In a concerning revelation, at least six educators implicated in inappropriate communications and relationships with students in New York City remain licensed to teach within the state. Despite numerous substantiated cases since 2018, some of these individuals have even secured positions in Long Island schools. This issue has sparked calls for more stringent measures to protect students from potential harm.

Details of the Incident

In the heart of New York City, an alarming trend has emerged: teachers engaging in improper interactions with students. The Special Commissioner of Investigation (SCI) has documented over 120 verified cases involving NYC educators since 2018. These reports are forwarded to both the state Education Department and the city's schools chancellor. While many offenders were dismissed or resigned, several continue to hold active teaching licenses.

One notable case involves Anthony Schiliro, who was hired as a substitute teacher in Long Beach Public Schools despite sending excessive late-night texts to students at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. Another example is Curtis Haywood, who allegedly used WhatsApp to send inappropriate messages to a student from the Theatre Arts Production Company School in the Bronx. Haywood later found employment in two Long Island districts. Dulaina Almonte, fired from Harry S. Truman High School for excessive texting, briefly worked at a charter school before being terminated upon discovery of her history.

Further instances include Daniel Matuk, Jorge Luna, Ellen Huynh, and Andrei Hargobind, all of whom still possess active state licenses. Matuk sent hundreds of inappropriate messages to a 15-year-old student, Luna made inappropriate comments during a midnight FaceTime call, Huynh exchanged thousands of texts outside school hours, and Hargobind faced allegations of physical misconduct.

The SCI has repeatedly recommended that the Department of Education prohibit staff from using personal devices to contact students, but implementation remains inconsistent. Advocacy groups like the Coalition for Just and Compassionate Compensation argue that the state must expedite the suspension process for such cases, currently averaging three years. Proposals to fast-track license suspensions are under public review and could be adopted by May.

From a journalist’s perspective, this situation underscores the urgent need for systemic changes. The slow response in revoking licenses leaves students vulnerable and erodes trust in educational institutions. It is imperative that authorities take swift action to ensure the safety and well-being of young learners. Strengthening background checks and accelerating disciplinary processes will help prevent similar incidents and safeguard the integrity of the education system.