Substitute Teacher Stripped of License Following Scandalous Relationship with Student

A Maricopa educator has voluntarily surrendered her teaching credentials amid allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an 18-year-old student, according to records from the Arizona State Board of Education.

Zoe Chandler, a substitute teacher authorized to work in PreK-12 classrooms, was under scrutiny from both the Maricopa Police Department and the Maricopa Unified School District (MUSD) due to concerns over a personal relationship with a student. The MUSD informed the Arizona Department of Education’s Investigative Unit about these allegations earlier this year.

Chandler, who graduated from a San Diego area high school in 2019, began her role with MUSD on January 2, 2024, as a high school English teacher. Prior to that, she was employed by EdKey, the charter organization overseeing Sequoia Pathway Academy in Maricopa, until 2023.

Following an internal review, MUSD spokesperson Mishell Terry confirmed that Chandler violated the district’s Governing Board Policy. A report indicating unprofessional conduct was submitted to the Arizona Department of Education on January 31, 2025. Chandler resigned effective the same day, with the Governing Board approving her resignation in a meeting on February 12. Terry noted that there is no ongoing investigation.

Documentation from the Arizona State Board of Education’s April 28 meeting indicates that several students were interviewed during the inquiry, with two corroborating the existence of the relationship.

Although the Maricopa Police Department opened an investigation, no charges were filed against Chandler, nor was she arrested. Records from the police investigation are currently unavailable, and InMaricopa has submitted a Freedom of Information Request for further information.

Chandler held two teaching credentials at the time: a Substitute Certificate valid until March 16, 2030, and an Alternative Teaching Certificate expiring on January 16, 2026. On February 11, she relinquished both credentials, rendering her ineligible for employment in any Arizona district or charter school.

Attempts by InMaricopa to reach Chandler via email and at her home were unsuccessful.