HARTSVILLE, Tenn. -- A teacher in Trousdale County is off the job, suspended without pay following allegations of misconduct.

Video: Teacher Suspended During Misconduct Investigation

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating John Anthony Young, Trousdale County Elementary School PE teacher and bus driver.

Clint Satterfield, the Trousdale schools director, became emotional when talking about Young, someone he's known for years as a student, football player, employee and friend.

"In a small town, you know the family. Mr. Young was a student of mine. He was a player of mine, and, I mean, it hurts you, you know, when things like this happen. It's not an easy thing to do," said Satterfield.

The schools director used to coach Young on the football field and has known his family for years. According to documents in Young's personnel file, Satterfield even supervised Young when he was a student teacher more than 10 years ago.

"During the working hours, the only way that I can comment is from a professional perspective. You know, on the job, his performance has been good," said Satterfield. "I was notified by law enforcement that he was under investigation, and we've suspended him until that investigation is complete."

The district attorney told Channel 4 last week that Young is under investigation for "teacher misconduct," but would not say what kind of misconduct.

On Young's teacher application from 1998, he wrote, "I believe that all children have the right to learn. It is the teacher's responsibility to teach every child on his/her individual level."

"I thought that what was in the best interest of the school system was to suspend him, you know, pending the results of the investigation," said Satterfield.

Channel 4 was unable to reach Young for comment.

The TBI is investigating the allegations, but the district attorney, TBI and the Trousdale County sheriff wouldn't comment on the specifics of the allegations.