Teacher praised for actions in crisis

MARINETTE (AP) - The Marinette High School teacher who was held hostage along with about two dozen students is being praised for protecting her students during the crisis.

In a press release from the Marinette County District Attorney's Office, the teacher, Mrs. Valerie Burd, is commended for "her exceptional performance in protecting her students while maintaining her composure."

"The teacher was nothing short of heroic," Marinette Police Chief Jeff Skorik said.  "I think she kept a very cool head.  She was able to keep the suspect as calm as possible. I heard that she took the responsibility of trying to assure the other students they were going to be OK.  We really give that teacher a lot of credit for being able to keep a cool head under a stressful situation."

The teacher spoke with authorities on the phone throughout Monday's hostage situation.

Students who were held hostage also said the teacher was able to keep a conversation going throughout the ordeal.