Staff Reports
In a case that could make even the staunchest defenders of public education squirm, a Los Angeles middle school teacher has been charged with allegedly grooming a 13-year-old student for a romantic relationship that lasted over a year. Colleen Jo Matarico, a 43-year-old former educator at John Burroughs Middle School, apparently decided that her teaching career wasn’t nearly exciting enough, leaving her husband behind to “fall in love” with a minor. The questionable choices of this teacher don’t just raise eyebrows; they deliver a full-on facepalm.
Matarico first met the boy when he was 12, and as the bad decisions piled up like unsold copies of her last report card, things reportedly escalated when he turned 13 and she was still his teacher—because who needs boundaries when you’re a self-described “loving” adult? In a plot twist so entirely absurd it could only come from a bad drama series, it seems she believed she was in love with the young man, claiming he was “the only one” she would risk going to jail for. Perhaps someone should have told her that “love” usually comes with legal responsibilities—especially when minors are involved.
Teacher nan ditches husband for 13-year-old pupil she calls 'her crystal meth'https://t.co/046WE8gpOq pic.twitter.com/HABQur4nhr
— Mirror World News (@MirrorWorldNews) November 14, 2024
The alleged relationship involved Matarico not just playing teacher, but also playing drug dealer, as she reportedly furnished the boy with cannabis. Forget about after-school snacks; apparently, the curriculum has expanded well beyond math and history. District Attorney George Gascón’s office stated that Matarico took advantage of the trust placed in her as an educator. One can only wonder if they’re tempted to offer special training on appropriate boundaries for the next group of teachers before they hit the classroom.
Matarico’s actions drew the attention of authorities after school officials reported the situation to the LAPD, demonstrating that someone at that school still cares about the moral education of their students—at least when it doesn’t involve inappropriate relationships. Principal Dr. Steve Martinez confirmed that they acted as soon as they were alerted to the allegations, showing they might have some semblance of responsibility. It remains to be seen how many more stories will arise as police continue their search for potential additional victims. Reports indicated that the young teen exhibited the wisdom of his years by confiding his concerns to Matarico’s family, expressing fear about her behavior.
Despite Matarico pleading not guilty to multiple counts of inappropriate conduct and drug-related offenses, including some rather serious felonies, her fate now rests in the hands of a judge who appears to have seen enough nonsense for a lifetime. Bail has been set at a staggering $590,000, which raises further questions about how someone who put a minor’s life on the line could expect such a lenient response. As this case moves forward, perhaps it will serve as a wake-up call to those in the education system, where boundaries and professionalism seem to have gone out the window. If nothing else, it’s a reminder that sometimes, it takes a village to keep an eye on the kids—and even more so on their teachers.
