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Canyon High School
Photo by Sydney Croasmun.

Canyon High Teacher Suspended In October Allegedly Had Relations With A Student

A Canyon High School teacher who was suspended in October 2015 allegedly had an undisclosed relationship with a female student, according to several credible sources.


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Mike Motherspaw

Photo courtesy of Canyon High School’s website.

Two sources close to the situation who spoke to KHTS AM-1220 on a condition of anonymity confirmed Mike Motherspaw was suspended in October for the alleged relationship.

The date the alleged relationship began, or the duration of said relationship, has not been disclosed.

In addition to teaching, Motherspaw was the ASB Director at the school, according to the 2013 Canyon High School Safety Plan.

The student, whose name was not disclosed, is now 18 and has since graduated from Canyon High School, sources said.

Motherspaw was not immediately available to make a comment or statement on Thursday.

Officials with the William S. Hart Union High School District told KHTS they will not be commenting on the situation.

Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at [email protected].

Canyon High Teacher Suspended In October Allegedly Had Relations With A Student

65 comments

  1. As of February 4th, 2016, he is still on the staff website.

  2. Saw the teacher and the girl both at In n Out last week , having a “date” very sickening . Poor family

    • She is of age now and he appears to be a nice young man so what’s the big deal. They will probably marry someday.

      • Seriously! The “big deal” is that he was a married, father of 2 children. This was a devastating shock to his family. He brought this girl into his family’s life as a babysitter and friend of the family. He also crossed a line by having a relationship with a minor, having a teacher-student relationship and bringing her along on school trips after graduation.

        • Wow what great words! Out of all the comets I have read and all the judging and name calling, you just put it straight out there. And that is all there needs to be said. What will go around will come around! Believe me life is funny and has it’s ways of working thing out for the good and working thing that need to be for the bad I believe in carma and God! Best of luck to them I hope it was All worth it.

      • I say you all are a bunch of haters. Both are legal age and no evidence found he was doing her before her 18th birthday High Five the dude! He can get a chick half his age, hope I can when i am his age! Well , depends on what she looks like too!

  3. This makes me sick

  4. I really don’t get why they’re trying to “protect” him. pig.. Let him face the consequences

  5. I’ve said before in the past and I’ll say it again, this hairy ugly creep should be on “to catch a predator” the DAs office needs to file charges against him, before the school district or city is sued

  6. I knew Motherspaw. My brother and sister knew and worked with him. We all loved him as a big, goofy, and energetic guy. I can’t believe this. He has a wife and lovely children (from what I’ve heard). He joked about his kids all the time. I can’t believe this at all. Too upsetting.

  7. He posted this on his now deleted Twitter account two days ago… “Unbelievable!!!! Finally over!!! Chapter 2… I can’t wait to watch the final movie. Always and forever. ??????”
    The girl in the relationship also posted two days ago on her twitter… This is what she wrote, “Such a roller coaster day… It’s officially over, it’s done, and I have no words due to excitement! Chapter 2… Let’s go baby!! ???????”. Hmmm…. Talking about his divorce being final maybe? It’s so gross. What could they possibly have in common. Charges should be filed without a doubt, sad it took this long to come to light.

  8. There’s no grounds to file charges, I went to Canyon in her graduation class, there was an investigative force led by several teachers to attempt to discover evidence, and none was found predating her 18th birthday. I’m not saying it wasn’t gross and that it wasn’t wrong, however, he there’s no evidence he broke any law. Breaking Canyon High School’s code of conduct is one thing, but putting him on a predator’s watch list is a completely different.

  9. Hey, I know that dude. Well, not really but he was in my class Canyon High 97′. He always seemed okay to me. Kind of goofy like Hannah said. Hard to believe.

  10. I went to Canyon High class of 97′. Motherspaw was in my class. This same thing happened when I was in school. I remember my math teacher married his TA the year after she graduated. That was just one teacher, there was a scandal with my English teacher as well a few years after I graduated his name was all over the news. This is not a new thing at Canyon High, it’s been a problem for awhile.

  11. I’m a recent Canyon grad and I was in her graduation class, there was no evidence found that their improper relationship predated her 18th birthday, so putting Motherspaw on a predator watch list is a bit extreme for not having any evidence that he was a child predator. In the eyes of the DA, all Motherspaw did was break Canyon’s teacher code of conduct but technically it wasn’t illegal. Wrong definitely, gross, definitely. But not illegal. And I knew the girl, they did have a close relationship, but the only thing I heard before she turned 18 was a bunch of nasty high school rumors. Also, her parents decided to report the incident to the school board, without going directly to the police or the press, which is why the media didn’t report on this when it happened 6 months ago.

  12. The whole thing is sad and tragic. The teenager is selfish, the married man is selfish. They put their disordered friendship before his children and wife. Is breaking up a family and marriage a celebration? Both need to re-examine their motives, and maybe seek mental health assistance. The wife is stunning, and hopefully this family can heal with some counseling. The teenager needs to relate to her own peer group and move on out of the picture. She clearly needs some therapy, and hopefully will soon see the devastation that has resulted from allowing herself to be used. Prayers for all concerned, especially the family.

  13. I agree Canyon High School is a bad school on its own, he simply did as he liked and they could do anything till he choose to go a bit to far.

    • I know both the male and female in this situation. Actually Motherspaw was my teacher and what he did made me question every life lessons he taught me. He didn’t think about the way it would effect everyone. He was only concerned about himself. I want to apologize to his wife and children. He didn’t deserve you, and you didn’t deserve the way he treated you. I’m praying for peace for your family.

    • How is it you can say Cayon is a bad school over all? It may have it’s issues as does Valencia, Westridge, Saugus and Hart.

  14. Rumors today at Canyon is they are getting married.

    If the staff opened their eyes a little more they would see he isn’t the only one dating girls that graduated last year.

  15. I was extremely close to Motherspaw for years. Yes, what he did was wrong I do not deny that whatsoever. BUT, for people to be calling him a “child predator/molestor” or a “disgusting pig” is absolutely wrong, ESPECIALLY if you do not know him personally. It was not going on with ANY other students and he never made a move or anything along those lines to any other students ever. He cared about the well being of each of his students. I feel terrible for his wife and children. He screwed up big time but calling him those names is a step too far.

  16. He’s lucky they didn’t ask neighbors what they saw.

  17. The funny thing was that he always spoke about playing the game of life right and that the people who said they would never get caught always do, now look where we are now. I truly believed (and still do) he was a good guy, what a shame.

  18. The funny thing was that he always spoke about playing the game of life right and that the people who said they would never get caught always do, now look where we are now. I truly believed he was a good guy, what a shame.

  19. I know the family…..this guy is a complete bafoon……what can you possibly have in common with someone who is 20 years younger and fresh out of high school……Im sure in a couple of weeks/months this “relationship” will fizzle out. What is left? The effect that it will have on the community, family, and kids……..This guy obviously used his position of authority to prey on children/teens…..total disgrace and a complete jackape

  20. When relationships are based on lies and cheating, they don’t survive. One day he will notice that his kids grew up when he wasn’t paying attention and he lost the most precious time with them. He will also realize the loss of his wife, the one to whom he made vows with at the altar “until death do us part.” A wife is not something you can just trade in for a newer model. His was a Godly woman, a treasure. He will drop to his knees in deep regret and despair and cry out, “What have I done!! What have I done!!”
    In time, the fantasy with the teenager will fade into reality. Immaturity will take its toll and things will get old…really old. She cannot take the place of his wife. She will seek emotional and mental healthcare by the time she realizes the absurdity. This will follow her for years. Both will wish they had made other choices…too late…

  21. this is all shocking , his wife is beautiful and a very nice lady , dont understand why anyone would lose that

  22. Surprised, but I guess it would be him. He always always buddy-buddy with students who had him and probably spent a lot of time with them doing ASB and all those events.

  23. I graduated in 2014. That guy was loud and ignorant and horrible

  24. They should have had the Sheriffs department involved and interview his neighbors and his parents neighbors about girls in their homes with him. Not just a couple hours during but evenings and very early in the morning.

  25. When relationships are based on lies and cheating, they don’t survive. One day he will notice that his kids grew up when he wasn’t paying attention and he lost the most precious time with them. He will also realize the loss of his wife, the one to whom he made vows with at the altar “until death do us part.” A wife is not something you can just trade in for a newer model. His was a Godly woman, a treasure. He will drop to his knees in deep regret and despair and cry out, “What have I done!! What have I done!!”
    In time, the fantasy with the teenager will fade into reality. Immaturity will take its toll and things will get old…really old. She cannot take the place of his wife. She will seek emotional and mental healthcare by the time she realizes the absurdity. This will follow her for years. Both will wish they had made other choices…too late…

  26. Just really weird. Bad odor too ugh!

  27. When relationships are based on lies and cheating, they don’t survive. One day he will notice that his kids grew up when he wasn’t paying attention and he lost the most precious time with them. He will also realize the loss of his wife, the one to whom he made vows with at the altar “until death do us part.” A wife is not something you can just trade in for a newer model. His was a Godly woman, a treasure. He will drop to his knees in deep regret and despair and cry out, “What have I done!! What have I done!!”
    In time, the fantasy with the teenager will fade into reality. Immaturity will take its toll and things will get old…really old. She cannot take the place of his wife. She will seek emotional and mental healthcare by the time she realizes the absurdity. This will follow her for years. Both will wish they had made other choices…too late…

  28. This is disgusting and wrong on so many levels. I went to canyon and knew motherspaw and you can not tell me that this wasn’t going on before she turned 18. Motherspaw is in a position of authority and took advantage of a vulnerable young minor and should be behind bars. There is no excuse for this, and if the school is smart they should fire him immediately.

  29. I also knew Motherspaw as a energetic teacher who truly cared about his students. He was so devoted to Canyon he loved being involved. It’s sad that he’s going through this publicly EVERYONE makes mistakes. They don’t define who you are. I simply hope the best for his family. #TeamMotherspaw

  30. He isn’t the first teacher. When I attended back in 05, there was one who hosted parties that many students attended. What happened at the parties was always hush hush. But ASB and cheerleaders as well as many jocks and other football players attended all the time.

  31. I just feel horrible for the families involved. That man will never be able to find a job even once the young girl realizes they have nothing in common and leaves him for a younger more attractive guy. Now his ex wife and children have to deal with the embarrassment plus one less income. I’m also sure the family of the girl is horrified no one would want this for their daughter. I just hope they one day apologize to all the lives they have ruined.

  32. Motherspaw for life in prison!

  33. This is disgusting and wrong on so many levels. I went to canyon and knew motherspaw and if the school is smart they should fire him immediately if this is true. This is a guy in a position of authority taking advantage of a vulnerable minor. She had to be under age when all this started, and it begs the question who else might he had been involved with before her. There should be a full police investigation into this to see if anything illegal, such as sex with a minor, occurred. At any rate this is very sad to see.

  34. so sad the two of them need counseling

  35. I reported this to the school principal and both local newspapers over a year ago. Nothing done

  36. There are multiple male teachers at Canyon who prey on their students. I still have emails from one of my teachers who perused me right after my 18th birthday aND he still twaches there and is mareied. Even at 18 you are a child, we need to be able to trust these people we are sending our children to to LEARN. Canyon is notorious for this exact problem. It breaks my heart that Motherspaw did this to his family.

  37. The union protects pedophile’s, there is no background check for teachers and if he would be found guilty they would simply send him to another district. I hope the family of the girl files a civil suit, it is the only way to get some justice. I hope this pedophile goes to jail.

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  39. I am suprised that everyone is acting like this has only ever happened one time. I went to Canyon 89-92 and know of two similar situations. This can happen anywhere with anyone.

  40. I am absolutely stunned! O was a student at Canyon Highnon the early ’80’s and know for a fact one of my teachers married his student!
    He spoke openly about it. I wish I could remember his.
    Name. I’m 51 and I wonder if he’s even still alive?!
    This seems to be a long running tradition.
    Disgusting.

  41. Actually West Ranch High had a cheer coach that was dating students and showing up at parties 5 years ago and the school knew, but did nothing about it.

  42. Gerbil looking man.

  43. Kajeebers what a bunch of fingerpointing morons there are girls that get imancipated at 14 this girl was 17 and all you people think that she wears diapers and has to be cared for like bambi and then all of a sudden ka-POW she’s 18 and now in that instant everything changes mentally for her ? Pffffft ! All the majority of you commenting are idiots what a bunch of nosey people that are starving for attention .unless you were there breath by breath moment to moment ,you have nothing ,nada,I think the majority of you need help seriously because your making false accusations unless you were there every second ya don’t know crap so shut yer yappin mi d your business and quit judging on what ya don’t know ! Kajeebers

    • Hey bud you don’t have all the facts either. The only fact we do have is the signal reporting which is more evidence that it happened then you have for it not happening. And that’s some world you live in where you think it’s okay for an authority figure to take advantage of his position to have a relationship with a student. Not only is that incredibly unprofessional, it’s morally wrong.

    • Wow what great words! Out of all the comets I have read and all the judging and name calling, you just put it straight out there. And that is all there needs to be said. What will go around will come around! Believe me life is funny and has it’s ways of working thing out for the good and working thing that need to be for the bad I believe in carma and God! Best of luck to them I hope it was All worth it.

  44. I know this man and know the family and it was a complete shock to his wife and kids. He had a beautiful, loving wife and two sweet children who looked up to him. He selfishly threw it all away, not caring how it would affect his family, how humiliating and hurtful it would be. No matter how great of a man people thought he was before, ACTIONS speak louder than words. To prey on a child (yes, she was a child) you have access to only because it’s YOUR JOB to help them grow into decent, responsible adults… despicable. And now that she is an adult, to have no remorse for breaking up a family, doing irreparable damage to his children? To post about their affair as if it should be celebrated??? All I can say is that his wife and children are far more mature and have far greater character and grace than he and his mistress ever will. I pray for their strength as they move forward, rebuilding their life without him. And I hope that his ex-wife finds a partner who loves, cherishes, and protects her heart the way she deserves.

    • Wow what great words! Out of all the comets I have read and all the judging and name calling, you just put it straight out there. And that is all there needs to be said. What will go around will come around! Believe me life is funny and has it’s ways of working thing out for the good and working thing that need to be for the bad I believe in carma and God! Best of luck to them I hope it was All worth it.

  45. They relatively recently got married I hear. This dude is an absolute player. Traded in the civic for the Ferrari, I’d high five him in a heartbeat. Had him as a science teacher in 2010, still use his life lessons to this day. #MOB

  46. I attended Canyon High in the 80s. This guy might have been a classmate, or, I am older than him. I remember his last name.

    Even in the 80s there were a couple of teachers that married their students.

    Even if they are of legal age…let’s assume she was 18 and he was 22…under normal circumstances, there is nothing wrong with that.

    However, being in a position of authority, this should be statue forbidding relationships between authority (teachers) and students (no authority).

    There is too much variance in power and too much variance in questions regarding power being used to seduce and control a student.

    Think about your work environment. Usually it’s pretty stupid to date someone you work. RISKY. Relationship goes sour, your name will be dragged through mud, every secret exposed. If you are the BOSS, it affects morale and is a huge risk. All the girl has to do is levy an allegation against the boss and he’s SCREWED.

    The point: Don’t poop where ya eat. Simple! Be disciplined ffs.

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