Student witnesses say Budd walked over to the student's desk and tipped it over - dumping the student to the floor - before returning to the day's lesson plan.

During an interview with school administrators, Budd said he didn't intend to knock over the student's desk and instead, it was just to shake it to get the student to wake up. He said he wasn't angry, although he was "struggling with issues." Instead, he said he was passionate.

He also partially blamed his cold medications for his lack of judgment and said a technician told him mixing them wasn't good.

"I don't know how he ended up on the floor," Budd said. "I was shocked. That is contrary to my values concerning students. I would never hurt a student."

As to why he went back to teaching instead of helping the student or righting the desk, he again partially blamed the medications, but also said he wanted to remain calm about the situation.

"I have a personality trait, some might call it a bad thing, but it seems to work very well for me," Budd said. "I stay calm. I don't really respond - I think that's why I didn't react in a large way. He didn't appear to be injured. I mean, he was surprised, but there was no protest, so I resumed class."

When the student left the class, Budd said he knew he needed to report what happened. He left the class and went to see Clifford while another adult watched his students.

read full article here