NORTH BERGEN – Two teachers have been suspended and are being investigated by the state Department of Education for “potential inappropriate coaching” of special education students during a recent standardized test, district officials said Wednesday.

North Bergen High School teachers Lynn Hernandez and Seana Timmons were suspended with pay on Mar. 7 following an internal review by the school district, according to a statement by Superintendent Robert Dandorph.

“The State Department of Education was immediately notified and is now conducting a thorough investigation,” Dandorph stated.

The teachers could not be reached for comments Wednesday.

A spokesman for the state education department said Wednesday he would check for a status on the investigation, but did not have that information at press time.

Liz Lynch, president of the North Bergen Federation of Teachers, said she had spoken with the teachers but could not comment because of the ongoing investigation.

When asked, she said the case “probably would” spur educators throughout the state to reexamine how to administer tests to students in special education.

Hernandez has taught for 24 years and Timmons for 3½ years, according to district records.

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