The 2017 case of Tad Cummins, a former Tennessee teacher who abducted his 15-year-old student Elizabeth Thomas, remains a disturbing example of teacher-student misconduct. After a 38-day nationwide manhunt, Cummins was captured and later sentenced to 20 years in prison. The case highlighted serious concerns about child safety, grooming, and the ethical boundaries of educator-student relationships. His actions sparked national outrage and renewed discussions on protecting minors from predatory figures in positions of trust. The incident underscored the need for stricter regulations, increased awareness, and proactive measures to prevent similar abuses in educational settings.