Collateral damage: The impact of educator sexual misconduct on a school community

This phenomenological study examines the impact of educator sexual misconduct on the secondary school community as seen through the lens of the principal. This study offers a greater understanding for school leaders who may face this challenging situation and provide insight into the impact educator sexual misconduct has on the school community. Through the open-ended interview protocol, participants reflected on their experiences of the events surrounding the accusation, investigation, loss of certification, and possible conviction and sentencing of a teacher on their staff who engaged in a sexual relationship with a student.