A Big Win for a Brave Teacher

A teacher in Virginia got a huge win recently. A jury gave her $10 million after she was shot by a 6-year-old student. The student brought a gun to class. The teacher, Abigail Zwerner, said she thought she was dying when it happened. The jury believed the school's assistant principal, Ebony Parker, didn't do enough to stop the shooting. Teachers had warned Parker four times that the boy might have a gun. But Parker didn't take action. She said she didn't think a 6-year-old would bring a gun to school. Parker is also facing criminal charges. She's accused of child abuse and neglect. The boy's mother is already in prison for child neglect. She left her loaded gun where the boy could find it. The shooting happened in January 2023. The boy shot Zwerner from close range. The bullet went through her hand and into her chest. She had to have six surgeries. She still has trouble doing simple things like opening a water bottle. Zwerner sued the school and Parker. She asked for $40 million. The judge said only Parker had to pay. Zwerner's lawyer said Parker made bad choices that day. Parker's lawyer said no one could have seen this coming. She said Parker was being blamed for something that was impossible to predict. She also showed messages Zwerner sent after the shooting. Zwerner went to concerts and seemed to be recovering. But Zwerner said she still feels different. She has trouble connecting with people. She said she loves them but feels distant. The jury decided Parker should pay for what happened.