Experts Find Teacher Sexual Misconduct 'Rampant' in U.S. Schools

Exclusive investigation reveals widespread underreporting and devastating impact on victims, especially boys

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:06pm

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An exclusive investigation by Breitbart News, including interviews with leading researchers and forensic psychologists, has found that teacher sexual misconduct is both underreported and understudied, despite being a 'serious public health concern.' The Department of Education's own data shows a nearly 100% increase in educator rape or attempted rape since 2004, but experts say the true scope of the problem is much larger, with only 6% of student victims disclosing their experiences.

Why it matters

This investigation sheds light on a troubling trend that has significant consequences for student victims, especially young boys, whose suffering is often minimized or overlooked. The findings highlight the need for better prevention, detection, and reporting of educator sexual misconduct in schools across the country.

The details

The investigation reveals that while female teachers make headlines for sexual misconduct, 85% of offenders are actually male. Researchers attribute this to the media's focus on the 'salacious value' of such stories rather than the actual crime. Experts also note that the grooming tactics used by male and female perpetrators differ, with women more likely to use overt sexual behaviors while men tend to exploit vulnerable students emotionally. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting teacher shortages have also been linked to an increase in incidents, as younger, less experienced teachers are hired to fill the gaps.

  • The Department of Education's 2022 study showed a nearly 100% increase in educator rape or attempted rape since a 2004 study.
  • A previous DOE study revealed that only 6% of student victims disclose their experiences of sexual abuse.

The players

Charol Shakeshaft

The nation's leading expert on educator sexual misconduct, having authored a landmark 2004 study for the Department of Education. She is a professor emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Elizabeth L. Jeglic

A psychologist at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and another leading expert on the topic, who has updated the data on 'rampant' sexual misconduct and proposed ways to detect and stop offenders.

Grant Strickland

A teenager from Greenville, North Carolina who spoke out about his alleged sexual abuse by a 33-year-old teacher when he was 14 years old.

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What they’re saying

“I would never want someone to go through with what I went through. Because I don't think most people would be showing up to survive it. Because I almost didn't.”

— Grant Strickland, Teenage Victim

“It's definitely underreported. It's under underreported because a kid feels ashamed, like it was their fault. It's very common for [the perpetrator] to make the kid believe 'if you wouldn't be so sexy, if you wouldn't always be acting this way, I wouldn't be doing this.' These are adults who have good shaming and good grooming language.”

— Charol Shakeshaft, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Commonwealth University

“We're seeing a lot of young teachers where there's not a huge age difference between the teacher and the student. It's still an adult and a child, right? But the age difference is not as strict, and they may not be as aware of boundary violations as previous generations.”

— Elizabeth L. Jeglic, Psychologist, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

What’s next

The judge in Grant Strickland's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the alleged perpetrator, 33-year-old teacher Nicole Callaham, out on bail.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the urgent need for better prevention, detection, and reporting of educator sexual misconduct in schools across the country. The findings expose a troubling trend that has devastating impacts on student victims, especially young boys, whose suffering is often minimized or overlooked. Addressing this crisis will require a multi-pronged approach, including improved training for school personnel, education for students, and stronger accountability measures to protect vulnerable children.