‘I just want justice’: Family reacts after Caroline teacher pleads guilty to abusing 3-year-old boy

CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A former Caroline County elementary school teacher has pleaded guilty after she was caught on video pushing, chasing and slapping a 3-year-old boy.

On Sept. 19, 2025, then-preschool teacher 28-year-old Spenser Bettinger was arrested after a mother reported seeing several scratches on her son after picking him up from Bowling Green Elementary School. She was charged with felony child abuse, felony causing an injury to a child while having custody of the child and assault.

During a hearing on Thursday, Jan. 8, Bettinger pleaded guilty to all three charges and now faces a maximum of 11 years in prison.

The child's mother, who has asked to remain anonymous, previously told 8News that her son showed signs of distress and was hesitant to go to school.

Scratches found on child after he was picked up from school. (Photo: Child's mother)

Scratches found on child after he was picked up from school. (Photo: Child's mother)

Scratches found on child after he was picked up from school. (Photo: Child's mother)

During Thursday's hearing, the Commonwealth's Attorney presented surveillance video of the incident that would have been shown at trial if Bettinger had not waived her trial rights.

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The 15-minute clip showed students on the playground at Bowling Elementary. As the video progressed, other teachers were seen lining up their students and returning inside, leaving Bettinger’s class alone on the playground.

Near the end of the video, the victim is seen sitting on the ground and crying intensely. Prosecutors fast-forwarded through portions of the footage, making it unclear what led up to that moment. Bettinger can be heard yelling at the child, telling him to stop moving and sit still.

The video shows Bettinger repeatedly pushing the child to the ground while he is seated. The child then attempts to run away, but Bettinger chases after him. At one point, she slaps the child -- a sound that is audible on the video and prompted gasps from people in the courtroom.

Bettinger is then heard directing the other students to line up as she forcibly grabs the victim and carries him sideways off the playground, with the remaining students following behind her.

The victim's mother was visibly emotional as the footage was played and briefly exited the courtroom.

After the video was shown, the Commonwealth’s Attorney said investigators believe Bettinger intentionally waited until the other teachers left the playground before the assault occurred.

According to court documents, Bettinger admitted to assaulting the child during an interview with investigators on the day of her arrest.

"Bettinger stated she had a bad day and was very stressed when the incident occurred at Bowling Green Elementary," an investigator wrote.

Investigators also learned Bettinger previously worked at the Primrose School of Swift Creek in Chesterfield County. While Bettinger denied assaulting any other students, investigators said they believe the incident at Bowling Green may not have been isolated.

Court records show a search warrant was filed requesting performance evaluations and supervisory notes from Primrose School during Bettinger’s employment.

The child’s mother spoke to 8News after the guilty plea and said she was relieved Bettinger took accountability.

"I just want justice for my son, that's all," she said.

The child’s grandmother also shared her reaction.

"I wish she had gone to trial so everyone could see what she did," she said.

The family told 8News the child, now four years old, continues to experience trauma from the assault and has nightmares. He is also undergoing counseling.

Bettinger is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11.