Viral video shows 2 teachers bad-mouthing students after virtual learning: 'These kids are technologically illiterate'

ByStephanie Sierra WPVI logo
Sunday, October 11, 2020
2 Bay Area teachers on leave after viral video surfaces: 'Kids are technologically illiterate'
Two Vallejo teachers were placed on administrative leave after a viral video surfaced showing them bad mouthing their students after class on Zoom. The school district confirmed two teachers recorded in the video work at Jesse Bethel High School.

VALLEJO, Calif. -- Two teachers were placed on administrative leave Friday after a viral video surfaced showing them bad-mouthing their students after class.

The Vallejo Unified School District in California's Bay Area confirmed the two teachers recorded in the video work at Jesse Bethel High School.

The incident happened Thursday afternoon after a virtual English class.

Here's portions of the exchange:

Teacher 1: "It's so frustrating to know ... these kids are technologically illiterate."

Teacher 2: "Older staff members will say these kids are so technologically advanced ... and I'm like no they're f****** not. No they're not."

Teacher 1: "The things that impress them are so sad. Oh, you're impressed that a kid can record a TikTok ... it's literally one button."

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The rant about their students goes on for nearly two minutes.

"I was heartbroken, angry, upset, confused. I couldn't believe I heard that come out of a teacher's mouth," said parent Chanel Bonner, who recorded the conversation.

Bonner said her son, Ri'Quan, a sophomore, tried to clarify a question about his assignment at the end of his English class. She said one of the teachers then accused Ri'Quan of not submitting his work.

Bonner said it was clear the teachers didn't realize they forgot to logout.

"Other students were still logged in, other parents were still logged in, even commenting like, 'Do you know you're still being recorded?'" she said.

Our sister station KGO-TV reached out to the Vallejo Unified School District for an interview but was sent the following statement:

"VCUSD takes all student and parent complaints very seriously. We will evaluate our policies and procedures for online instruction, and will address any specific complaints regarding the appropriate conduct of our faculty and staff. We regret that any students were offended by this incident, and we will work carefully to resolve this matter."

The district has not identified the teachers.

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