The 43-year-old special education teacher accused of sexually assaulting a student described herself on LinkedIn as a “PASSIONATE” educator

A special education teacher who describes herself online as a “passionate” educator has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing one of her students.

Allison Havemann-Niedrach, 43, a special education teacher at Freehold Intermediate School in New Jersey, was taken into custody earlier this week, prosecutors announced Saturday.

Her arrest came after an investigation by the Monmouth County District Attorney’s Office and Freehold Police Department revealed that she allegedly began sexually abusing a student earlier this year.

It is unclear how many times she allegedly sexually abused the student or how old he was, even though the middle school only serves students in sixth through eighth grades.

Havemann-Niedrach is now charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. She can be seen smiling in her mug shot.

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In her Linkedin profile, she describes herself as a “passionate, results-oriented and sincere educator” with a “proven track record of ‘doing whatever it takes’ work ethic and truly differentiated instruction.”

She has worked for the Freehold Borough School District since 2022 and previously held positions at other schools in New Jersey and in Philadelphia, according to the profile.

But in a message to parents on Friday, Freehold Borough School District Superintendent Asia Michael referred to Havemann-Niedrach as a “former employee” when announcing her arrest.

“It is with a heavy heart that I must share some disturbing news with you,” Michael wrote in the email, which was obtained by the Asbury Park Press.

“We have been informed that a former employee has been arrested for third-degree aggravated sexual assault and inappropriate sexual conduct with a minor,” the superintendent continued, misrepresenting the charges.

She added that the school district has “fully cooperated with the district attorney’s office since the investigation began” and noted that “the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority.”

Michael went on to say the school district had taken “immediate steps to ensure the protection” of students and staff, but did not go into detail.

“We understand that this news can be deeply disturbing,” she concluded, urging all parents to come forward if their child needs support.

Havemann-Niedrach is currently being held without bail in the Monmouth County Jail pending her first court appearance and a hearing to determine whether she will remain in custody.

The hearing is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, July 3.

Meanwhile, Havemann-Niedrach’s lawyer Thomas Huth told the Asbury Park Press that she “maintains her innocence at this time.”