Crime & Safety
Ex-Teacher Arrested for Sex Assault Violated Teacher Code of Conduct Before Incidents
Brian Stroh, former Bethel Elementary School teacher at Berry School, was recently sentenced for sexually assaulting three students.
According to a News Times report, Bethel’s Superintendent of School, Dr. Christine Carver said that former Berry School teacher violated district and state policy before the sexual assault of three young boys took place.
Brian Stroh, 31, of New Fairfield, has denied charges that he sexually assaulted three boys, ages 6, 9, and 11, during a sleepover at his house. On Wednesday, during his sentencing hearing, he asked the judge for leniency, telling the court that he is not a pedophile and prison won’t cure him.
During the court hearing, parents stated that the former teacher the boys to restaurants, concerts, sporting events, amusement parks and to his house to play video games. These activities violates the Connecticut Code of Professional Responsibility for Teachers.
On pages 12- 14 of the Connecticut Code of Conduct for Teachers, educators and coaches are prohibited from transporting students outside of school without another adult present.
“In the event of a false claim by the student and/or public perception about misconduct, the coach’s professional reputation could be at stake.”
The guide outlines what is expected and required of them.
“The teaching profession is vested by the public with a trust and responsibility requiring the highest ideals of professionalism. Therefore, the teacher accepts both the public trust and the responsibilities to practice the profession according to the highest possible degree of ethical conduct and standards. Such responsibilities include the commitment to the students, the teaching profession, and the community.”
While teachers understand and are trained in their ethical code of conduct, some parents have stated that they are unaware of these rules. The district did hold a sexual abuse workshop for parents, however, nowhere in the Bethel School District’s 280-page Parent-Student handbook does it discuss the teacher’s code of conduct as far as teachers having a relationship with children outside school.
Stroh was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 25 years of probation.
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