Peters 1st-Grade Teacher Accused Of Being Drunk At School, Leaving Class Unattended

PETERS TOWNSHIP, PA — A Peters Township School District elementary school teacher has been charged with being drunk in front of her students.

According to court documents, Katharine Viviano, 50, is charged with public drunkenness and similar misconduct. Viviano is a first-grade teacher at Pleasant Valley Elementary School.

WPXI-TV reported that on Oct. 8, Viviano left the school and went to a Wine and Spirits Store. Surveillance video revealed she purchased alcohol before returning to the classroom.

Viviano then allegedly left her students unattended and went into a restroom, where another teacher found her in a semi-conscious state.

According to WTAE-TV, the school district said Viviano's students were moved to another classroom and then to a playground.

When Viviano exited the restroom, authorities said she smelled of alcohol and had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Viviano allegedly admitted that she had been drinking vodka.