A former Alabama “Teacher of the Year” has been arrested and fired after shocking video footage surfaced allegedly showing her violently abusing her 12-year-old son.
Randi Nicole Staples, 44, a former second-grade teacher at Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile, was taken into custody after the clip spread across social media, prompting widespread outrage and a rapid response from authorities.
The video – reportedly recorded by another family member inside the home – appears to show Staples repeatedly striking her son with a belt while shouting profanities. At one point, she appears to lift the boy by his hair.
Reports indicate he was allegedly hit more than 20 times within moments. The confrontation allegedly erupted because the child had not finished his household chores.
Oldest Son Says Abuse Was Not New
The video was posted online by the victim’s 24-year-old brother, Jackson Staples, who told Fox 10 that the incident allegedly reflects longstanding behavior.
Randi Nicole Staples was filmed allegedly striking her 12-year-old son with a belt. Credit: X.
"I didn't feel like, you know, she should be working at the school or even doing that to my little brothers. You know, she done it to me my whole life," he claimed.
Jackson added that the latest alleged incident reportedly began when his younger brother left the house after failing to clean the kitchen “like he was supposed to,” and things reportedly escalated when he returned home.
School Terminates Employment Following Investigation
Staples was arrested and charged with willful abuse of a child under 18 – a felony offense. She has entered a plea of not guilty.
Although the alleged incident took place off school grounds, Cottage Hill Christian Academy moved quickly: the school placed Staples on administrative leave, launched an internal investigation, and subsequently fired her.
In a statement, the academy said (via ABC News 4): “Cottage Hill Christian Academy is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment for all students. This commitment guides every action our school takes regarding student welfare and staff conduct.”
According to Jackson Staples, his younger brothers are now staying with an aunt in Baldwin County while the family deals with the fallout.
Staples is scheduled to appear in court on Friday (November 28) for a formal bond hearing connected to the child abuse case.
Staples. Credit: X.
Sheriff Calls Video “Repulsive”
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch condemned the footage, calling the actions “repulsive” and well outside the bounds of reasonable discipline.
"I mean I'm all about disciplining a child if you have problems with them… but that was way above and beyond any form of discipline," Burch said.
He added that the fact “another person in the home felt the need to video… that is somewhat telling,” indicating deeper concerns about the household environment.