ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the literature on female teacher sexual misconduct, in addition to what is known about grooming patterns and warning signs. “Grooming” is a term used to describe the process by which sex offenders carefully initiate and maintain sexually abusive relationships with children. Grooming is a conscious, deliberate, and carefully orchestrated approach used by the offender. One central ethical theme of educator sexual abuse is the violation of professional boundaries. Research suggests that teachers generally recognize the importance of student–teacher boundary violations. Childhood sexual abuse is associated with an overall increase in disorders of mood, anxiety, substance use, and personality. The victim may simply be a student at the school where the educator holds a position of trust and responsibility. Disciplinary actions against teachers often take lengthy periods of time, and educators accused of sexual misconduct may use defamation suits as a threat against employers.
