Viral video shows Long Island teacher chatting on the phone during class

A class was ongoing in a Long Island high school but the teacher was busy on a phone call. A recent video uploaded by one of the students has now gone viral as it depicts the teacher’s disregard of her job.

Parents of students from a Hempstead High School were furious upon seeing a viral video of a teacher engaged in a phone call while students were in the classroom.

“They feel cheated, they feel betrayed…I believe the students deserve better,” parent Peggy Perkins told CBS2.

The video which was posted by a male student has been viewed more than 50,000 times and shows a woman sitting behind her desk speaking on the phone. The student recording the video could be heard in the background describing what was going on.

“Look at the class, everyone’s sleeping. Asleep. Heads down.”

He also says the teacher had been on the phone for an hour while they copied notes on the board.

School district officials are now investigating the incident. Hempstead Superintendent Regina Armstrong released a statement to address the issues raised by the video.

“The education and well-being of our students and members of our school community are priority. The situation is under investigation and the administration will take appropriate actions. The paramount concern, again, is that all of our students receive quality instruction in a safe learning environment.

“Additionally, the district is reviewing policy and procedures to govern students’ and staff behavior around the following: use of cell phones during the school day; use of recording devices; and social media. Building administrators are conducting meetings and/or assembly programs to apprise staff and students of the district’s expectations and their responsibilities in these areas. The district cannot, and will not comment on matters pertaining to personnel in a public forum.”

It was not disclosed if the teacher was conducting a phone call during an academic class, study hall or detention. However, School Board President Lamont Johnson assured that appropriate action will be taken following an investigation.

According to the New York Times in February, the Hempstead Union Free School District in Long Island has been performing poorly for decades. The district school allegedly has one of the lowest graduation rates in the country. The buildings have been crumbling and violence and corruption are rampant.

State education commissioner Mary Ellen Elia gave the district a deadline to submit an improvement plan including solutions for issues on school safety, special education, and high school instruction