Teacher arrests force schools to confront sexual misconduct

Teenage girls receiving lewd text messages from teachers, a 16-year-old boy in a sexual relationship an with instructor, and educators fondling students are among recent crimes that illustrate a troubling trend at area schools. So far this year, at least a dozen local educators have been arrested — including four Prince William County teachers charged with sex offenses in April and May. Another’s teaching license was revoked after a guilty plea.

The arrests are forcing school officials to confront — and attempt to stop — inappropriate behavior by people whom parents trust with their children.