Teacher lashes out against accused APS test coordinator

ATLANTA — A teacher lashed out against an Atlanta Public School test coordinator who faced a tribunal Friday for his role in the district's cheating scandal.

Donald Bullock is the first accused APS test coordinator to face the school system tribunal. He faces termination for allegations he told three teachers to change answers on CRCT tests in 2009. Bullock was a testing coordinator at Usher Elementary School.

Former teacher Stacy Smith took the stand at the tribunal, saying Bullock threatened her with her job if she refused to cheat.

"I've lost everything I've worked so hard for, for one mistake, and it makes me angry that he can't just admit to what he did wrong," Smith said. "I know it's hard. I wear the scarlet letter every day."

Investigators said Bullock returned completed test packets to some teachers to make corrections. Smith resigned after admitting to wrongdoing, but Bullock has denied the charges through his lawyer.

"It makes me angry. I just don't think it's fair," Smith said.

This week, 67 accused APS educators have been disciplined by the state agency that gives teachers permits to work in public education. The Professional Standards Commission gave 48 teachers a two-year license suspension and revoked credentials for 19 others in leadership posts.

All of the accused educators also could face criminal prosecution as well. Teachers who have cooperated with investigators are eligible to negotiate an agreement with the Attorney General's Office to lessen their punishments.

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WSBTV