A south Alabama teacher has been arrested after a video circulated online appearing to show her cursing and repeatedly hitting a child with a belt.

According to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, Nicole Staples, a 2nd grade teacher at Cottage Hill Christian Academy, was charged with willful abuse of a child under 18 Wednesday evening.

The video shows her outside of school striking the child over 20 times before pulling him by his hair.

Cottage Hill said in a release that Staples was fired following her arrest, “in accordance with institutional policy.”

Cottage Hill Christian Academy prioritizes the wellbeing of children above all else,” Head of School Chris Brazell said. “We will always act promptly, transparently, and responsibly when matters arise that may impact the safety or integ

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