A former “Minnesota Teacher of the Year” has been charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old student, according to court documents filed last week. The alleged incidents took place in 2017 when Abdul Jameel Wright, then an eighth-grade English teacher at Harvest Best Academy in Minneapolis, reportedly “groomed” the student by offering her “special treatment.” This reportedly included eating lunch with her and making daily phone calls.
Wright, now 38, is accused of building a close relationship with the student’s mother to gain her trust, making it easier for him to “take [the student] places.” The assaults, which allegedly spanned nearly a year, are said to have occurred at various locations, including Harvest Best Academy, Wright’s car, his temporary home, and the student’s mother’s apartment.
Wright had worked at Harvest Best Academy from August 2011 until April 2023, according to his LinkedIn profile. In 2016, he received the “Minnesota Teacher of the Year” award, which is given to educators who “exemplify the type of excellence and dedication that takes place regularly in classrooms” across the state.
Harvest Best Academy has not issued a public comment on the matter. The school told KMSP-TV that it is currently gathering information and will cooperate fully with the investigation. “We are limited in what we can share until this thorough investigation has been conducted and we are fully cooperating with all authorities,” the school reportedly stated. “We understand these allegations may be concerning, and our top priority remains the safety and security of our school community.”
Wright’s most recent position was at St. Louis Park High School, where he resigned on June 10, according to FOX9. Court documents reveal that the student’s mother filed the police report against Wright in May.
