Report: Over 100 teachers accused of misconduct continued to work with kids
A two-year investigation by USA Today has uncovered more than 100 cases in which teachers who lost their public school teaching credentials after allegations of inappropriate conduct with children -- including sexual misconduct or harassment – continued to work with kids in other capacities.
The analysis of state education data found state education agencies have ignored a federal ban on signing secretive agreements with teachers that hide details of sexual behavior, making it easier for accused teachers to find new jobs working with children. The practice is known as “passing the trash.”
Schools often fail to complete basic background checks on new hires, the investigation found, and private schools and youth organizations are especially at risk because many don’t have access to tracking information about teachers discliplined by state officials.
While 41 states have laws requiring requiring school districts to report the resignation of a teacher over accused or suspected misconduct to state officials, most states lack mechanisms to enforce it, the report says.
