Fla. teacher faces dismissal over 'cone of shame'

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. (AP) — A Florida high school science teacher faces dismissal amid allegations that she used a "cone of shame" dog collar to discipline students.

Pasco County schools superintendent Heather Fiorentino has recommended firing 47-year-old Laurie Bailey-Cutkomp for putting a dog collar on at least eight of her ninth graders on two days in April.

The collar was reportedly the type used to prevent animals from licking themselves after surgery. "Cone of shame" is a reference to the animated film "Up," which Bailey-Cutkomp had previously shown to students.

Zephyrhills High administrators learned of the allegations after seeing the students' photos on Facebook. Parents tipped off the school.

She has requested a hearing before the School Board to appeal the superintendent's decision. A telephone message left for Bailey-Cutkomp by The Associated Press wasn't immediately returned.