Within the past 24 hours, there have been at least a half-dozen news stories about separate instances of sexual assaults on children at the hands of their teachers.
In Chicago, IL: http://abc7chicago.com/news/substitute-teacher-charged-with-sex-assault/1177297/
Another in Chicago: http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/1285733/dance-teacher-sexual-abuse-snapchat
In Columbus, OH: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/01/28/hilliard-teacher.html
In Delaware, OH: http://www.wlwt.com/news/Ohio-ex-teacher-gets-106-years-to-life-in-sex-assault-case/37691086
In Passaic, NJ: http://abc7chicago.com/news/substitute-teacher-charged-with-sex-assault/1177297/
Even here in Raleigh, FL: http://www.wcjb.com/local-news/2016/01/teacher-arrested-sex-student
While just like former sex offenders committing new sex offenses, these instances are extremely rare, these are the stories that make headlines. Maybe it’s time more resources are invested in prevention and monitoring?
I personally don’t feel more monitoring is even feasible. The number of students far out weigh the number of adults caring for them in our world today. However as a teacher I make it a practice to never be alone with a child for any reason. Should a child need to speak with me privately I leave my classroom door open and make sure someone is in the room adjacent from mine so there are always eyes watching. Maybe the prevention lies in training courses for the educators, showing them ways to avoid situations that can lead to such incidents. Many of my colleagues are blind to way the world works today , they add their students to their Facebook pages, and host events at their homes. Sadly we live in a society where this is just not acceptable anymore. Not because all educators are going to commit an offense but because it leads to accusations. Children are far different today then when I was a child, they are subjected to far more. This change has created children who appear older and more mature and connect on levels with adults that just shouldn’t happen. If educators were trained on how to have appropriate relationships with their students, inappropriate actions, and inappropriate outside contact it may take away some of the possibility for something to occur. Lastly maybe there should be an evaluation done by someone qualified to ensure that each teacher does not display any possible risks to a child. The test can be required before given a position. If a teacher really wants to teach they should have no problem paying for it. I know I for one would have no problem paying for it as the rewards received from teaching children is far greater then a small amount of time and money.