Our Mission
The National Center to Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct, & Exploitation (formerly S.E.S.A.M.E.). is the leading national voice for the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment of students by teachers and other school staff.
Ending the practice of “passing the trash”—the phenomenon where educators investigated for abuse are able to resign and get a new job at a new school—is the Center’s top priority for ending abuse in schools.
Our organization works toward the following goals:
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Increasing public awareness of educator sexual abuse by breaking the silence in a strong and united voice.
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Fostering recovery of survivors through mutual support and access to information.
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Encouraging survivors of educator sexual abuse to report their offenders to local law enforcement officials and state education department credentialing offices.
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Insisting upon implementation of and adherence to child-centered educator sexual abuse policies, regulations and laws.
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Directing attention to the maintenance of proper boundaries between school staff and students by promoting annual training, the adoption of professional standards and codes of ethics.
Our Vision
To eliminate educator sexual abuse and misconduct by transforming how schools prevent harm, respond to survivors, and uphold accountability.
To promote safe school environments free of sexual harm that allow students to pursue bright futures —where laws, systems, and communities work together to prevent educator sexual misconduct and support those impacted.
Our Founder
Mary Ann Werner
S.E.S.A.M.E. was founded by Mary Ann Werner, a courageous advocate who transformed personal tragedy into a mission to protect children. Her journey began in 1991, when disclosures within her own family revealed the devastating impact of educator sexual abuse. From that moment on, Mary Ann dedicated her life to raising awareness, testifying before New York state legislative hearings, presenting at national conferences, and contributing to respected publications such as The Psychology of Sexual Victimization: A Handbook and Dear Teacher, If You Only Knew! Her voice, her passion, and her tireless work—featured in media outlets across the country—touched countless lives and laid the foundation for lasting change to keep students safe.
Mary Ann’s legacy lives on in the countless children protected, the advocates she inspired, and the ongoing mission of The National Center to Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct and Exploitation to create safer schools for every student.