Teachers Go to Court for Bad Actions

Introduction

Some teachers did bad things to children. Now, courts in different countries give them punishments.

Main Body

In Australia, William Gulson talked to a fake 15-year-old child online. He did not touch a child, but the judge said his actions were very bad. He must do 400 hours of work for the city and stay on a special list for eight years. In the USA, Jordan Henderson hurt four students. He did many bad things. The judge gave him a very long time in prison. He may stay there for his whole life. Other teachers in the USA got shorter prison times. Katelyn Schronce went to prison for about two years. Michelle Mercogliano went to prison for 15 months because she gave drugs to a student.

Conclusion

Judges give different punishments. They look at how much the teacher hurt the child.

Learning

⚖️ The Power of 'MUST' and 'MAY'

In this story, the judge uses special words to say what is allowed or required. For an A2 learner, these two words change the whole meaning of a sentence.

1. MUST → This is for 100% rules. There is no choice.

  • Example: "He must do 400 hours of work."
  • Meaning: He has to do it. It is a law.

2. MAY → This is for possibility. It is a 'maybe'.

  • Example: "He may stay there for his whole life."
  • Meaning: It is possible, but not certain.

Quick Guide: The Difference

WordFeelingExample
Must🛑 Strong/RequiredYou must stop at the red light.
May❓ Possible/MaybeIt may rain tomorrow.

Vocabulary Learning

teacher (n.)
a person who teaches people or students
Example:The teacher explained the lesson to the class.
court (n.)
a place where judges decide legal matters
Example:The case was heard in the local court.
judge (n.)
a person who decides legal cases
Example:The judge listened to both sides before ruling.
child (n.)
a young person who is not an adult
Example:The child played happily in the park.
prison (n.)
a place where people are kept as punishment
Example:He was sent to prison for his crimes.
punishment (n.)
a penalty for wrongdoing
Example:The punishment was to do community work.
city (n.)
a large town with many people
Example:She lives in a big city near the river.
list (n.)
a series of items written or spoken
Example:He made a list of things to buy.
year (n.)
a period of twelve months
Example:She will finish her studies in two years.
drug (n.)
medicine or illegal substance
Example:The police seized illegal drugs from the house.