Arizona Board Censured Teacher Over Locker Room Incident
The settlement allows a former Somerton High teacher to keep her credentials following a dispute over student safety.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Secondary Education
In August 2026, the Arizona State Board of Education issued a letter of censure to Alyssa Plaza, a teacher previously terminated from Somerton High School in April 2025. The board reached a settlement regarding her conduct during the 2023-2024 school year, allowing her to retain her teaching credentials.
Why it matters
The board evaluated whether school staff handled bullying incidents appropriately after it was revealed a student faced harassment in school facilities. This decision clarifies the professional boundaries and oversight expectations for teachers managing student safety and anti-bullying efforts.
The settlement requires Plaza to complete a professional development course to maintain her teaching credentials. This follows her termination in April 2025 after staff were contacted in February 2025 regarding incidents involving a male student on the cheerleading team.
The players
Alyssa Plaza
A former Somerton High School teacher who held emergency certifications during the 2023-2024 school year.
Arizona State Board of Education
The state entity responsible for maintaining educator standards and investigating reports of unprofessional conduct.
Somerton High School
The campus within the Yuma Union High School District where the classroom management dispute occurred.
The details
The disciplinary action stemmed from the teacher allowing a male student to use a restroom attached to her office to avoid bullying in the boys' bathroom and locker room. The Board of Education determined that previous claims regarding the student entering the girls' locker room while female students were changing were inaccurate and incomplete. While the student had reported receiving death threats, the board's review balanced the teacher's attempt to provide a safe space with the need for professional conduct.
Timeline
2023-2024 school year: Plaza held emergency teaching certifications.
February 2025: School staff were contacted regarding the locker room incident.
April 2025: Plaza was terminated from her position at Somerton High School.
August 2026: The State Board of Education issued a letter of censure to Plaza.
The Home Front
This case highlights how state education boards apply disciplinary protocols when staff actions conflict with established district safety policies. It reflects a growing tension between local school-level management and state-level certification standards regarding student protection.
Families with students in the Yuma Union High School District should reach out to administrators to clarify the specific safety protocols for students reporting bullying or threats. Parents may also request a copy of the district handbook to understand the authorized use of private office or non-standard facilities.
The takeaway
The resolution of this case underscores the importance of parents formally documenting reports of student bullying directly with district leadership. Keep all correspondence regarding safety concerns in a dedicated file to ensure a clear paper trail should intervention be necessary.
Further reading
For more information on state policies, visit Secondary Education.
