Paul Robson made his first appearance at Newcastle Crown Court charged with the murder of 47-year-old Caroline Kayll and the attempted murder of a 15-year-old boy.
Robson, 49, spoke only to confirm his name and that he was able to hear proceedings when he appeared via video-link from HMP Durham.
Judge Paul Sloan QC said: "This is a first hearing, the defendant having been committed to this court by the magistrates at a hearing on November 23."
The case was listed for a plea and trial preparation hearing on December 21.
A provisional trial date was set for March 9 next year.
Nick Cartmell, defending, said there was no application for bail and Robson, of Stanley Street, Howdon, Wallsend, was remanded in custody.
Miss Kayll died in hospital almost a week after she was attacked in the village of Linton, Northumberland.
Police were told she had been assaulted at an address on Foxcover, along with a 15-year-old boy.
Ms Kayll had been employed at Atkinson House school, in Seghill.