News Summary
Yartiza Martinez, a behavioral specialist at Lilian Feinstein Elementary School, has been placed on paid leave after facing assault charges for allegedly biting a 6-year-old student. The incident occurred on September 5, leading to visible injuries on the child. Following the report, the principal assured parents of the school’s commitment to safety, while investigations are underway by both school authorities and the police. Martinez, who turned herself in and has been released on conditions, is scheduled for a court appearance in November.
Providence – Yartiza Martinez, a behavioral specialist at Lilian Feinstein Elementary School, faces assault charges for allegedly biting a 6-year-old student during an incident on September 5. Martinez has been placed on paid leave following the allegations, which include claims that she not only bit the child but also hit him on the neck.
According to a police report, the altercation took place in Martinez’s office, away from witnesses. The report details that the child sustained visible injuries, including scratches on his neck and a bite mark on his back. After the incident, the child reported to a school nurse, stating that Martinez had hit and bitten him in response to the student allegedly biting her after a disagreement over painting.
The principal of the school, Maria Petrosinelli, notified families of the incident, emphasizing that Martinez’s actions violated professional standards and were a serious breach of trust. Although Petrosinelli’s communication did not include Martinez’s name or specific allegations against her, she conveyed the school’s commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive educational environment.
Following protocol, the incident was reported to school authorities, the Providence Police Department, and the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Investigations have since commenced involving the district’s human resources and legal department as well.
Martinez, who has been employed by the school district since 2021, voluntarily turned herself into the police the Tuesday after the incident. Her charges include simple assault, and she has been released on the condition that she has no contact with the student involved. She is scheduled to appear in court in November.
In addition to this case, another teacher at Lilian Feinstein Elementary is under investigation for alleged unprofessional behavior, though this case is unrelated to Martinez’s actions.
District spokesperson Suzanne Ouellette clarified that while police reports can provide initial statements, they do not equate to a comprehensive investigation prior to formal charges being brought against an individual.
Petrosinelli’s letter to families reinforced the school’s dedication to prioritizing student safety and maintaining trust within the school community. The school is continuing to support affected students and ensuring that the learning environment remains secure and conducive to education.
As investigations proceed, the school district has committed to following through with all necessary protocols to address the matter effectively and uphold the standards expected of its staff.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rhode Island State Police Arrest 11 in Gang Crackdown
Three Registered Sex Offenders Arrested in Pawtucket
Staff Misconduct and Cyberattack Shake Providence School District
Axe Attack in Kennedy Plaza Leaves One Injured
Pastor Faces Charges for Failing to Report Child Abuse
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced for Child Exploitation
Pawtucket Sex Offender Antonio Luis Median-Santiago Captured
Former School Bus Monitor Charged with Child Molestation
Providence Man Arrested for Vehicle Theft and Fraud Charges
Stabbing Incident in Providence Leaves One Man Injured
Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Providence Teacher Bites Student
- Wikipedia: Child Assault
- ABC6: Providence Teacher Arrested for Allegedly Biting Student
- Google Search: Providence Teacher Bites Student
- WPRI: Providence Teacher Indicted in Sexual Assault Case
- Google Scholar: Teacher Assault Cases
- Turn to 10: Providence Middle School Student Arrested for Assaulting Teacher
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- GoLocalProv: New Teacher Assaulted at Middle School in Providence
- Google News: Providence Teacher Assault News
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
