NJ Teacher Forced To Quit Over 'Crying Spells,' Lawsuit Says: Reports

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — A former teacher for South Orange-Maplewood schools is suing the district, claiming she was forced to quit due to her "crying spells" in the classroom, according to multiple reports citing court documents.

Sarah Barlow, 34, of West Orange, said in court documents she was forced to resign after the district transferred her to a special education without an aide, NJ.com reported. She previously taught kindergarten.

"Barlow was asked to teach a classroom that included special education students, yet (she) was not provided (enough) special education teachers or paraprofessionals to assist her," court documents filed in Essex County and obtained by NJ.com said.

Not providing an aide or assistant "exacerbated her anxiety," which is recognized as a disability under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.

The situation escalated when the school principal sent her a letter "admonishing" her "crying spells" in class, Centre Daily reported. The letter also informed her that a corrective plan for her behavior would be put in place.

"Unfortunately, due to the District's failure to address her complaints of unlawful behavior and complete disregard for her disability and mental health, Ms. Barlow was forced to resign," court documents said.

A South Orange-Maplewood School District spokesperson did not immediately return Patch's request for comment.

Barlow is asking for a jury trial and is asking to recover damages and back pay, according to reports.