Minnesota teacher avoids prison but loses license after stepping on students
Science teacher Jason Rogers, who stood on pupils during a lockdown drill, was stripped of his teaching credential and sentenced to probation instead of jail.
Jason Rogers, a 49-year-old science teacher and former wrestling and football coach at the Underwood School District in Minnesota, stood on the backs of three students during a lockdown drill on Feb. 10, 2025, treating one boy as a "stepping stool" for about ten seconds. The incident left the child sobbing and walking as if he were an elderly person. Rogers admitted the conduct, pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor malicious-punishment charges, and was sentenced to probation, a $2,250 fine, 90 hours of community service, anger-management counseling, and required to send apology letters to the victims.
He resigned from his teaching role in April 2025, and a court ordered the surrender of his teaching license. His attorney, Daniel Repka, described Rogers as a "good guy" whose poor judgment ended his career. Rogers will avoid jail and have his record cleared if he complies with all conditions.
Why it matters
The case highlights the legal and professional consequences of abusive behavior by educators toward students.
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