Jordan community responds to chemistry teacher’s arrest

Trigger warning: This story discusses sexual abuse involving minors. Readers are advised to proceed with caution.

As news of a Jordan teacher’s arrest spread on Wednesday afternoon, whispers and conversations were spurred in classrooms and the hallways. Students and teachers alike were searching for answers, wanting to know what had happened and, more devastatingly, how this could have happened. 

Jordan science teacher, Miguel Tirado, was arrested off campus on Wednesday, March 19, with ten counts of felony second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. His bail is set at $1 million, and he is due in court again on April 14. 

While the situation has been a scary reminder of the uncertainty and potential dangers that can surround us in our daily lives, Jordan stakeholders have highlighted their gratitude for the swift response of the school and law enforcement. Mr. Finger, science teacher, shared that Jordan’s admin “does a great job keeping our students safe and working with staff.” He added that “one terrible, one-off situation should not define school safety.”

An available resource for students who feel triggered by this recent event are the counselors in student services. Ms. Ramos, student services counselor, emphasized that the counselors are always there to support students. “We want to make sure they're coming to us and getting support and talking to us if they need anything or if they happen to have big emotional feelings.” She acknowledged that Tirado’s arrest can be traumatic for students who have encountered similar situations before. 

A former student of Tirado’s shared that they felt shocked, and it was hard for what had happened to register. They also noted their relief that he was arrested, “because the crimes he had committed were truly awful.”

This is a developing story, and Falcon Post will continue to report as more details arise.