Miami Teachers’ Dispute Turns Violent at Charter School

A personal altercation between two teachers at a Miami charter boarding school resulted in arrests after a classroom meeting became violent. Terrod Tiyan Torrence, 36, and Odiria Biggins, both teachers, were involved in a past romantic relationship and have a child together.

Days before the incident, Biggins found a note from Torrence on her desk, asking to meet. They agreed on July 17 in Classroom 119 at The SEED School of Miami. What was meant to be a conversation quickly escalated. Investigators report that Torrence allegedly punched Biggins multiple times and slammed her head into a wall, knocking her unconscious.

After regaining consciousness, Biggins retrieved pepper spray from her vehicle and confronted Torrence elsewhere on campus. Surveillance captured her entering the classroom where Torrence was, leading to her spraying him. Both emerged from the building, with Torrence visibly affected by the spray, struggling to walk and showing eye irritation until staff intervened.

Biggins was arrested and charged with discharging a weapon on school property and misdemeanor domestic violence battery. Her bond was set at $2,000. Torrence was also arrested, facing misdemeanor domestic violence battery charges. He was booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, with a bond set at $2,000 and a no-contact order with Biggins.

The specific reason for the argument remains unknown. It is also unclear if any students witnessed the events. Requests for comments from the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department and The SEED School of Miami regarding the employment status of the teachers remain unanswered.