Shortcomings in Pennsylvania’s Teacher Misconduct Management

An illustration depicting the importance of accountability in education to prevent misconduct.

News Summary

A recent review has revealed critical flaws in Pennsylvania’s teacher misconduct management system, highlighted by the cases of educators arrested for sexual misconduct. Despite serious criminal allegations, both teachers continued their employment due to slow actions from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This investigation points to significant delays in handling teacher misconduct cases and a lack of effective communication between state and local school districts, prompting calls for reform to better protect students and ensure accountability among educators.

Philadelphia – A recent review has uncovered significant shortcomings in Pennsylvania’s teacher misconduct management system, following the cases of two educators arrested for inappropriate sexual behavior. Matthew Gagat, a fifth-grade teacher, was arrested in March 2024 for engaging in lewd acts at a Montgomery County cemetery. Despite his arrest, he continued to teach until his license was finally revoked in January 2025. Similarly, Charles Graydus, a career and technical education teacher at Octorara Junior/Senior High School, was arrested in January 2023 for masturbating in front of a salon employee but remained in his position until his retirement was accepted in June 2023.

Both teachers’ cases highlight a persistent failure within the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to act swiftly on licenses related to serious criminal charges, violating state law which mandates immediate suspension under such circumstances. Neither Haverford nor Octorara Area school district officials were notified of the arrests, resulting in continued employment for both individuals until the state acted on their certifications, which remained unaligned with the urgency of their alleged crimes.

An in-depth analysis has shown that since 2015, the state has taken over a year to discern and act upon the licenses of at least a dozen teachers charged with crimes that warranted immediate attention. The district’s investigation revealed disciplinary actions involving 82 teachers, each with corresponding court records indicating serious allegations against them. This slow response reflects a troubling pattern of communication gaps within the state’s educator discipline framework, which remains largely opaque to local school districts.”

The PDE’s lack of timely communication highlights the primary responsibility laid on school districts to suspend or remove teachers facing severe criminal allegations. As investigations into criminal charges can take months or even years, schools find themselves in a precarious situation, often waiting for crucial disciplinary responses from the PDE. Recently, officials announced plans for a “system upgrade” intended to enhance interactions with local educational institutions regarding ongoing investigations of educators.

Compounding this problem is the ambiguous language often used in disciplinary actions against educators. Many cases are recorded with vague terminology such as “inappropriate” behavior, leaving victims and advocates without clear understanding or recourse. This lack of clarity raises alarms among those focused on protecting children and ensuring accountability for educators. Former victim advocacy groups have insisted that serious allegations should lead to immediate suspensions pending further investigation outcomes.

The PDE reported a substantial influx of complaints—550 in the previous year alone. However, their investigation processes can be lengthy, influenced by the requirement to ensure due process for the accused and the Professional Standards and Practices Commission’s need for a solid criminal court record before proceeding with suspensions. This bureaucratic hurdle has been highlighted by school district superintendents, pointing to a systemic issue contributing to delays in addressing misconduct.

Meanwhile, the School District of Philadelphia has initiated changes to expedite how teacher misconduct cases are handled. The district aims to minimize the duration of teacher reassignments while investigations are ongoing. Their controversial “rubber room” system, designed to place teachers under investigation temporarily, has faced increasing scrutiny from city officials for potentially detracting from the educational process and wasting resources. The School District reports improvements, with an 87% reduction in backlogged investigations and better communication regarding ongoing inquiries.

As Pennsylvania looks for solutions to strengthen its educator discipline system, it faces the pressing need to ensure the safety of students and accountability for educators. Both Gagat and Graydus’s cases stand as reminders of the critical importance of addressing teacher misconduct promptly and transparently, safeguarding educational environments for all students involved.