Teacher Krista Hodges apologises after tweeting she wanted to 'stab some kids'

She said that she did not intend for the messages to be taken seriously

The logo of social networking website 'Twitter' is displayed on a computer screen in London on September 11, 2013. (LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images)

A high school teacher in California has apologised after she wrote a string of offensive tweets about her pupils, including how she wanted to stab them and pour coffee on them.

Management at Newark Memorial High School where Krista Hodges teaches were alerted to her posts by a colleague.

Ms Hodges has since apologised after she received a written reprimand from district officials, and continues to teach at the institution, the San Jose Mercury News reported.

Tim Erwin, interim superintendent of Newark Unified School District, confirmed it had investigated Hodges' online messages. While Mr Erwin would not detail the discipline, Ms Hodges herself confirmed she received a written reprimand.

“I wanna stab some kids. Is that bad? 19 more days,” she tweeted on 23 June.

“I am getting Starbucks for sure before school tomorrow. That way I'll be refreshed AND have something to dump on the little a-holes,” said another tweet.

And on 18 April she said that was pleased to be on a 10-day break, but “especially to be away from the ones who truly my patience & make my trigger finger itchy”.

Ms Hodges has since said that she did not intend for her posts on Twitter to be taken seriously, and said she “deeply regrets” her actions.

In an interview with the San Jose Mercury News, she admitted to behaving “unprofessionally” but added she is “one of the most liked teachers on campus” because she forms “meaningful” relationships with her pupils.

She added that she would “never touch a student” and that the tweets were posted in frustration towards what she called "troubled students".

Ms Hodges has since deleted her Twitter account, and said she would no longer use any social media websites.

School board President Nancy Thomas said: “We take very seriously the safety of our children,” and said she was aware of the disciplinary action.