Protecting Students

Transforming Systems

Leading with Courage

At the National Center to Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct, and Exploitation (SESAME), we are committed to ending sexual abuse and misconduct by educators and other school personnel. Our mission is to protect students, support survivors, and promote accountability across all levels of the education system.

One in six students. Three national studies—decades apart. All show the same crisis: educator sexual misconduct is pervasive.

What We Do

Survivor Support

We support survivors of school employee sexual misconduct with compassion, resources, and respect. We offer trauma-informed guidance, access to mental health support, legal and reporting information, and tools to help survivors reclaim their voice and find community.

Advocating for Stronger Laws to Protect Students

We champion legislative solutions by promoting active survivor participation, student-centered protection, institutional accountability, and policies that prohibit all forms of aiding and abetting perpetrators, concealment of records, and child endangerment.

Raising Awareness Through Education and Training

We educate professionals, journalists, and policymakers about the scope and impact of educator sexual misconduct—and why prevention, transparency, and accountability are essential to protecting students.

Research and Innovation for Safer Schools

We lead and support cutting-edge research on educator sexual misconduct, institutional failures, and effective prevention strategies—driving systemic change through evidence-based solutions.

Get Answers. Find Support. Take Action.

Our comprehensive FAQ is a trusted guide for anyone impacted by educator sexual misconduct. Whether you’re seeking information about abuse, healing, reporting, supporting survivors, or advocating for change, you’ll find clear, compassionate answers grounded in research and experience.