A California middle school teacher with more than 25 years of experience now faces an uncertain future after a student’s cellphone video captured him urinating in his classroom just moments before students arrived, raising serious questions about professional conduct and what parents describe as an open secret among students.

What the Video Revealed

Dan Champ, a sixth-grade history teacher at Granite Oaks Middle School in Rocklin, was recorded on February 25 unbuttoning his pants and urinating into a container in his empty classroom. The video obtained by The Sacramento Bee shows Champ commenting positively about the act before pouring out the liquid and greeting students who entered approximately one minute later. No students were present during the incident itself, but they could be heard whispering and giggling on the recording.

NEW: California middle school teacher placed on leave after video appears to show him urinating in a classroom just moments before students walked in

Video obtained by The Sacramento Bee appears to show Dan Champ unbuttoning his pants and urinating into a container out of camera… pic.twitter.com/N5ft3xL75L

— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) March 8, 2026

School officials learned about the video when a parent brought it to their attention the same day it was recorded. Champ, who also serves as the Associated Student Body adviser, was immediately placed on administrative leave. The Rocklin Unified School District sent families a message that afternoon confirming an employee had been suspended pending investigation for conduct inconsistent with professional standards. Champ has not responded to requests for comment.

Rumors Had Circulated Among Students

The incident may not have been isolated. An eighth grade student who previously attended Champ’s class told reporters she heard rumors at the beginning of the school year that the teacher regularly urinated into a container between classes. The student, whose mother requested anonymity for privacy concerns, expressed disgust knowing she had sat near where the incidents allegedly occurred. The revelation raises questions about how long this behavior may have continued undetected by school administration.

Questions About Professional Standards

Champ operates an educational tour business called Champ Tours with his wife, organizing trips for eighth grade students to historic East Coast landmarks and New York City. Tours scheduled for March 27 and June remain listed despite the investigation. The case highlights broader concerns about teacher accountability and whether warning signs were missed. California Commission on Teacher Credentialing records confirm Champ’s lengthy teaching career, making the allegations particularly troubling for parents who trusted him with their children’s education. The district continues its investigation in accordance with applicable policies and legal requirements.