Edison teacher fired after lewd chat during training

EDISON, N.J. (AP) -- Officials have fired an Edison teacher and disciplined two others following an online chat during training that mocked special needs students and other teachers.

The teachers were training to use new technology in October 2014 when an arbitrator found they insulted special education students and speculated on their colleagues' sex lives. The chat was accessible to anyone in the district.

Tyler Van Pelt lost his job.

NJ.com obtained the decision in which the arbitrator also found Van Pelt masturbated on school property and brought a beer to a high school graduation. His lawyer is preparing a possible appeal.

Maryellen Lechelt was suspended for 120 days and lost a pay raise. Maria Weber was suspended for 90 days.

Both had spotless records otherwise.

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