Research shows sexual abuse is a rampant problem in music education. Why is our profession so prone to misconduct? Can we tell the difference between good, dedicated teachers and predatory ones? While this topic is uncomfortable, it is our responsibility to directly confront it. This session presents new research on sexual abuse rates in Illinois and discusses the psychology of predatory teachers, the grooming process, and the action we must take as educators to prevent the abuse of students.
Mackenzie Bufis
- Biographical Information
Mackenzie Bufis taught instrumental music in Downers Grove District 58 from 2010-2015. Her teaching responsibilities included 4th-8th grade orchestra, beginning and intermediate band, middle school Chamber Strings, and Orchestra Director at Herrick Middle School. She has served as a curriculum development consultant for District 58 and continues teaching as a substitute and in her private studio. Mrs. Bufis co-wrote and presented “The Elephant in the Room: Discussing the Sexual Abuse Epidemic in Music Education and How We Can Prevent It” and a similar session for collegiate students, “Preventing Educator Sexual Misconduct.” Since 2020, she has presented on this topic at various state conferences and for school districts in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Oklahoma. In 2021, she presented “Preventing Sexual Misconduct in Education” at the international Crimes Against Children Conference in Dallas, TX. Mrs. Bufis earned her degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois in 2010, where she performed in the percussion studio, Marching Illini, and Balinese Gamelan ensemble.
A native of Joliet, Illinois, Patty Sampson
earned her undergraduate degree in music from DePaul University and Master’s
degree in Music Education from Northwestern University. Miss Sampson began
teaching in 1994 and has been at West Aurora HS since 2005. In addition to her
work with The Elephant Alliance, her teaching duties include primary conductor
of the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Band. Miss Sampson
is a frequent adjudicator and clinician in the Chicagoland area and has been
recognized in Who’s Who Among American Teachers six times, Most Inspirational
Teacher at Eastern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, and
Illinois State University, Phi Delta Kappa Teacher of the Year, Lake County,
and the 2022 Kane County High School Teacher of the Year. Patty was also a
Grammy Nominee and was named a Quarterfinalist in 2014 and nominee in 2017. She
is currently a member of the Dodecaband and the Fox Valley Jazz Big Band. Miss
Sampson lives in Aurora, IL with her two rescued pitbulls.