck, back and head, as well as emotional trauma.

“I just want to feel safe coming to work. I want to be able to, you know, never have to worry about something like that ever again,” Nelson said.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Caldwell, who is currently not in custody.

“Not only do children need to be protected and safe, but so do staff,” Nelson said.

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