Teacher Sentenced In Atlanta Public Schools Cheating Scandal Visits Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ) -- One of the Atlanta Public Schools administrators convicted in a historic, widespread cheating scandal is in Detroit this weekend.

Theresa Copeland, 58, was invited to the Motor City by the Detroit Chapter of the National Action Network, while she continues to maintain her innocence.

"We were offered a plea deal -- I did not accept a plea deal because I wanted to exercise my constitutional right and I stand by my right, which is to go through the appeals process," Copeland said. "I stand firmly by what I believe in. I am not guilty and I will stand by the appeals process."

Detroit leaders of NAN say the prosecution of teachers, administrators and others in this case is an effort to discredit and dismantle public education in urban cities.  NAN president Rev. Charles Williams II says that there are similar efforts going on in Detroit.

"One of the first things to do if you want to dismantle it is discredit it," Williams said. "So what they have done in Atlanta is they have discredited the Atlanta Public School system so the charter school industry can come back."

The group is holding a fundraiser and rally to help fund an appeal.

Copeland, a 23-year veteran teacher, is among the 12 Atlanta Public Schools teachers and others convicted as part of the cheating scandal, which included cheating on a standardized test.

"In my particular situation, I did not cheat," Copeland said. "I was the testing coordinator. There was a teacher at my school who was indicted and she admitted to cheating. However, they're saying that they're accusing me of pushing a cart."

Copeland was sentenced to five years of probation and one year in prison.