Former Special Education Teacher Calls for Accountability After Alleged Abuse in Nashville School

September 24, 2026 - 09:56

Amelia Cato joined the special education team at Dodson Elementary School in Hermitage this year, expecting to support students with diverse learning needs. Instead, she says she witnessed incidents that prompted her to leave her position and speak publicly about what she describes as a lack of accountability within the school system.

Cato alleges that students in the special education program were subjected to mistreatment, including inappropriate physical handling and neglect of their individual education plans. She claims that when she raised concerns with administrators, her reports were dismissed or downplayed. Frustrated by what she saw as inaction, Cato resigned and is now urging district officials to conduct a thorough review of how abuse allegations involving vulnerable students are handled.

Advocates for students with disabilities say cases like this highlight a broader problem. They point to insufficient training for staff, unclear reporting procedures, and a culture that sometimes prioritizes reputation over student safety. Parents in the Hermitage community have also started asking questions about oversight at Dodson Elementary.

District representatives have not commented in detail on the specific allegations, but they say student safety remains a top priority. Cato says she wants transparency, better protections for students who cannot always speak for themselves, and consequences for adults who fail to act. Her call for accountability continues to draw attention from local education groups and families across Nashville.