A new study by Jason Abram and Kelli Rushek of Miami University reveals that most teachers feel unprepared to recognize or respond to human trafficking — one of the world’s most widespread forms of exploitation. The study surveyed more than 200 educators in Central Florida and found that over 60% had never received any trafficking training, and nearly a quarter of those who had still didn’t know how to report suspected cases.

The research highlights that sex trafficking remains the most common form of human trafficking, especially among minors, but educators often overlook key warning signs. Trafficked students may appear withdrawn, exhausted, fearful, or unusually social, masking their trauma behind seemingly normal school behavior. Many respondents expressed shock at Florida’s ranking among the top three U.S. states for child trafficking and voiced a clear desire for school-based professional development focused on prevention, reporting, and survivor support.

Abram and Rushek recommend healing-centered and anti-oppressive training that helps teachers see beyond stereotypes and systemic bias. Rather than relying only on punishment and criminalization, the authors argue, schools should focus on education, awareness, and compassionate intervention to stop trafficking before it starts.

Faculty authors: Kelli Rushek, Miami University
Student co-authors: Jason Abram, Miami University
Keywords: human trafficking prevention, trafficking warning signs, stop human trafficking, human trafficking in schools, teacher training
Publication details: “Educators’ Perceptions of Human Trafficking and Implications for Professional Development” Journal of Contemporary Issues in Education (2025, Vol. 20, No. 1), pp. 148–194. https://doi.org/10.20355/jcie29679