Overview

Jason Agan, a teacher at Angelo Rodriguez High School in California, faced allegations of sexual harassment from students over several years. Despite being deemed unfit to teach by an independent panel, he was allowed to continue teaching at other schools due to a lack of action from the state's credentialing agency.

Key details

  • Jason Agan was a well-known teacher at Angelo Rodriguez High School since its opening in 2001.
  • He was involved in student government and taught AP calculus, gaining popularity among students.
  • Numerous students reported discomfort with Agan's behavior, including inappropriate touching and strict enforcement of the dress code.
  • In 2018, at least 11 students and one parent filed written complaints against him.
  • The school district suspended Agan without pay in January 2019 and moved to fire him.
  • An independent panel later deemed Agan “unfit to teach,” leading to his dismissal from the school.
  • The panel's decision was not publicly disclosed, and it only affected his employment at that specific district.
  • Despite his dismissal, Agan was hired at two additional schools over the next three years.
  • The state issued a one-week suspension of his teaching license for his conduct at Rodriguez High.
  • Agan faced another accusation of unwanted touching at his second school.
  • The state’s credentialing agency did not inform other schools or parents about Agan's history of misconduct.
  • At least 67 educators in California have retained their licenses despite being reported for sexual harassment or misconduct.

Context

Agan's case highlights systemic issues within California's Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which has faced criticism for delays and lack of transparency in handling cases of educator misconduct.

What happens next

As Agan continues to work in education, further scrutiny of the state's processes for handling allegations of sexual misconduct against teachers may be warranted.

What we don't know yet

Details about the specific circumstances surrounding the allegations against Agan at his subsequent schools and the full extent of actions taken by the state’s credentialing agency remain unconfirmed.