Ladejah Shaw, Duval County Substitute Teacher, Arrested for Allegedly Encouraging Students to Fight

Jacksonville, Florida — A substitute teacher in Duval County has been arrested after authorities say she encouraged a physical fight between students while supervising a middle school class.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) said Ladejah Shaw, 29, of Jacksonville, faces multiple criminal charges following an investigation into an incident that occurred in October at a Duval County middle school.

What Investigators Say Happened

According to school police, Shaw was serving as a substitute teacher when the incident occurred. Investigators said she had taken her class outside when students formed a circle around two classmates.

Several students recorded video on their phones, capturing moments leading up to the fight. Authorities said the footage shows Shaw urging the students to begin fighting rather than intervening to stop the situation.

After reviewing the videos and interviewing witnesses, Duval County School Police concluded that Shaw intentionally allowed and encouraged the altercation while the students were under her supervision.

Arrest and Charges

On Wednesday night, officers arrested Shaw at her apartment, according to the sheriff’s office.

She has been charged with:

• Two felony counts of child neglect

• Two misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a child

Officials Respond

In a statement posted on social media, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office emphasized that educators have a responsibility to protect students.

“Teachers and school staff are expected to guide and safeguard children—not place them in harm’s way,” the agency said.

The case remains under review, and officials have not released additional details about the students involved.