West Fargo “Teacher of the Year” Cleared of Charges

WEST FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A West Fargo teacher who was accused and then cleared of having a sexual relationship with a student will be back in the classroom this fall.

The school district has announced that Aaron Knodel will be an English teacher at Sheyenne High School this year. WDAY-TV reports if any students have an issue with being in his class, they can ask to be reassigned.

Knodel was the state's teacher of the year in 2014. He was later accused of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old female student in 2009 but wasn't convicted.

The state teacher licensing board this month voted to take no action against Knodel, clearing him to return to teaching.

Knodel earlier was an English teacher and speech and debate coach at West Fargo High School.