Winston-Salem police charged former teacher assistant Teresa Hazlett for alleged abuse involving a Pre-K student at Sedge Garden Elementary.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Charges have officially been filed after a state investigation into abuse at a Winston-Salem/Forsyth County elementary school.
Winston-Salem police have charged former teacher assistant Teresa Hazlett for one count of misdemeanor child abuse and one count of misdemeanor contributing to the neglect/delinquency of a juvenile. Investigators say she was involved in an abuse incident involving a Pre-K classroom student at Sedge Garden Elementary School.
“Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our students,” Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps said. “The teachers, staff and administrators at Sedge Garden are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment in every classroom, every day. We have clear policies and procedures in place, and ongoing training and support for staff, to ensure we meet this standard. The allegations in this case do not reflect the values we share as a district.”
In March 2024, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released a report alleging child maltreatment and multiple childcare violations at the school. In the aftermath, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools suspended both Hazlett and principal Angela Reeves. Hazlett later resigned. At that time, the state also issued a six-month action plan for the Pre-K program. WS/FCS officials told WFMY News 2 the action plan was still in progress, but couldn’t comment further, citing ongoing legal matters.
Hazlett appeared before a Magistrate and was issued a $5,000 unsecured bond. According to online court documents, she has posted that bond. Her next court date is set for April 13, 2026.
Background
This arrest comes more than a year after concerns were first raised at Sedge Garden Elementary School. In December 2024, state officials launched an investigation into complaints about how children in the school’s Pre-K program were being treated.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services later substantiated child maltreatment and cited multiple childcare violations, downgrading the program to a Special Provisional License. According to state findings, teaching assistant Teresa Hazlett repeatedly mistreated children during naptime. NCDHHS officials said incidents included forcefully restraining children, kicking a child, covering a child’s head with a blanket, and yelling harshly at students.
The state also found that proper incident reports were not always completed and that administrators failed to report concerns as required. As a result, Hazlett was disqualified from working in childcare facilities, and both she and the school’s principal were suspended while the investigation continued.
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