ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – A teacher’s aide formerly employed by the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District (ISD) is being charged with child abuse.
54-year-old Robin Popour was arrested by Delta County Sheriff’s Office personnel on December 19, 2025. That was two days after an incident at the ISD Learning Center, which serves students with “moderate to severe impairments.”
A fellow teacher’s aide told police that while attempting to get a male student to sit down, Popour began yelling at him. The student made a pinching motion toward Popour, who reportedly grabbed him by the shoulder and pushed him up against a window. According to another teacher’s aide, she then “threw” the student into a chair.
A witness stated that when the student continued to make pinching motions, Popour told him that if he touched her, she would “slap his hands.” Another witness quoted her as saying she didn’t care if she lost her job for hitting him. They also told police Popour had previously stated she did not like the student and had “no use” for him.
According to a police report, one witness called Popour’s actions “unnecessary,” saying there was no need to touch the student in the first place. The next day, a teacher’s aide found bruises on the student’s arm. Another implied Popour didn’t care if the altercation left marks.
District Superintendent Dr. Kristina Hansen says when the incident was reported on December 18, Popour was immediately placed on administrative leave. She was then fired after an investigation on December 19.
Administrators determined Popour failed to meet the “professional, safety, and conduct expectations” required of ISD staff members. They also found that she operated outside of district procedures, as teacher’s aides receive training throughout the year about trauma-informed, verbal de-escalation strategies.
When asked how the ISD is moving on, Hansen told WZMQ 19 that the district has examined its internal practices regarding staff members “feeling empowered” about voicing any concerns they may have. The district has also provided new, additional training about how, why, and when to report such situations.
“We will continue to work on this,” Hansen said in a written statement. “Student safety is always at the forefront of what we do. When we learn there are ways to improve, we fix that.
Hansen added, “As a school leader, I want to be very clear that this behavior is unacceptable and not tolerated. Our Learning Center staff members are compassionate, patient, super heros [sic] who provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all students in their care… The Learning Center is an amazing educational environment for students with special needs. Our hope is that this isolated incident does not change how people feel about the school or the fabulous individuals who work there.”
Now, Popour faces one count of third-degree child abuse. The felony charge is punishable by two years in prison or up to five years of probation.
Popour has been ordered to appear in the Delta County Circuit Court on April 20th. WZMQ 19 will continue to follow this case as it unfolds.
