Middle school teacher accused of inappropriate relationship with student

Site Map · First Alert · Talk to 12

Home · News · StormTeam 12 · News 12 Sports · On Your Side · Community · Contests · 12 on TV · 12 Anywhere · The News 12 Team · Jobs · What's On

Middle school teacher accused of inappropriate relationship with student

Save

Posted: 3:20 PM Jul 30, 2008
Last Updated: 5:40 PM Jul 31, 2008

47 comments

Photos

A | A | A

July 30, 2008

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.---South Carolina's State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has arrested and charged a Paul Knox Middle School teacher over a relationship with a student.

Shannon Fowler, 37, of 423 Pine Butte Lane in North Augusta, has been charged with five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, one count of enticing an enrolled child from attendance in school, and one count of violating state test security regulations.

Fowler is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a 14 year old student since last fall. She's also accused of encouraging the girl to create a false persona or imaginary student to hide the relationship.

The school web site lists Fowler as a eighth grade math teacher at Paul Knox.

Fowler is also accused of transporting the student off campus several times a week without permission from the child's parents and discussed standardized test questions with her.

The Aiken County sheriff's office now says Fowler has bonded out of the county detention center.

SLED started its investigation last month at the request of the North Augusta Department of Public Safety.

Stay with News 12 for continuing details on this breaking news story.

Much of this information came from the State Law Enforcement Division.

EDITOR'S NOTE AND CLARIFICATION: Teacher Shannon Fowler has not been charged with engaging in sexual relations with a student or with the crime of criminal sexual conduct. Rather, she has been charged with the crime of "contributing to the delinquency of a minor," including allegations by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division of "adult themed" and "inappropriate" conversations with the student and an "inappropriate relationship with a minor."

Click Pictures to Enlarge

More Stories
GA Supreme Court strikes down automatic life sentence provision

Georgia sex offender law challenged

Sex charges against former councilman dropped

Georgia sex offender registry: Over 16,000 stories for each crime

More sex crime charges for former Aiken County administrator

Georgia Supreme Court rules sex offender law unconstitutional

Only on 12: Possible sex crimes connection between Eubanks, Meloan

Former North Augusta assistant principal charged with sex crimes

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Kourtney Location: North August on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:32 PM
I am a former student of Mrs. Fowler and i was SHOCKED to hear this story, i also know the student that this was happening to personally and she is the kind of person that is out for attention, Mrs. Fowler was one of my favorite teachers, she is the kind of person that wants to help those in need, and this child did not have a great home life. I believe it was all a misunderstanding, that Mrs. Fowler tried to help too much and the situation took a nasty turn. I love Mrs. Fowler to death but she should be punished for giving out answers and for letting kids play around in class, but as far as the situation with the student I think it should have been handled between Mrs. Fowler and the childs parents. There was nothing sexual going on, just a good deed gone too far. There is no reason for her to be put in jail.

Posted by: Robin Location: Aiken county on Aug 5, 2008 at 09:17 PM
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division would like anyone with any information regarding this case, to call me at 803-737-9000, or email Special Agent Newton at rnewton@sled.sc.gov

Posted by: Lynn Location: North Augusta on Aug 4, 2008 at 05:59 PM
To a student she had: I see you too are afraid to put your name. I guess they should check out your English teacher too b/c it doesn't look like you learned much there either.

Posted by: anonymous Location: north augusta on Aug 1, 2008 at 05:45 PM
Mrs. Fowler was my teacher, all she really cared about was if we liked her and what we thought about her. She was extremely close to the girl. All of us students wondered if there something wrong. I don't know about the sexual things but im positive about the others.

Posted by: becky Location: graniteville, sc on Aug 1, 2008 at 01:45 AM
Shannon is a good person, I have personally known her since i was born and she would never do anything like this! If she was taking the child off of school property dont you think someone would have seen them? Or dont you think that the parents would be concerned when the child wasnt home? Obviously not when they have been investigating it for so long now! And the standardized tests teachers dont have the answers to those tests and they change every year! This whole thing just needs to stop. Its probably just some kid not getting enough attention at home so they came up with a foney story to get some attention. Or the parents had something against her! But this whole thing is BULL!!!

Posted by: amy Location: north augusta on Jul 31, 2008 at 11:09 PM
Wait a minute. There are 2 sides to every story. Maybe the parents of this child are not looking out for the childs best interest. Therefore are trying to retalliate. Be glad there are teachers out there that truly care about your children, and not just a paycheck. These teachers are with our children basically more than we are. Let them love our children. We need more caring teachers in our school system. Just think before u people speak out. It could very well happen to u.

Posted by: Jessica Location: NA on Jul 31, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Ok. TO GRAB ALL OF THE PARENTS IN NORTH AUGUSTA. HERE IT GOES. MOST OF YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO HANDLE YOUR KIDS. ALL SHE DID WAS SHOW SOME CONCERN ABOUT HER STUDENTS. AND IT HAS BEEN BLOWN OUT OF THE WATER. AND IF THIS WAS SUCH A PROBLEM WHERE WAS THE PARENT? HMM HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT THAT. AND LIKE " Who are you to judge the life I live? I know I'm not perfect & I don't live to be but before you start pointing fingers make sure your hands are clean." -Bob Marley yeah i went there....

Posted by: Former Student Location: North Augusta on Jul 31, 2008 at 09:06 PM
I am now 21 years old, and had Shannon Fowler as one of my teachers in 8th grade. I can say that she would always have the girls crowded around her desk, talking about her personal life. She even at times would have the girls rubbing her shoulders. HOW INAPPROPRIATE! This does not surprise me. This lady was a terrible teacher; and always looked for the easy way out when teaching.

Posted by: recent student Location: North Augusta on Jul 31, 2008 at 08:33 PM
i had mrs fowler this year with the student and this student was always with mrs fowler and talking with her and mrs fowler got her to teach the class and let me tell you this is algebra 1 and nobody new the stuff and this student did before anyone else and this student would wear the teachers jacket mrs fowler always treated the student differently and mrs fowler really did not teach the class the student would stay in her class at the end of the day.

Posted by: CJ Location: NA on Jul 31, 2008 at 05:59 PM
This is so messed up!!! Mrs.Fowler was a very good teacher, she would help anybody!! she wouldnt cross the line!!! i had her 4 years ago!!!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: north augusta on Jul 31, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Don't know Ms Fowler that well but she should of known not to take anyone off campus without parental permission and discussing the test was wrong. Hope she learns from her mistakes.

Posted by: A Former Student Location: North Augusta, SC on Jul 31, 2008 at 04:55 PM
I've known Mrs. Fowler for the longest and for as long as I've known her she has been an amazing teacher and a wonderful person. She is the kind of person to reach out to those in need. This story is definitely a set up because anybody who knows Shannon Fowler knows that she would never cross the line. All that she does is try to help maybe this person that she's being accused of "having a relationship with" is a person who really needs and just wants some attention

Posted by: Heather Meadows, News 12 Web Producer Location: North Augusta, SC on Jul 31, 2008 at 03:33 PM
If any current or former students of Mrs. Fowler would like to tell their side of the story, please contact our newsroom: 803-278-3111 or newsroom@wrdw.com.

Posted by: Kitty Location: North Augusta on Jul 31, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Mrs. Fowler was my teacher 2 years ago. She is a great person. This stuff is bull, she gave a friend of mine a ride to school because she lived down the street from the teacher and was in the rain waiting for the bus. She's an amazing person, for a long time. She was the only adult I could trust and talk to about my problems when I had no one to turn to.

Posted by: A Former Student Location: North Augusta on Jul 31, 2008 at 01:19 PM
I had Mrs. Fowler as a teacher when I was in 8th grade and she was always everyone's favorite. She reached out to her students, always providing an extra help or tutoring they would need. In this case, I feel she just had her "motherly" instincts and wanted to provide extra help for the child. She is a well-qualified teacher who always made sure her students knew their math material and did their work. She is not a bad person, nor a bad teacher and its sad she has been put in this situation. The school system needs teachers like her and its a shame this has happened

Posted by: Recent Student Location: North Augusta on Jul 31, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Nobody knows the other side of the story, so take it from somebody who was in the class with the girl. All Mrs. Fowler ever did was try to help us, and that girl really needed some guidance from Mrs. Fowler. Mrs. Fowler might of crossed the line a little, but she only wanted to be a good person and make a difference.

Posted by: SnAp Location: North Augusta on Jul 31, 2008 at 09:25 AM
To me there it was different if you were at school with her. Ask any 8th grader last year and just about everyone will know exactly who they are talking about. I do believe that a teacher and a student can have a relationship outside of school but there wasa line drawn with her. Taking her from school without the parents knowing is with out a doubt wrong! Yes there might be "another" side to this story but the only people who know what really and truely happened is Mrs. Fowler and the student. Mrs. Folwer might have care about her students but maybe just too much. She was there (in my mind) to my friends not to teach. I was a student there last school year and all of her class were completely out of hand. She broke not only school rules (many times) but also state laws. Do i think she should have been allowed to get out, NO! If it was a male teacher he would probably not get out for a very long time. She was nice but just maybe too nice. I think she has ruined her career as a teacher.

Posted by: parent Location: north augusta on Jul 31, 2008 at 08:27 AM
my child had her this past year and she is not a "good teacher" as some of the comments are reporting. all i ever heard is that she let the students talk, listen to i-pods, etc in class instead of work. she did not prepare them for the end-of-class exams at all except hand out a study sheet and left them on their own. all that being said, she is innocent until proven guilty - but it sounds bad for her. i do think it was disgusting that wrdw said she had been charged with a sex crime if that's not in fact true. typical of the media trying to get people's attention.

Posted by: A parent Location: North Augusta on Jul 30, 2008 at 11:07 PM
I am sickened by the remarks made about this teacher.My child had Mrs. Fowler and I know for a fact that she is an excellent math teacher and she cares about all of her students.If she has any fault,it is that she cares too much.Too often I see teachers who come to school to only collect a paycheck (a and could care less about their students.We need more teachers like Mrs. Fowler who have empathy, who try to help the many troubled students that are in our schools today.If the parent of this particular student was there for her child, the child would not have turned to a teacher for help.I challenge North Augusta and all of Aiken County to rally around Mrs. Fowler during this horrible nightmare!!If we don't, then I feel for every teacher who will walk through the schools doors on August 18th.Parents, beware-your child's teacher will be scared to show any care,concern,or compassion for your child without the fear of being accused of "inappropriate behavior"

Posted by: Mom Location: North Augusta on Jul 30, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Don't convict her with out a trial. The premise of our legal system is that you are innocent until proven guilty. No one has heard her side of this story. Wait until all the facts are known then let a jury decide.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: North Augusta on Jul 30, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Mrs. Fowler is a good teacher and person. She cares about her students and people in the community. Hopefully the truth will come out in this case.

Posted by: ashley Location: north augusta on Jul 30, 2008 at 10:24 PM
this is so sad and unreal that teachers would even think about doing something like this.

Posted by: formerstudent Location: NA on Jul 30, 2008 at 10:20 PM
I CAN BELIEVE THIS! she was always in other peoples business and talked to us about things that SHOULDNT be talked about between a student and a teacher. and she NEVER taught us, just always gave us answers to the test and worksheets. if you asked for help, she wouldnt help you. she didnt even have any control over the classroom and just let everyone do whatever they wanted. We had no discipline. And you can ask almost anyone! WE ALL thought the relationship was a wierd.

Posted by: stephanie Location: Augusta on Jul 30, 2008 at 10:18 PM
I cannot beleive the comments against this teacher, they are crucfying her with out a chance for her to explain, one idiot says that she should not had bee allowed to make bail, that is why we have a legal system, to give everyone even that person rights to a "fair" trial. The media is portrying her as a sex offender yet there is NO mention of any sexual conintation however the comments made by the public automatically assume that to be the case.. We dont know if the teachers intention were to help the student the best way that she could and now she is being punished if that is the case. It is a no wonder that are legal system (juries are so missed-up, because of the prejudegment of ignorant people willing to hang someone before they gat a cahnce to clear the issue.

Posted by: anonymous on Jul 30, 2008 at 10:14 PM
mrs. fowler was always concerned with whether her students liked her. it was almost always a discussion in class in one way or another. maybe this is just an attempt at being the "cool" teacher gone terribly wrong.

Posted by: Marteen Location: Harlem, GA on Jul 30, 2008 at 10:11 PM
It is disturbing that the general public and even teacher automatically assume that the teacher was somehow molesting the student. There is no menton of molestation yet the public comments are slanted as if she was accussed of such. It is this mental that creates our overzealous reactions and only adds fire to situation before it is understood. I would like to suggest that the public get the facts before they decide to stone someone.

Posted by: Marteen Location: Harlem, GA on Jul 30, 2008 at 09:56 PM
The story is incomplete and does not state what the conversation dealt with. It appears to me that the teacher may have been trying to help the student which may include the fact that she may had to bend or break some of the rules to do so. Teachers are way under paid and to smear this theacher without knowing all the facts is inappropiate. We have a tendency to accuse people before we have the facts straight, by then its too late they have been mase to appear something that they are not as in the case of Martin Salazar who was slandered in the newspapers. We still dont knwo what this teachers motives were in her relationship with the teacher. I had a teacher that took me off campus ato help me with tutorials, and it was becasue of her that I acheived in school, this may be the same situation we dont know. It goes to that old saying that "no Good Deed goes Unpunished"

Posted by: not surprised Location: north augusta on Jul 30, 2008 at 09:37 PM
really and truly....i dont care how nice she is or how nice she seemed. there is a line that is supposed to be drawn between a student and teacher. its ok to offer extra help but you know the difference between right and wrong. and in this case its wrong...and sickening. its a shame that people cant even send their kids to school. its so much going on in the world today that this lil incident does not even surprise me. we just have to let go and let God.

Posted by: previous student. on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:35 PM
barbara, you didnt have her. you didnt know what went on this year. i had her in class. it doesnt matter she goes to church or anything like that! ask any of her students, they will tell you the truth unless they didnt like her!

Posted by: a student she had. Location: NA on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:29 PM
yeah right, i had mrs. fowler as a teacher this year. You don't know the way how she was in our class. She didnt teach us crap, and she was always with "that girl" non stop, she even came in our class while we were having class. she gave us answers on tests whenever we asked, she made up the grades to put on final peoples exams. i think she should atleast get in some type of trouble. I actually passed math this year just because i had her. we ate, drank, and listened to music in class. During exploritories "that girl" mrs fowler had a "relationship" with, she was always in there. whenever people walked past her classroom, that girl was in there every single day! everyone knew that something was going on, they should really look into this! she shouldnt get away with this! i mean, i know how she wanted to get into our lives, and help us out. but shes a teacher, she shouldnt do that. she argued with us, just like a child would.

Posted by: Brekken on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:07 PM
I have known Shannon since i was 10 years old. I know her personally and I was also a student of hers, I used to babysit her children. I know her entire family and I do know that Shannon cares a lot about what people think of her and I know that she tries her best to help people..all of her former students who are downing her, most of you..she was your favorite teacher. Shannon Fowler would have never done anything to hurt that little girl and I think the assumptions that are being made are insane. And Tony, from knowing Shannon personally for near 10 years I know that their is not one ounce of corruption, lies, betrayal, or sexual deviance in this woman..what happened to innocent until proven guilty anyways?

Posted by: Lynn Location: North Augusta on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:00 PM
You people ought to be ashamed. You sure want to be the first to crucify Mrs. Fowler but you are too scared to put your name. I have known Mrs. Fowler for more than 20 years and she would give even a stranger off the street help if he needed it. This is just the type of person she is. She is good as gold. Mrs. Fowler is a great Christian lady her God will carry her through this difficult time.

Posted by: Bridget Location: North Augusta on Jul 30, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Most of you people are completely full of crap. The article doesn't even state the "crime" directly so how can you make a judgement? From knowing her PERSONALLY and actually knowing the "crime", there is no good reason she should be in jail or even be charged. Maybe the people in North Augusta should mind their own business since thats half the problem anyway.

Posted by: Barbara Location: NA on Jul 30, 2008 at 06:48 PM
Dear "Anon"- At least I give my name. And I stand by what I said. The last time I checked, we live in America and abide by a Constitution which states she is innocent until PROVEN guilty. So many students need someone to talk to and can not talk to parents. Let's WAIT until all comes out before you start condemning. Shame on you for being so quick to judge.A student has apparently been harmed and I pray for them and their family. A whole career and reputation is being lost. It is a tragedy for ALL.

Posted by: Tony Location: Augusta on Jul 30, 2008 at 06:46 PM
Barbara, I'm glad you informed us that Mrs. Fowler attends church... All the more reason to suspect corruption, lies, betrayal, and sexual deviance.

Posted by: June Location: North Augusta, SC on Jul 30, 2008 at 06:31 PM
Although Mrs. Fowler may have not handled this student in the best way possible, what she did cannot be interpreted as harmful to anyone. She is one of the nicest people I have ever met, and I know from personal experience that she only wants the best for her students. Maybe she does care about how her students feel about her, but hopefully all teachers do! The only way to truly get through to a student nowadays is to show them you care and to empathize with them. And to 'former strudent', how could you ever wish someone in jail, just because they were nosy? Have you not ever been nosy before? No one deserves to be jailed for showing a genuine interest in other people's lives.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Did she smile for the mug shot?????

Posted by: Anonymous Location: North Augusta on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:55 PM
To Barbara: You hold on !!!! How dare you! Some people use church and other things to cover up their behavior and to make people THINK they are nice and good. I have always questioned this woman and now MY GUT FEELING has proven to be true. I just pray she hasn't done anything else to any other children. She is sick and should never be allowed to teach or be around children.

Posted by: Taylor Location: Cant believe it!! on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Holy crap i went to pk also. mrs. fowler was my favorite teacher in 8th grade. it is so hard to believe that she would do that. i knew mrs. fowler very well and i never got any kind of interpretation from her that she would do that.

Posted by: former strudent Location: n.a. on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:41 PM
wow!!!!!! i am actually not suprised at this. she always let us do what ever we wanted and didnt care what we did. she would always get involved with the students lives and talk about stuff that shouldnt be talked about between a teacher and student. she should stay in jail and not be released for a really long time hopefully itll teacher her to mind her own business.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: North Augusta on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:36 PM
I can believe this!! She has always been more concerned that the students like her than teaching the kids. I understand that Paul Knox also had problems with totally innaproppriate behavior from a six grade teacher and she is still there. Maybe it is time to get rid of Brenda Smith(the so-called principal) and get Paul Knox straightened out before more children are hurt by these sick teachers. How may more act this way? There better be some upper school administration taking care of this- you mess with kids and you will have very mad parents.

Posted by: Other Location: NA on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:24 PM
She knew exactly what she was doing. If she helped on that what is to say she didnt help on other test. I agree she was nice but maybe too nice to that student. This is probably the biggest thing to hit NA since the shooting afew years ago. She should be ashamed not only as a person but as a teacher. I dont think she should have got out either. You do the crime you NEED to do the time. That was a big serious crime and she needs to pay.

Posted by: Barbara Location: North Augusta on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Hold on! This teacher has been a leader in the school and is innocent until proven guilty!She goes to church and is a good mother. 99.99% of teachers are some of the HARDEST working, best prepared professionals you will EVER meet.

Posted by: OMG Location: NA on Jul 30, 2008 at 04:55 PM
OMG!! I went to pk and i honestly think it is so funny! Alot of people thought the relationship was a little weird. She should be ashame. I cant believe it! i do agree that she should have stayed in jail though

Posted by: FormerstudentZ on Jul 30, 2008 at 04:49 PM
I...I totally cant believe this! She was always so nice... and willing to help! If I didnt get something, she'd explain it... I just.... I'm in shock.

Posted by: Dale Location: 53726 on Jul 30, 2008 at 04:40 PM
This is happening all over the country. Go to www.schoolteachernews.com and click on the Scandal page. They have documented over 290 of these types of incidents since just the beginning of 2008.

Posted by: wow on Jul 30, 2008 at 02:37 PM
How in the world did they let his teacher bond out of jail???? If that was a male instructor he would be under the jail. We have a responsibility to protect our children!!! The judge should be ashame

GA Sex Offender Registry
SC Sex Offender Registry

Aiken County Sex Offenders
Columbia County Sex Offenders
Richmond County Sex Offenders

Full text of Georgia HB1059 (the Sex Offender Law)

View an interactive map of sex offenders near you.

Sex Offender Information and Resources