Kathleen Bernard an eighth grade teacher comes to school drunk

[Sister Iroz]

LOUISA, VA (WWBT) - An eighth grade teacher is charged with being drunk at school. The Louisa county special education teacher was arrested January 14th.

52-year old Kathleen Bernard is charged with public intoxication and drinking at school.

Authorities say Bernard reeked of alcohol when she was arrested at Louisa Middle school not long after the first bell.

School had only been in session a half hour when authorities say the school resource officer noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from Bernard. Authorities say Bernard voluntarily took a breathalyzer test which had a reading of .18 which is twice the legal limit.

According to the sheriff's department, Bernard claimed she had a glass of wine the night before and mouthwash in her classroom before school started.

Authorities say her eyes were glassy and speech was slurred.

Officers reportedly did not find alcohol during a search of Bernard's car or work space.

"You ask a lot of people around here a lot will be shocked and disappointed and wonder why and how something like that could happen but the bottom line is people are people it happens on every job everywhere you go whether you're working with kids or the general public," said parent Angel Cummings.

We were unable to reach the school superintendent for comment. Bernard was released from jail on her own recognizance. She's scheduled to appear in court in March. There's no word on her job status with the school system.

http://www.nbc12.com/global/story.asp?s=9764020

Now why in the world didn't she call out sick.

[blue_zombie]

If you had to work with 8th graders, you'd drink at school too. I am not even ashamed to say that I would....which is precisely why I'm a bean counter! I like numbers, not people! Have you SEEN these children today????? I had three 11 y/o girls stay over for my daughter's birthday party sleepover, NEVER AGAIN!!!!! They are HORRID LITTLE BRATS WHO NEED BEATINGS! This coming from someone who doesn't believe in beating children. I cannot even begin to imagine what 8th graders are like, and frankly, I wish I had a lot longer before I would find out!

[DarkPrincess]

What kind of world are we living in when a teacher can't show up to work drunk? Hell, that's how my friends and I got through High School.

[Bamamomof2girls]

I'd be drunk too, all them children.

[joo]

Looking back at eighth grade with 13 years more life experience, I swear my eighth grade science teacher was a cokehead. He missed school at least once a week, and when he was there, he just talked and talked non stop and left the classroom constantly. He no longer taught there the following year.

[FlamingFox]

If you had to work with 8th graders, you'd drink at school too. I am not even ashamed to say that I would....which is precisely why I'm a bean counter! I like numbers, not people! Have you SEEN these children today????? I had three 11 y/o girls stay over for my daughter's birthday party sleepover, NEVER AGAIN!!!!! They are HORRID LITTLE BRATS WHO NEED BEATINGS! This coming from someone who doesn't believe in beating children. I cannot even begin to imagine what 8th graders are like, and frankly, I wish I had a lot longer before I would find out!

I hear you! My daughter is in seventh and I am soooo glad I never became a teacher! Thought about it when I was young, but knew I just did not have the patience for that many kids at one time! I would have to have a lot more in my cup than just coffee every morning! I agree that she should of called in sick, though! She could of killed someone on her way to work and no matter what your job is, there is no excuse for driving drunk!