Teacher Who Wanted To See Her "Devil Spawn" Students Drown Wants Her Job Back

A teacher who was fired for saying on Facebook she'd like to see her "devil spawn" fifth grade students drown still wants her job back—and a Manhattan Supreme Court judge is on her side. But the city? Not so much!

Let's review! Back in June 2010 Christine Rubino got in hot water after a conversation she had on Facebook was made public. "After today, I am thinking the beach sounds like a wonderful idea for my 5th graders! I HATE THEIR GUTS!" she wrote. When a friend replied "Wouldn't you throw a life jacket to little Kwami?" she just made things worse by retorting "No, I wouldn't for a million dollars." (for context, this was just after 12-year-old Nicole Suriel drowned on a school trip). She also reportedly called her students "the devils spawn." Rubino was quickly fired after a hearing officer found that she was guilty of "misconduct, neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming her profession."

But it doesn't stop there! Rubino, who had a good record, sued for her job at PS 203 back, recently telling the News, "I always did my job and I was good at it. I’m sorry if I offended anyone. Do I have to lose my career over it?" And this week Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Barbara Jaffe agreed with her, saying that "While her reference to a child’s death is repulsive, there is no evidence that her postings are part of a pattern of conduct or anything other than an isolated incident of intemperance."

The Department of Education via the City's Law Department, however, isn't really keen on bringing the $78,000-a-year teacher back into the fold. It is now planning to appeal (though Rubino will remain on payroll in the interim). "We firmly believe that Ms. Rubino's comments, which the court found 'repulsive,' as well as her other conduct of which she was found guilty, warranted her termination," a City Law Department spokeswoman told the News.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Garth Johnston in News on February 7, 2012 6:17 PM

Comments [rss]

whodiditandran

If you ask me, I'd say that FB is the real devil's spawn.

hamburgerhelpless

she seems more like "guidance counselor" material.

TCF16

she's a fuckin hatchet faced dummy. "I'm sorry if i offended someone?" so, she meant what she said, but people are too sensitive?

I could understand if she said, "look, in a moment of frustration i said stupid mean things that i didn't mean or feel at all. i was just letting of steam and i would never say anything like that to the kids. i really do love them but sometimes they can drive you crazy. i'm going to strive to be more patient from now."

except she did mean it, she is an asshole andshe shouldn't be anywhere near kids.

you made fun of a little girl's death? and you're a teacher? then, yes. you should lose your career over this.

bitch.

pun31

This story kills me because I went to school with this woman and she is probably one of the dumbest people I remember. It's scary how many inarticulate and shit-for-brains people end up becoming teachers.

evbo

I can't +1 this enough, especially since I have a son about the same age as the kids in her class. This nasty bitch has issues, and shouldn't be allowed to teach. Period.

ANGRYGOD11

If you won't say it out loud in public, then don't post it on Facebook. I expect teachers to be wiser than kids. Should she lose her job? She could or face suspension for saying this to their faces.

Midnight Fapper

this is fucking bullshit. this new generation of kids are going to be a bunch of fucking cowards.

rubino is exactly what those little hellspawn bastards need. she's a no-nonsene gal who would instill discipline and respect into those unruly students. she should be allowed to speak her mind in the classroom.

all of this over a facebook post? get the fuck outta here.

Rocknrope

Right. You've heard of Tiger Mom? She's Goat-Faced Teach!

Peanut_Butter

What MFer meant to say was that Ms. Rubino's tough-love attitude is suitable for her rambunctious pupils, lest they grow up to be unprincipled adults, and that Ms. Rubino's freedom of speech should not be abridged.

D.B

She should have been working as a Cafeteria cook . That pic worries me with her around food . She looks like the type to pass a Loogie in your food , Then smile with the evidence spittal draping her chin !

whiteiris

Freedom of Speech DOE, Freedom of Speech. Have you heard of it? With your record, probably not.

stewart_nyc

No one is going to put her in jail, so her 1st amendment rights are not being violated.

I wouldn't want this individual teaching my children. Why would you wish her on anyone else?

Sulayman

First Amendment applies to more than just jail-able offenses. You can't normally fire someone like this for remarks made outside of work, although there's a complicated legal system around what you can and can't do.

stewart_nyc

seems like she's got a lot of free time lately, perhaps you can call her up to babysit your children

nicemarmot

To be fair, fifth graders totally are demon spawn. The whole fifth grade - eighth grade contingent is enough to make anyone crack.

Peanut_Butter

I had a crush on MY fifth grade teacher.

nicemarmot

My fifth grade teacher was the high school girl's basketball coach and would frequently bring "his girls" to our class, where they would recline on his lap. When my mom came to pick me up one day, she saw this and complained to the school board. They said, "He can do whatever he wants. They win every year."

Needless to say, I did not have a crush on him.