Jason Lowell Rogers, a 49-year-old Underwood teacher, pleaded guilty after admitting he stepped on three students during a 2025 lockdown drill. A judge granted a stay of adjudication, placing Rogers on probation rather than imposing immediate jail time. His probation requires surrendering his Minnesota teaching license, completing anger management, 90 hours of community service, apology letters to victims and $2,250 in fines and fees. The case could be dismissed if he complies with all conditions.
Underwood Teacher Who Admitted Stepping on Students Pleads Guilty, Avoids Jail With Probation Deal
Underwood School District; Google Maps
Jason Lowell Rogers, a 49-year-old teacher in Underwood, Minnesota, pleaded guilty on July 28 to charges that he stepped on students during a 2025 school lockdown drill. The judge granted a stay of adjudication, meaning Rogers will be placed on probation and the case could be dismissed if he complies with the court's conditions.
According to reports, after the drill a student said the teacher—reported to weigh about 350 pounds—pressed both feet into the student’s back for roughly 10 seconds, causing the student to cry out in pain. When interviewed by police the next day, Rogers told investigators he felt the class was not taking the drill seriously. He initially admitted stepping on one student and later acknowledged stepping on two additional students.
Underwood Public School
Rogers was charged with malicious punishment of a child and placed on administrative leave by Underwood Public School. Following his admissions, two additional counts were added, for a total of three counts related to the incident.
Probation Terms
As part of the disposition, Rogers must:
- Surrender his Minnesota teaching license;
- Undergo an anger management assessment;
- Complete 90 hours of community service;
- Write apology letters to each victim;
- Pay $2,250 in fines and court fees;
- Be barred from teaching in any other state as a condition of the agreement.
If Rogers meets all conditions of his probation and the court’s terms, the stay of adjudication could result in dismissal of the case. The outcome ends the immediate prospect of jail time but carries professional and legal consequences, including the surrender of his teaching license.
Context: The case highlights concerns about appropriate discipline and the handling of student safety during emergency drills.
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