http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-teacher08.html A music teacher at St. Bartholomew elementary school on the Northwest Side was charged Sunday with having sexual contact with a girl who just graduated from eighth grade -- allegations that surfaced, police said, after her parents discovered e-mail and other notes between their daughter and the man. Thomas Q. Marotta, 40, of Roselle, was charged with one count of criminal sexual assault against the 14-year-old girl, Chicago Police said. "He developed a relationship over a period of time," a law enforcement source said. "He cultivated this young girl. . . . Her parents discovered a lot of correspondence between the two and they called police. "This is your next-door neighbor you'd never figure would be doing something like this," the source added, referring to Marotta. The principal of the Roman Catholic school at 4941 W. Patterson expressed astonishment and sadness at the news. "Oh, my God!" said Carol Kolberg. "I'm absolutely stunned.'' Police said Marotta is married and has at least one child. Talking with families "Two or three years ago, he had a child," Kolberg confirmed. "He has started and developed a chorus and a choir. . . . His parents come to mass every Sunday that we had family mass, and his wife came, and his son." The school Web site states Marotta teaches pupils from preschool to eighth grade, preparing them for music at mass and concerts. Asked what the school would do to reassure families, the Rev. Jason Malave, St. Bartholomew's pastor, said: "We'll be communicating with the parents this week."
That's a shame. Can't say I'm surprised though. I was a Music Ed major in college and some of my classmates were some of the most perverted weirdo's I've ever met! I mean even moreso than me! One of the guys I know was fired from his band director job for dating one of his students. The student was a senior in high school but that's still pretty sick.
I knew a girl in college who had had a several years long relationship with one of her high school teachers. He had completely destroyed her. He'd always tell her that no one would ever like her, that she was stupid, that she was ugly, etc, and she somehow believed it all (how you could think you were stupid while applying to, getting accepted at, and doing well in the University of Chicago, I don't get). She hated herself and would alienate everyone around her with her moroseness, self-loathing, and reproaches for kindness. I've always wanted to kill that guy.
As someone who's feeling increasingly pulled toward more involvement in the music field... against my better judgement and all that... your post is scaring me. You've all probably heard my stories about my high school band director who flirted with and harassed lots of girls before he was finally caught. One around here left under somewhat suspicious circumstances recently... I guess it's more common than you would like to think. Why can't these people keep their hands off underage kids???
I'll tread carefully since my wife might be reading. Seriously, I'd say she wasn't bad looking. Not gorgeous (certainly not as beautiful as my wife), but pleasant to look at.
Who hasn't been hot for their teacher, the person they baby sit for, the mother down the block. And who hasn't had that interest reciprocated by at least one adult. I think a ton of people fall into that category. Maybe all of us. Which I think makes it natural. I don't see the child or the adult as perverted. It seems like a natural attraction to me. The only difference, in my opinion, between us and them, is one little touch that set all the sparks in motion. I mean, if the hot mom who I babysat for had grabbed my arm once I'd been naked and down the chute. We both had strong attractions and like I said, one touch, I'd been gone. Not even thinking about the law, the husband, or anything. One touch. That's the difference if you ask me. A very fine line between the people we consider perverted and us. There are a few real perverts that manipulate, but for the most part, I think the attraction in these situations is a very natural thing.
Did you go to UH or SHSU? I might know who you're talking about (i.e., I was one of his students...).
Sounds like the old band director at my school. I think the girl ended up marrying him or something, too. I can't remember.
