Teacher who works part-time as pole-dance instructor suspended after video of her leaks

A North Carolina middle school teacher was placed on suspension after a video of her teaching a pole-dance class surfaced online, reported ABC 7 News. 

Kandice Mason teaches 6th-grade students at West Hoke County Middle School. She was prepared for the new school year to start when she received upsetting news.

"I was really excited. I had already been given my classroom," said Kandice Mason.

Outside of the classroom, Mason, who holds a masters in Psychology, bachelors in English, and a certificate in phlebotomy, works as a self-taught pole dancing instructor.

"That's how I stay in shape. That's how I feel like I can express myself and have time for myself," she said.

Mason posted a video to her private Facebook account and the wrong eyes saw it. Her video was leaked and reported to school officials.

"I've worked so hard to try and make sure I can provide for my daughters, and our livelihood has been jeopardized just for doing something that I'm passionate about," Mason said.

The school administration sited that they placed Mason on suspension because: "As role models for the school system employees are responsible for their public conduct ... even when they are not performing their job duties as employees of the school system."

Mason said no one complained about the video, so it shocked her that it was a problem.

"It wasn't even like it was a parent or student that brought this up. It was someone that was being malicious and pretty much trying to make me out to be a bad person," she said.

"I've never felt ashamed of pole dancing. It's just an art for me. I just don't see it as negative," Mason said.

West Hoke County Middle school representative, Donna Thomas released this statement: "Kandice Mason has been suspended with pay pending an investigation."

The Hoke County School Board will review the case, and determine the future of her employment.

Watch the video below via ABC 7.