N.Y. Teacher Accused of Raping Boy Tuesday, August 02, 2005 http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,164481,00.html ALBANY, N.Y. — A 42-year-old teacher at a Catholic school who was charged with rape for allegedly having sex with an underage male student posted a $20,000 bond Tuesday and was released from jail. Authorities said Sandra Beth Geisel had sex with four students from the Christian Brothers Academy in Colonie, N.Y., but in three of the cases the boys were 17-years-old and therefore were legally able to give their consent. Geisel faces sexual assault charges for allegedly having sex with a 16-year-old boy. ~ Yet another case! Sad. If she is guilty, and there is strong evidence, let's hope she goes to prison for the same length as males so accused, and that the school takes steps to assure the community it never happens again!
It sounds like statutory rape, which I doubt gets the same punishment. We had a teacher at our school who got fired for having sex with a student, and it didn't really garner much hype.
Interesting that this case was in a private school. I wonder if they have the same kinds of background checks and what not that public school teachers have to go through. Anyone know if there's a universal system of background checks in the private schools, or is it just up to each school's discretion? Regardless, this kind of thing still makes me shake my head. I have no idea how any adult can feel sexually attracted to a child.
That would be incorrect; although the accused, Sandra "Beth" Geisel, taught at the Catholic School but it is unclear whether she herself was Catholic.
Can you imagine what would happen if it were a Catholic from Iran that had sex with this kid? I think this whole forum would just implode beyond recognition.
Sorry, but ITN is correct. Very rarely do you see secondary Catholic HS's taught by clergy anymore. Most religious schools I'm aware of employ indiscriminately.
Who said clergy? Anyway, I think she was Catholic. Look at all the stories. This is America. If she were not Catholic, we would have heard about it.
Iceblink: Catholic Schools employ a range of instructors (teachers, substitute teachers, child care workers, etc.) from a variety of faiths for instructional courses. Being a Catholic is not a requirement (sadly) of teaching in Catholic Schools. It use to be but the rules have been relaxed due to shortages all around. Further, due to the shortage of clergy, few clergy actually are employed as teachers, but they normally act as administrators, principals, and act in positions of management at schools. While I cannot verify that this woman accused of student rape was not a Catholic, I would highly doubt it.
It was implied that it was clergy. Otherwise, why say "another Catholic accused of rape"? The only mass rapes of minors involving Catholics that I'm aware of have involved the clergy. ITN merely stated that it was unclear whether or not she was Catholic. He was right. Since she's not clergy, her faith really wouldn't be part of the story. The teacher/sex angle combined with the multiple partners aspect is the part that will sell papers.
To answer a question posted earlier, there is no universal system for checking teachers' backgrounds. Most states have requirements for public schools but there are no requirements for private schools. This also goes for credentialing. Of course, if a private school wants to get or keep its accreditation it will need to meet certain requirements. But criminal/background checks, to my knowledge, are completely at the discretion of whomever is running the school (in the case of private/independent schools--including charter schools BTW).
Then let's get one quick! Perhaps some good can come of this tragedy by prompting the development of a national teacher registry. Thoughts? Would it help? Can't see how it would hurt! There are thousands of GOOD TEACHERS that are suffering because of ONE BAD TEACHER.... that shouldn't happen!
It's impossible to do this at the national level. There is no national standard for credentials at this point (some states require some exams, some courses etc that other states don't). I wonder if this lady would've even been flagged on a background check for that matter? Such a system might work with the private school sector, as there is less of a beaurocracy involved.
If it were implied, he would have said, "Another priest..." It's a woman. Catholicism would never have a female priest, and I haven't heard about nuns molesting anyone. I'd say that he said Catholic and meant Catholic.
A little off-topic, but did you ever see the episode of "King of the Hill" where Peggy lies about being Catholic to teach at the Catholic high school? Funny.
I did. Along with the one where Bobby starts hanging out with the Christian rock band, it's among my favorites (Hank: "You're not making Christianity better, you're making rock and roll worse.") But lying about being Catholic then getting caught at it is always good for laughs. I'm surprised more writers don't use it as a plot twist.
IntheNet must like those episodes of King of the Hill, too, since he just gave me positive rep. Thanks, 'Net.
Catholic school girl: I really like school. Can I give it up for lent? Peggy: I think you caught God in a loophole there, good for you...