Missouri Teacher Placed on Leave for Online Performances

A Missouri high school teacher, Brianna Coppage, found herself on leave from her job at St. Clair High School after officials learned that she was supplementing her income by performing on a pornography website. At 28 years old, she realizes her teaching days might be over but acknowledges the risks she took.

Coppage confirmed that she was placed on leave after a conversation with two administrators, during which her school email and other software access were suspended for investigation purposes.

Cloud of Uncertainty

She admitted, "It was kind of always like this cloud hanging over my head, like I never knew when I would be discovered. Then, about two weeks ago, my husband and I were told that people were finding out about it. So I knew this day was coming."

Official Response

Superintendent Kyle Kruse released a statement, saying that the district had been "recently notified that an employee may have posted inappropriate media on one or more internet sites." The district has engaged legal counsel to conduct a comprehensive investigation, and any actions taken will align with board policy and legal counsel guidance.

Background and Earnings

Coppage, who taught English to freshmen and sophomores, had an annual salary of around $42,000. To make ends meet, she joined the OnlyFans website over the summer. Through this venture, she earned an additional $8,000 to $10,000 per month.

She chose OnlyFans because its content is available only to subscribers, which she believed would help protect her identity. She emphasized that no content was filmed or posted while she was on school grounds.

The Aftermath

Brianna Coppage recognizes that she may never teach again, a risk she was aware of when she started. She expressed her sadness at missing her students but mentioned that her account had gained about 100 new subscribers since her situation became public. She has more than doubled her subscription price and intends to continue posting on the site.

"I do not regret joining OnlyFans. I know it can be taboo, or some people may believe that it is shameful, but I don’t think sex work has to be shameful," Coppage said. "I do just wish things just happened in a different way."