State suspends former Cedar Rapids teacher's license

Eric Thompson, the former Cedar Rapids Washington High School teacher accused of sexual conduct with a student, has had his teaching certificate suspended for five years.

The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners found cause last August to file charges alleging Thompson “had committed student abuse by soliciting, encouraging, or consumating a romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationship with a student,” according to its order filed Friday. The board recommended Thompson's license to teach be suspended five years, followed by an assessment “for boundary issues with students” and any recommended treatment.

Thompson, 39, signed the settlement agreement. His name will be placed on a national database during his suspension.

Thompson was charged last April with sexual exploitation by a school employee, an aggravated misdemeanor. He pleaded guilty in June to a reduced charge of assault, a simple misdemeanor. He was granted deferred judgment January and his record was expunged, said County Attorney Jerry VanderSanden.

VanderSanden said former County Attorney Harold Denton handled the case, and the victim's family was consulted.

The complaint alleged Thompson engaged in sexual conduct, including kissing, with a Washington student in March 2010. Thompson, who admitted the charges, resigned his position at the school.

Thompson, a social studies teacher, was hired in 2006. Cedar Rapids police investigated the case after being contacted by the school district.

Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Final Order re Eric Thompson