Parents: Newton teacher's behavior questioned

NEWTON, Mass. (AP) -- Some parents in Newton want to know how apparent warning signs involving an elementary school teacher now facing child pornography and indecent assault on children charges were handled by school administrators.

Since his arrest in January, a number of unusual incidents involving former teacher David Ettlinger's behavior have surfaced.

They include questions about why he allowed a female student to sit on his lap during a field trip and frequently hugged the same student; reports that he kicked a student, told a child to eat a banana out of the trash and gave some students his personal telephone number.

The Boston Globe reports that there were no letters of reprimand or warning in Ettlinger's file during his 12-year career in the Newton schools.