Macon teacher resigns after probe into ‘grossly inappropriate’ behavior

Following an investigation, the Bibb County School District announced Thursday the resignation of a Rutland Middle School teacher who used racially insensitive language during a classroom lesson last week.

School officials met with former educator Elizabeth Finch Thursday and informed her of the district’s intention to proceed with her immediate termination, according to a press release. In response to the termination notice, Finch submitted her resignation, effective immediately.

“The District does not tolerate racially offensive language toward our students and/or staff and expects all our teachers and staff to speak with each other in kindness and with respect. The investigation into this matter has convinced the District that Ms. Finch has violated the core principles of what is expected of our teachers and staff,” school officials said.

Finch’s employment status with the district will be marked as “Resignation in Lieu of Termination, Ineligible for Rehire,” the district said.

Bibb County Schools also reported Finch’s conduct to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for their investigation into violations of the Code of Ethics for Educators.

Parents and community leaders have previously shared with The Telegraph their desire to understand why Finch wrote the racial slur.

The press release, which also includes Bibb County Schools Superintendent Dan Sims notice of intent to terminate letter to Finch, provided some answers:

“On April 10, you wrote a racial slur on the panel in your classroom and began a discussion about the use of a racially offensive word. While you assert that you did this in an effort to have a teachable moment to address a student’s question about cultural differences, your decision was grossly inappropriate. It was not a part of your lesson plans and caused offense to your students and the community. Put simply, your actions violate everything that this District stands for and will not be tolerated,” Sims wrote.

“While I understand that prior to this incident, you had already submitted your resignation notice effective the end of the school year, given the severity of your actions, I am prepared to move forward with your immediate termination,” he added. “Unless I receive a resignation letter from you, effective immediately, the District will promptly commence the formal termination process.”

The Bibb County School’s Human Resources Department concluded its investigation into the incident involving Finch on Thursday, according to the news release.

On April 11, the Bibb County School District notified Rutland Middle School parents that it had began probing into the classroom incident, in which Finch was photographed using racially insensitive language during a lesson on April 10.

The photo of Finch circulated on social media and garnered outrage from community members, followed by a video that showed another Rutland Middle teacher verbally addressing Finch.

The district did not elaborate on whether the male teacher was disciplined.

This story was originally published April 17, 2025 at 11:43 AM.