Former NJ Middle School Teacher Charged with Sexually Assaulting Student

Ashley Fisler allegedly had multiple sexual encounters with a student, including in her classroom and car

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A former middle school teacher in New Jersey, Ashley Fisler, has been arrested and charged with six counts of first-degree sexual assault of a minor, one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of second-degree official misconduct. Fisler's former student, now an adult, alleged that they had a sexual relationship while he was her pupil in 2021, including encounters inside her car and classroom.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious abuse of power and trust when teachers engage in sexual relationships with their students, which can have long-lasting psychological impacts on the victims. It also raises questions about school policies, background checks, and oversight to prevent such incidents from occurring.

The details

According to reports, Fisler taught social studies at Orchard Valley Middle School in Washington Township, New Jersey from 2014 to 2023. Her former student, now an adult, alleged that they had multiple sexual encounters in 2021, including inside Fisler's car and the very classroom where she taught. Investigators later discovered text exchanges between Fisler and the victim that corroborated some of the details.

  • Fisler taught at Orchard Valley Middle School from 2014 to 2023.
  • The alleged sexual relationship occurred in 2021 when the victim was Fisler's student.

The players

Ashley Fisler

A 36-year-old former middle school teacher in New Jersey who has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault of a minor and other crimes related to an alleged sexual relationship with one of her students.

Orchard Valley Middle School

The school where Fisler taught social studies from 2014 to 2023, and where some of the alleged sexual encounters with a student took place.

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What’s next

Fisler is facing up to 20 years in prison for the first-degree sexual assault charges and up to 10 years for the second-degree charges. The case is ongoing as authorities continue to investigate.

The takeaway

This disturbing case underscores the critical need for robust safeguards, training, and oversight in schools to prevent teachers from exploiting their positions of authority and abusing students. It's a stark reminder of the lasting harm that can result from such betrayals of trust.