In a troubling incident at J.H. Hines Elementary School in Waco, Texas, a kindergarten teacher faces serious legal consequences after allegedly harming a young student. Pamela Mitchell, aged 64, has been charged with a felony following an incident where she reportedly used excessive force on a 5-year-old boy as punishment for breaking a pencil, according to local law enforcement.

The episode unfolded on January 8, as reported by CBS affiliate KWTX. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by the station, the situation escalated when Mitchell returned to her classroom and discovered the broken pencil. A school aide informed her of the situation, which allegedly led to Mitchell’s aggressive response moments later.

The affidavit details that Mitchell approached the child, twisting his arm behind his back and forcibly removing him from his chair. It further claims she used her knee to apply pressure to the child’s back, pushing him into a corner, actions which reportedly resulted in the child’s injury.

The boy’s arm injury was subsequently reported, prompting both an internal investigation by the school and a separate inquiry by Child Protective Services (CPS). During these investigations, the child recounted the incident to the principal, stating that Mitchell’s actions caused him pain, as noted in the affidavit.

This case highlights the importance of ensuring safe and nurturing environments for children in schools, and it underscores the serious implications for educators who breach the trust placed in them. The ongoing investigations aim to bring clarity and justice to the situation, while also serving as a reminder of the responsibilities educators have toward their students.

“During the internal school investigation and CPS investigation, the child was interviewed and told the principal that Pamela Mitchell’s actions caused the child pain,” the affidavit states, according to KWTX.

Waco Independent School District police arrested Mitchell, who started teaching at Hines in October 2025, and charged her with felony injury to a child. An ISD spokesperson told KWTX that she was no longer working for the district as of Friday.

Mitchell was reportedly working toward teacher certification and worked previously as a substitute, according to the spokesperson.

“Waco ISD is committed to the safety and well-being of every student,” the rep said. “We take every incident that risks the safety of our students seriously and investigate every report thoroughly to ensure our schools remain safe, supportive environments.”

Waco ISD told KWTX that “the student has recovered and is free from injury.” Requests by Law&Crime for comment were forwarded to district officials on Monday by a spokesperson.

“We recognize the gravity of this situation and remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the students in our care,” the district rep told KWTX.