A New York City teacher is facing charges after police say he physically assaulted a 12-year-old student.

The NYPD says the incident started with a verbal dispute between the teacher and a 12-year-old student Saturday at P.S. 178. Police say the student claims the teacher grabbed him and threw him to the ground.

The student hit his head and suffered a concussion.

The teacher was identified as 30-year-old Marquell Singleton. Singleton was taken into custody Monday and is now facing charges of assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

The Department of Education responded to the incident saying in part, "This alleged behavior is absolutely reprehensible and will not be tolerated. This employee was removed from the school. If convicted, we will move to terminate him."