Inappropriate teacher-student relationships are a critical issue that needs to be addressed. School is a safe haven for students to express themselves without fear of manipulation. It's imperative to create a secure environment and ensure the safety of all students. When reports of inappropriate relationships surface, principals must take them seriously and follow the correct steps to ensure the staff members are appropriate. This is crucial in maintaining a safe school environment for every student, as these relationships can have a detrimental impact on their safety and well-being.

National School Boards Association, & Negrón, F. M. (2020). Protecting Students from Exploitation: A legal guide for public school leaders. In National School Boards Association. https://www.nsba.org/-/media/NSBA/File/legal-protecting-students-from-exploitation-guide-may-2020.pdf

Staff reports. (2021, February). Daily Journal; Daily Journal Center Grove teacher resigns after alleged inappropriate relationship with student. Retrieved July 20, 2024, from https://dailyjournal.net/2024/02/21/center-grove-teacher-resigns-after-alleged-inappropriate-relationship-with-student/

• A teacher is accused of having a sexual relationship with a student, who bravely reported the incident to the police. The student provided a detailed account of how the relationship started and progressed over the four years. The teacher and student communicated through multiple technology apps and text messages and even had a schedule of meeting up every two weeks for sexual activities. The teacher was arrested.

  
  

Overton, S. (2023, August 8). Las Vegas teacher accused of having sexual relationship with student for over four years: Police. KLAS. https://www.8newsnow.com/news/las-vegas-teacher-accused-of-having-sexual-relationship-with-student-for-over-4-years-police/

• When a teacher is reported to have an inappropriate relationship with a student, steps are taken to prove they are guilty, not innocent, of this crime.

• 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Civil Rights (1868). (2024, March 6). National Archives. https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/14th-amendment#:~:text=No%20State%20shall%20make%20or,Section%202.

(1)  engages in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse with a person who is enrolled in a public or private primary or secondary school at which the employee works;" (PENAL CODE CHAPTER 21. SEXUAL OFFENSES, n.d.-a)

• The school must report any instances of a teacher engaging in inappropriate communication or sexual activity with a student to the Texas Agency. The reporting procedure involves [insert specific steps here]. This rule applies to all students, even those 18 enrolled in a school district. 

• PENAL CODE CHAPTER 21. SEXUAL OFFENSES. (n.d.-b). https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.21.htm#21.12

• It is the teacher's job to teach students, not to manipulate them into doing something they are uncomfortable with, and to ensure their safety in a teacher's classroom. If a teacher is inappropriate, they create a hostile environment for that student, taking away their education.

  
  

• PSPC. (n.d.). The Teacher/Student relationship. Professional Standards and Practices Commission. https://www.pspc.education.pa.gov/Promoting-Ethical-Practices-Resources/Ethics-Toolkit/Unit3/Pages/The-Teacher---Student-Relationship.aspx

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• The Texas Education Agency is responsible for enforcing a policy prohibiting all educators holding teaching or any other education certification from engaging in any inappropriate relationship with a student or minor. This violation can result in the permanent revocation of the educator's certificate.

• Texas Education Agency. (n.d.-a). Disciplinary Rules and Guidelines. Retrieved July 17, 2024, from https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/investigations/disciplinary-rules-and-guidelines#:~:text=The%20SBEC%20considers%20any%20violation,revocation%20of%20an%20educator's%20certificate

The Code of Ethics communicates the inappropriate communication an adult in the educator field should not have with a student or a minor enrolled in public school. Principals should have a set expectation for teachers to follow so they are aware of the consequences of their actions being inappropriate to students.

"Standard 3.9. "The educator shall refrain from inappropriate communication with a student or minor, including, but not limited to, electronic communication such as cell phone, text messaging, email, instant messaging, blogging, or other social network communication. Factors that may be considered in assessing whether the communication is inappropriate include but are not limited to

 (i) the nature, purpose, timing, and amount of the communication;

      (ii) the subject matter of the communication;

      (iii) whether the communication was made openly or the educator attempted to conceal the communication;

      (iv) whether the communication could be reasonably interpreted as soliciting sexual contact or a romantic relationship;

      (v) whether the communication was sexually explicit; and

      (vi) whether the communication involved discussion(s) of the physical or sexual attractiveness or the sexual history, activities, preferences, or fantasies of either the educator or the student."

EDUCATION CODE CHAPTER 247. EDUCATORS' CODE OF ETHICS. (n.d.-a). https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=19&pt=7&ch=247&rl=2

Zarra talks about the rising numbers of inappropriate teacher and student relationships and why they are rising. The book communicates why teachers are jeopardizing their careers and the roles of communication that lead teacher and student relationships. The book also discusses technology and how it has a part in inappropriate relationships.

Zarra, E. J. (2013). Teacher-Student Relationships: Crossing Into the Emotional, Physical, and Sexual Realms. United States: R&L Education.

• By setting clear expectations of what is appropriate and inappropriate for all staff and students, a principal empowers them with knowledge and control over their safety. This sense of responsibility and power is crucial in maintaining a safe and positive school environment, instilling a sense of ownership and empowerment.

• Teachers and educators are responsible for creating a safe environment for students in the classroom and school. Teachers are not to manipulate or make students feel uncomfortable while in their presents

• One of the key responsibilities of a principal is to take all reports of inappropriate behavior seriously. This commitment to unbiased investigations ensures that all students and staff feel secure and confident that their concerns will be addressed. It is a crucial step in maintaining a safe and positive school environment.

• After investigation, if the principal finds evidence that a teacher was inappropriate toward a student, the principal must report the teacher to the Texas Education Agency and CPS. The consequences are severe, involving a CPS investigation, revoked teacher certification, and potential criminal charges, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

• If a principal or superintendent fails to report the teacher as inappropriate, then the principal and superintendent can have fines, jail time, and certification revoked.

• Inappropriate messages can happen outside of school, and social media plays a big part in teachers' and students' sexual relationships. Teachers should not be friends with students on any social media platform as this can turn into an inappropriate relationship.