Substitute Teacher Terminated for Seeking Donations via GoFundMe for Personal Travel

Iowa substitute teacher fired after offering extra credit for GoFundMe donations. Judge rules misconduct disqualifies her from unemployment benefits.

Editorial Desk

October 1, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Clinton, Iowa — A high school substitute teacher in Iowa was terminated after offering students extra credit in exchange for donations to a personal GoFundMe campaign, according to an official hearing.

Stephanie Mullaley, who served as a full-time substitute for the Clinton Community School District, was let go in May following alleged violations of the district’s ethics policy. During a hearing on her unemployment benefits, Administrative Law Judge Duane Golden stated that Mullaley created a GoFundMe account to fund her “personal education goals.”

📄 POLICY WIRE WHITEPAPER PUBLISHED: PAKISTAN’S NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY PRIORITIES

👉 READ BY CLICKING HERE

Mullaley reportedly shared these goals with students during the 2025-26 school year and told them they could earn extra credit by donating to the fundraiser. The judge ruled that her actions constituted job-related misconduct, noting that students felt pressured to contribute. The GoFundMe aimed to raise $1,800 to cover travel expenses for a trip to Ecuador with her husband, including flights, food, and accommodations.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

Author

Editorial Desk

Policy Wire is your go-to editorial hub for insightful perspectives and informed analysis on pressing policy issues, both regionally and globally. Over the years, Policy Wire has collaborated with leading international news agencies—including AFP, AP, Reuters, and others—to provide fact-based reporting and nuanced commentary. With a commitment to clarity and credibility, we aim to bridge the gap between complex policy debates and public understanding, ensuring that our readers stay informed on the issues shaping the world today.