Police: Special education teacher arrested for relationship with student

A Grand Prairie, Texas, special education teacher at an all-boys middle school is facing charges of having an inappropriate relationship with a student.

San Antonio Express News reports that Rebecca Goerdel, 28, taught classes at the Young Men’s Leadership Academy at Kennedy Middle School. She was removed from her classroom and the school after school officials contacted law enforcement. Apparently, the school caught wind of an inappropriate relationship with Goerdel and a student, but it’s not clear how it transpired. It’s also unclear whether the victim was a student in one of her classes.

“This kind of conduct is outrageous and will not be tolerated,” Dr. Susan Hull, Grand Prairie ISD superintendent, said.“The teacher-student relationship is sacred. It reflects a vow from teachers to parents that their children are safe — as safe as they would be at home. When a teacher in Grand Prairie ISD breaks that vow, he or she will be dealt with quickly and aggressively.”

Shortly after Goerdel was removed from the school, officials removed her name and biography from their official website.

According to court records, this isn’t the teacher’s first run-in with the law. In 2010, she was arrested and subsequently found guilty of driving while intoxicated.

The story is still developing. Check back with Crime Online as additional information becomes available.

[Feature Photo: Grand Prairie PD]