Educator Sexual Misconduct: A Description of Electronic Communication Use.

Abstract

While media reports of educator sexual misconduct (ESM) often note educators' use of electronic communication, few have systematically explored electronic communication use in ESM. This study describes educators who use electronic communication when committing sexual misconduct and the nature of this communication. The author inductively and deductively coded Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board disciplinary action records (N = 74) to descriptively and statistically analyze electronic communication use by educator characteristics. In this sample, most educators used electronic communication and committed misconduct both in-person and through electronic means. Educators who were male, taught middle school, or held a Rank III certification more often committed misconduct solely through electronic communication. Future research recommendations and ESM prevention, such as proactive policies and trainings targeting electronic communication, are discussed.