“I am deeply ashamed of my actions,” Ma told the public and her family in tears during her courtroom address prior to her sentencing, according to NBC San Diego.
“I misled them, I used my power and influence over them, and I abused my authority,” she continued, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.
“This age group of boys should be playing outside and having fun.” I tore their childhood away from them.
“Instead of being a good teacher, I allowed my selfishness to take precedence over the boys’ best interests.”
The former top educator apologized to the victims and their families while in handcuffs, describing her acts as self-centered and admitting the damage they will cause to the victims and the community at large.
In front of rows of relatives and the general public, Ma acknowledged that she had “disgraced the teaching profession” by misleading parents who had faith in her.
