Abby Zwerner, the Virginia teacher who suffered gunshot wounds from her six-year-old student, has resigned from her position at Newport News Public Schools. This development comes over two months after Zwerner initiated a $40 million lawsuit against the school district, alleging negligence and failure to act on warnings about the student's concerning behavior and possession of a firearm.

Zwerner's last day of employment was June 12, 2023. While the school district maintains that Zwerner voluntarily resigned, her attorney contends that the district's communication effectively constituted a termination. The email from school officials, stating they had "processed a separation of employment," has been interpreted by Zwerner's legal team as a dismissal. The district, however, insists this is standard procedure for all departing employees and provided email correspondence where Zwerner expressed her intent to resign.

The 25-year-old teacher spent two weeks in the hospital recovering from injuries to her hand and chest sustained during the January 6 shooting. She underwent multiple surgeries and has spoken about the lasting physical and emotional impact of the incident. The shooting has had a significant impact on the community and sparked discussions about school safety and gun control.

The student's mother, Deja Taylor, recently pleaded guilty to a federal charge of marijuana use while possessing a firearm. She also faces state-level charges of felony child neglect and reckless storage of a firearm, with a trial scheduled for August. Zwerner's lawsuit against the school district alleges that administrators disregarded warnings about the student's violent tendencies and the presence of the gun, claiming they knew of previous incidents, including an instance where he choked his kindergarten teacher. The school board disputes these claims, arguing that Zwerner's injuries are covered under workers' compensation and that she should pursue that avenue instead of litigation.

The school board's motion to dismiss the lawsuit highlights the complexities of the case, with the board asserting that the inherent risks associated with working with young children, including potential violence, are understood. They cite instances of violence against teachers across the country and within the Newport News district to support their argument. They also state that Zwerner has declined workers' compensation. The case continues to unfold, with the legal battle and the criminal proceedings against Taylor running concurrently. The incident raises important questions about school safety protocols, the responsibilities of school administrators, and the legal ramifications of such tragic events.

Signs stand outside Richneck Elementary School where the shooting took place.