Reports reveal alarming misconduct among NYC educators
Newly released records by DOE reveal that more than 100 New York City educators have been accused of inappropriate, often sexual relationships and communications with students, marking a troubling trend in the city’s education system. Allegations include requests for explicit photos, exchanges of money, gifts, or drugs, and other forms of misconduct.
From 2018 to 2024, at least 121 cases of improper conduct by school staff have been substantiated by the Special Commissioner of Investigation (SCI) for city schools. This represents a significant increase from the 89 cases reported in May.
SCI recommends banning private communication, DOE resists
Special Commissioner Anastasia Coleman has urged the Department of Education (DOE) 54 times between 2019 and 2023 to prohibit staff from contacting students via personal cell phones, social media accounts, or other private platforms. However, the DOE has consistently rejected these recommendations.
“There’s no reason to be calling or texting a student on a personal device unless it’s something you don’t want said on a DOE computer or email address,” an NYC high school teacher told The Post.
Officials now indicate that stricter policies are under review, with an updated social media and communication policy in development.
Shocking cases of misconduct
The newly revealed cases paint a grim picture of predatory behavior:
- Daniel Matuk, a graphic design teacher at William Cullen Bryant HS in Queens, exchanged over 700 messages with a 15-year-old student from 2022 to 2023. Messages included sexually explicit language and instances of physical coercion. Matuk was terminated but collected over $112,000 in 2024 before leaving.
- Anthony Schiliro, a history teacher at Eleanor Roosevelt HS in Manhattan, sent inappropriate late-night texts to three students, including sexual innuendos.
- Jorge Luna, a social studies teacher in the Bronx, repeatedly texted a female student, made inappropriate comments about her body, and attempted to maintain contact after disciplinary action. Luna earned over $111,000 in the 2023-24 school year.
- Natalie Black, a teacher at Hillside Arts and Letters Academy, allegedly sent raunchy photos and videos of herself to a 17-year-old male student.
- Scott Biski, a music teacher at Jamaica Gateway to the Sciences HS, is accused of exchanging hundreds of texts with a student he sexually abused.
Experts call for systemic reform
Child sexual abuse and grooming expert Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic from John Jay College of Criminal Justice emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue.
“Most schools have communication policies prohibiting private communications because they recognize the risks,” Dr. Jeglic said. “I’m not sure why this is not being done in New York City.”
While the DOE’s current social media policy advises against staff-student communication on personal platforms, enforcement remains inconsistent, and disciplinary measures vary.
DOE under pressure to act
Despite repeated calls for reform, the DOE insists that existing disciplinary processes are sufficient to address misconduct. “Our educators are trusted individuals in the lives of our students, and every teacher is always expected to behave appropriately,” said DOE spokeswoman Jenna Lyle.
However, with mounting cases of misconduct and public outcry, officials are now reevaluating policies to ensure student safety.
The rising number of allegations underscores the need for immediate action to restore trust in NYC schools and prevent further harm to vulnerable students.