Former Camas Prairie Elementary School P.E. Teacher Suspended Following Misconduct, Boundary Violations
The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction suspended the education certificate of Matthew Brooke for at least 90 days.
Brooke, who worked as a physical education teacher at three elementary schools in the Bethel School District during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years, faced disciplinary action after an investigation revealed multiple acts of unprofessional conduct.
The final order outlines a pattern of inappropriate interactions with students, as well as the misuse of school property for a sexual act.
Boundary Violations with Students
According to the disciplinary documents, Brooke repeatedly failed to maintain professional boundaries with his elementary students.
In January 2022, while working at Camas Prairie Elementary School, he was observed sitting with a group of 5th-grade female students in an unpopulated area during recess. He was observed sitting with a group of 5th-grade female students again at the end of the school day.
Following these observations, the school’s principal explicitly instructed Brooke to diversify the groups of students he interacted with.
The concerning behavior continued the following school year. In March 2023, at Clover Creek Elementary School, Brooke drew a face on the forehead of a 5th-grade female student. Knowing that the student’s mother was an administrator within the school district, Brooke told the child not to tell her mother because she would get mad.
The following month, on April 10, 2023, Brooke tripped students as they were leaving his class at Thompson Elementary School. On or around the same day, he also pulled a student’s hair.
During an April 17 meeting with the Thompson Elementary principal, Brooke admitted to the actions and was directed to maintain appropriate boundaries with students.
On-Campus Misconduct
In addition to his interactions with students, OSPI’s investigation highlighted a severe breach of professional conduct involving another staff member.
On February 28, 2022, Brooke engaged in a sexual act with another educator on the campus of Roy Elementary School.
He was placed on administrative leave that same day. Months later, on May 17, 2022, the school district issued him a Letter of Reprimand for the incident.
Brooke was eventually issued a notice of non-renewal for the 2023-24 school year on May 5, 2023. Five days later, he submitted his resignation, which went into effect on June 23, 2023.
Corrective Action Required
Brooke’s Washington Education Certificate is suspended for a minimum of 90 days from the effective date of the order.
Before he can request reinstatement of his teaching credentials, Brooke must meet several state-mandated conditions.
He is required to successfully complete an OSPI-preapproved “Maintaining Boundaries” course and provide proof of completion.
Furthermore, he must submit a new application containing a character and fitness supplement and clear a new fingerprint-based criminal background check through both the Washington State Patrol and the FBI.