Fla. teacher faces dismissal over ‘cone of shame’

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — A Florida high school science teacher faces dismissal amid allegations that she used a “cone of shame” dog collar to discipline students.

Pasco County schools superintendent Heather Fiorentino has recommended firing 47-year-old Laurie Bailey-Cutkomp for putting a dog collar on at least eight of her ninth-graders on two days in April.

The collar was reportedly the type used to prevent animals from licking themselves after surgery. “Cone of shame” is a reference to the animated film “Up,” which Bailey-Cutkomp had previously shown to students.

Zephyrhills High administrators learned of the allegations after seeing the students’ photos on Facebook. Parents tipped off the school.

She has requested a hearing before the School Board to appeal the superintendent’s decision. A telephone message left for Bailey-Cutkomp by The Associated Press wasn’t immediately returned.