Pender County teacher returns to class after brief suspension

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Topsail High School teacher is back in the classroom following a brief suspension. It is believed that William Pearsall was put on leave due to an assignment some parents claimed was unreasonable.

Pearsall has worked at the high school for the past 26 years, receiving no other suspensions until recently.

The assignment was reportedly a principal-approved American history survey, which Pearsall explained was optional.

Upon hearing of his suspension, more than 4,100 people signed a petition to reinstate Pearsall.

Screenshot of petition to reinstate William Pearsall (Photo: Change.org)

The district wrote to WWAY that “because this involves personnel, Pender County Schools will not discuss specifics of the matter.”