Reporting educator sexual misconduct is imperative to prevention.

Many studies have shown that teachers and parents are often unsure when it comes to reporting.

What is worth making a report? What if I don’t have any evidence? What if I’m wrong? Will I ruin this teacher’s career by making this report? What happens after I make the phone call?

Providing training to every adult in the school environment on the “red flags” of grooming and abuse increases confidence in reporting. Having a supportive administration that is committed to a Culture of Safety for students encourages reporting.

*** If you were targeted by a teacher and are considering reporting your own abuse, please click here for further support and resources. ***

Considerations for Reporting

  • Documentation is your best ally in reporting. Make detailed and objective records of your observations. Documenting can expose patterns in behavior, bolster confidence in reporting, and aid in the investigation of the allegations.

    Make sure you report to a person in position of authority as soon as possible.

  • Your employer can support you by helping you make the phone call, or make the phone call on your behalf. However, it is illegal for anyone to obstruct the reporting process. If a school administrator insists that you don’t need to call child protective services because they will handle the investigation internally, you still need to make the call.

  • Making the decision to report can be complicated and very stressful. You don’t have to go through it alone. If you work in a school setting, your board of education likely already has outlined reporting procedures in their policy. If you work in a school building in the United States, your school district should have a Title IX coordinator who can guide you through the reporting process. Do not hesitate to reach out for help. The safety and well-being of students is the top priority.

If you suspect educator sexual misconduct, report it to the following organizations:

  • The Police Department

    If you or a student are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

    Calling the non-emergency number for the police station will connect you with an officer or detective. You can file a police report, and the police will coordinate with the school administration to begin an investigation.

    Call the police department of the town where the abusive teacher is (or was) employed.

  • Child Protective Services

    Each state has a Child Welfare organization, sometimes referred to with a different name. You can click here to look up your own state.

    If the suspected target is under the age of 18, or if abuse occurred while they were a minor, you are obligated to call Child Protective Services. A report made to Child Protective Services is confidential. If the report includes criminal sexual abuse of a minor, they are obligated to forward the information to the police.

  • The School

    As mandated reporters, any employee of a school must forward your report to the police and child protective services.

    It is common practice for school districts to immediately place a teacher facing allegations on administrative leave to ensure the safety of students. Therefore it is imperative that you report to school administration and law enforcement as simultaneously as possible.

    Ideally, law enforcement will work in conjunction with school administrators during the critical early stages of the investigation.