Suspended Teaching Certificate for Former Bellingham Traffic Safety Instructor
A former Traffic Safety Instructor for the Bellingham School District has received a 30-day suspension of his teaching credentials after state officials found a consistent pattern of improper physical interactions and remarks involving students and colleagues.
According to a final disciplinary order issued by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Stuart Soderquist—whose certification has been active since 1987—was formally suspended for at least one month.
Parents in Whatcom County may question the timeline, given that more than two and a half years passed between initial concerns and the conclusion of the case, despite multiple official interventions.
Pattern of Concerns Emerged Early
Initial alerts about Soderquist’s conduct surfaced in August 2020, when parents raised issues about his communications with students. Among the concerns were remarks about a girl’s appearance and personality that drew comparisons to his wife, as well as comments tied to the student’s racial background.
Later investigations confirmed that Soderquist engaged in physical contact during driving instruction—touching students on their legs—even when such contact wasn’t essential to vehicle safety.
In response, the district issued a “Letter of Direction” on September 28, 2020, advising him to stop using physical touch as a method to draw attention to himself during sessions.
Continued Issues Despite Guidance
The following school year brought further scrutiny. In March 2022, the principal at Bellingham High School delivered another formal notice after reviewing conduct involving a coworker. That letter asked Soderquist to limit physical interactions, especially hugs and other forms of contact, with the staff member in question.
Even after these directives, his teaching duties continued without significant disruption.
Critical Incident Triggers Leave and Resignation
A turning point came in spring 2023. On May 8 of that year, Soderquist interacted with three male students inside the school. He placed his foot against one student’s leg, pressed and kneaded the shoulders of another, and offered remarks to all three that carried sexual undertones.
Four days later, he was placed on administrative leave. Shortly thereafter, the district filed a Notice of Probable Cause for discharge, prompting Soderquist to request a hearing. Before termination was finalized, he opted to resign under a formal Separation Agreement, effective November 2023.
Late Admission and Modest Penalty
In May 2023, Superintendent Greg Baker submitted a formal complaint to OSPI concerning Soderquist’s conduct. Nearly two years later, during an interview with the state’s Office of Professional Practices, Soderquist downplayed the nature of his comments—claiming he did not intend them to carry sexual meaning.
Yet in his own words, he acknowledged believing the thighs were an acceptable zone for physical contact with students.
On April 21, 2026, OSPI determined there was “clear and convincing evidence” that Soderquist’s actions met standards for unprofessional behavior.
Despite the multi-year span of concerning conduct—from 2020 through 2023—the state imposed a relatively brief 30-day suspension as its primary penalty.
The board has set specific conditions for Soderquist to regain his professional license. To satisfy these requirements, he must successfully complete a designated training module focused on maintaining professional boundaries. Additionally, he is required to clear a comprehensive background screening before his certificate can be fully restored.