March 30, 2008 - In Tampa, teachers are worried about the bad publicity after seven educators were arrested in the last two months, most arrested for sex with students.
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Pinellas teachers association executive director Jade Moore sees another factor at play, too.FAST FACTS from the article:
"It's a function of the quality of teachers we're hiring, in my opinion," Moore said. "When you don't have anyone to choose from and you have to hire anyone who comes in the door, you get in trouble."
Hillsborough teacher Stephanie Ragusa, arrested on charges of having sex with a student, went through alternative certification. Lisa Marinelli, a Pasco long-term substitute arrested on similar charges, has a high school diploma and two days of training.
Teachers in the news
Jan. 31: Newsome High coach Ronald Lewis arrested on seven counts of unlawful sex with a minor girl student.
Feb. 9: Azalea Middle teacher Jason Williams recommended for unpaid suspension over inappropriate text messaging with a student.
March 10: Pasco Middle teacher Michael Aaron Black sentenced to 22 1/2 years for having sex with a 13-year-old student.
March 13: Former Davidsen Middle teacher Stephanie Ragusa arrested on charges of having sex with a male student.
March 14: Former Greco Middle teacher Debra Lafave requests an end to her house arrest stemming from her 2005 conviction for having sex with a student.
March 20: Freedom High teacher Mary Jo Spack arrested on charges of having sex with a male student.
March 23: Mitchell High substitute teacher Lisa Marinelli arrested on charges of having sex with a male student.
March 24: Seminole High teacher Thomas J. Anderson resigns amid accusations that he took home a female student and got a massage from her.
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TT - Ragusa had three prior arrests that she did not mention on her application. The school district found out and hired her anyway. Her first semester in the classroom, the principal reported her to the Child Abuse Hotline. Her second year, at her third school, that principal accused her of using profanity and telling students about her personal life. TT entry Ragusa
There simply is no cost to teachers when they sexually exploit children.
