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The video shows the teacher, Linda Brajer, of Roxbury Schools in Morris County, giving the gesture in response to a parent who had asked her and another aide to discuss their concerns about distracted students off-camera.
One parent apparently began recording the conversation when things turned sour.
The incident went viral on Twitter.
In a letter sent to parents, Brajer apologized and chalked the late February incident up to a “communication mistake," News12 reports.
Though she had reportedly been placed on paid leave, some parents think more should be done.
“They’ll do that in school when I can hear them. What do they do in school when I can’t hear them?” a parent who wished to stay anonymous told the outlet.
Other parents, however, think Brajer ought to be cut a break.
“My daughter had her as a kindergarten teacher and she was absolutely wonderful,” another parent defended.
“I have only known her to have a sweet and caring demeanor. She truly loves these kids. I don’t know what led up to this moment but it’s very clear she has reached a breaking point.”
The district did not respond to News 12’s request for comment.
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