Most states prosecute educators (teachers) for improper sexual contact with students under the state’s statutory rape laws—which are premised on the student being under the age of consent recognized by law, even if the student was a willing participant.

But some states have enacted specific statutes making it a crime—often a felony—for an educator to have sexual contact with a student—even if the student has reached the age of consent (17 years of age, for example).

Laws vary from state to state, and laws governing sexual contact between educators and students are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Iowa, it is illegal for educators, including teachers, to engage in sexual contact with students, regardless of the student's age or consent. Iowa law specifically addresses the abuse of a student by an employee of a school, making it a criminal offense. This is covered under Iowa Code Section 709.15, which prohibits sexual exploitation by a school employee. Under this statute, an employee of a school district, accredited nonpublic school, or area education agency who engages in sexual conduct with a student is committing sexual exploitation, even if the student has reached the age of consent, which is 16 in Iowa. The law applies to students who are currently enrolled in the school or have been within the previous 90 days. The severity of the offense can range from an aggravated misdemeanor to a class D felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. This specific statute reflects Iowa's recognition of the inherent power imbalance between educators and students and the need to protect students from exploitation.