WA agency disciplined 160 teachers for sexual misconduct since 2015. Many cases are shielded from the public

An InvestigateWest analysis of the state’s educator misconduct database shows gaps allowing teachers to escape scrutiny

By: Moe K. Clark

Outlets: InvestigateWest

Published: February 12, 2026

Words: 2,914

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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In November 2024, a woman in her early 30s walked into her former high school in Vancouver, Washington, and reported to the principal that while she was a student, she was groomed for a sexual relationship by Shadbreon Gatson, a longtime English teacher at the school.

Police arrested Gatson, and news coverage inspired two other former students from Hudson's Bay High School to come forward with similar allegations against Gatson.

Records showed that the educator’s …

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