Preston teacher accused of animal cruelty considered model teacher by some
Mar 14, 2018, 8:58 PM | Updated: Mar 15, 2018, 12:22 am
PRESTON, Idaho – As Preston Junior High School teacher, Robert Crosland is being accused of feeding a puppy to a snapping turtle, droves of people are speaking out in support of him. Many claim the puppy was dying and refusing food at the time.
“He’s been an excellent teacher,” Roxanne Froerer said. “His students have loved him. He goes far beyond the call of duty as a teacher. He has many, many animals there at the school and takes excellent care of them.”
In fact, walking up and down main street Wednesday, KSL-TV had a difficult time finding anyone who had anything but positive things to say about Crosland.
“My kids have all gone through the school system now and he was their teacher,” Steven Fuller explained. “They all consider him one of the best teachers they’ve ever had.”
Fuller went on to add that he feels media coverage has been blown out of proportion.
“One of the ironies of this whole thing is that I don’t know anyone that loves animals and nature more than Robert Crosland. That is his life,” Fuller said.
Online campaigns in support of Crosland are growing. A change.org petition in support of Crosland had close to 2,700 signatures at time of publication. Conversely, a change.org petition calling for Crosland’s firing was nearing 900 signatures. Supporters have also created a Facebook page for those who ‘Support The Croz.’ A post on that Facebook page asks students to wear blue in support of Crosland on Thursday.
Cindy White, who says she taught with Crosland for a short time says she was impressed with him.
“He was a fabulous teacher, and a good friend. A good mentor,” White said. “I never heard a negative thing from the students. He challenged them, and they had to really work hard.”
Franklin County Attorney, Vic Pearson handed over a review of the case against Crosland to the Sixth Judicial District to avoid any conflicts of interest when deciding whether to file charges. Crosland currently has not been charged and continues to teach at Preston Junior High.
RELATED: Preston School District investigating ‘regrettable circumstance’ involving animals