Teacher Placed On Leave Due To Sexual Misconduct Allegations

SAN LEANDRO, CA — An Alameda County Teacher of the Year from Alameda County's juvenile hall in San Leandro has been placed on leave pending the outcome of a criminal investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.

The East Bay Times reported that the allegations were brought forth by two incarcerated girls, who reported they recognized Matthew Keith Campbell, 60, as a “john” from when they were being trafficked on International Boulevard in Oakland.

Campbell was placed on leave in late September after the girls' statements triggered concurrent administrative and criminal investigations by the county and Oakland police.

Campbell, who was named as a 2022 Teacher of The Year by the Alameda County Office of Education, teaches physical education at the Butler Academic Center at Alameda County’s Juvenile Hall.

the Alameda County Office of Education described the 30-year veteran teachers as a dedicated educator who "often gives up his prep period to help failing students catch up on credits."

“Working with incarcerated students, he brings the outside world to his students so they can envision a brighter future for themselves and be better prepared for success upon release,” a still-existing post on the county’s website says.

According to the East Bay Times article, Campbell "came under scrutiny last month, when two teens reported that they recognized him as a man who paid them for sexual services when they were being trafficked in Oakland, the sources said."

One of the girls also told police that Campbell was seen several times in areas known for prostitution, and that he’d allegedly hand out pepper spray and hand sanitizer to sex workers. The girl said she interpreted that as Campbell creating an excuse to talk to them, according to authorities.

The Alameda County Office of Education released a brief statement saying it was the agency that first contacted authorities, but declining to comment further due to the pending administrative investigation.

“Upon learning of these allegations, we immediately placed the employee on leave pending a full investigation and reported the allegations to law enforcement and social services,” the statement said.
In a video for his teacher of the year recognition, Campbell said his goal as an educator is to teach kids personal responsibility.

“I think the big thing I want kids to take away from my class is being responsible and respectful,” Campbell said. “Because it really doesn’t matter how smart you are. If you don’t know how to conduct yourself, then the real world doesn’t really care about your personal problems.”

Read more on East Bay Times.