A former Nevada Community School teacher and coach is permanently banned from teaching in Iowa.
Zachariah Lillquist voluntarily surrendered his teaching and coaching license on Jan. 14, according to records from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.
The board issued a final order on Feb. 25, permanently banning Lillquist from teaching in the state.
The board found that Lillquist violated the Iowa Administrative Code, including “grooming behavior toward a student” and having an “otherwise inappropriate relationship with a student.” The board also found he violated professional standards regarding incompetence.
The details of the accusations, the Department of Education told the Tribune, are “privileged and confidential” under Iowa Code section 256.158(3).”
According to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners’ license search page, Lilliquist was licensed to teach biology, earth science, and basic science. He was also licensed as an athletic coach.
Nevada Superintendent Steve confirmed Lillquist was a teacher and coach at the Nevada Community School District until 2025. He resigned his role as a middle school science teacher and volleyball and track coach in April 2025, which was approved the following month.
Lillquist resigned as high school speech coach in August, and the resignation was approved in September.
Lillquist does not currently face criminal charges.
Nevada Chief of Police Chris Brandes said he could not comment further.
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Former Nevada teacher permanently banned from teaching in Iowa
Reporting by Celia Brocker, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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