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A substitute teacher covering a class at Bowie High School in Austin was "relieved of duty" for bringing a karaoke machine to class and singing Britney Spears's "Toxic."
Students filmed the impromptu show and tell, and the footage obtained by KXAN-TV showed the teacher sitting behind the desk with mic in hand as an amateur light show accompanied his performance.
Here is one clip filmed by students in the class.
According to an Austin Independent School District representative, the teacher was asked to leave after the first period because he “wasn’t following [the district’s] best practices.”
Contrary to rumors, the man was not a prankster but was, in fact, a registered substitute teacher who was placed to cover the class.
AISD confirmed the performing teacher was not arrested. A spokesperson for the district said, “I’ve heard worse Britney Spears covers, but the lights are a bit much."
‘Toxic’ Teacher: A substitute at Bowie High School in south Austin wanted to be a “class clown” for the day.
The substitute and bad singer broke out the karaoke machine to take on “Toxic” by Britney Spears.
He was sent home. @KXAN_Newspic.twitter.com/QYMebGzg5B
— Ricky (@RickyG_TV) December 3, 2021
The district added that while the teacher did not have an official AISD badge, he was checked in through the visitor system–which includes a background check–and that "all processes were followed."
“It was simply a case of a substitute not following our practices," said the district.
People didn't know what to say. Some were conflicted.
These folks who take up teaching are doing it for the wrong reason. I suspect most take teaching jobs because they have no other skills. Teachers in the past had a passion to teach and allowed students to grow now they either indoctrinate or to a poor job of teaching. Not all
— Proud Texan 🇺🇸 (@BaldoGranados) December 7, 2021
Many public schools are going downhill fast.
— Facts Matter (@StoptheHypocri2) December 7, 2021
Singing loudly in an enclosed space while unmasked is the real concern IMO.
— Orcinus (@Guest230) December 7, 2021
God, save our schools!!!!!
— Kim Mercer (@KimMerc01813978) December 7, 2021
Poor kids having to listen to this in person….job opening
— RP (@calledbylight) December 7, 2021
Could have at least picked a Holiday song...jeeez. 🙄
— Kathy Mehringer (@khawn_mehringer) December 7, 2021
While others were highly amused.
How dare he put some fun into the student day!!!!
— Ty Sheets (@roninbutsu) December 7, 2021
Of all the awful things being taught in school—this is benign. Give him a break!
— Michelle Shirey (@mhouska23) December 7, 2021
Huh? Cancel Culture in Texas? I thought you didn’t do that in Texas? Cancel Culture in Texas? Oops I did it again!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Kyle. (@KyleB01212021) December 7, 2021
Really smh leave that man alone and let him sang!
— THE REAL MJ (@THEEREALMJJ) December 6, 2021
"Toxic" won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording, and it marked Britney's first Grammy win in her career.
It is unclear what prompted the teacher to bust out with the popular Britney tune from her fourth studio album, In the Zone, but it was speculated he was giving a masterclass in all things Britney–who last month was freed from her nearly 14 years of conservatorship.
Los Angeles County Superior Judge Brenda Penny deemed the legal arrangement of having the singer's personal and financial affairs controlled by others was no longer necessary.
In an Instagram video last month, the 40-year-old singer said:
“I’ve been in a conservatorship for 13 years."
“It’s a really long time to be in a situation you don’t want to be in. So, I’m just grateful, honestly, for each day.”