Two Hernando County teachers have been reprimanded by the state Education Practices Commission for actions deemed inappropriate.
Moton Elementary second-grade teacher Shawna L. Masterson and Parrott Middle social studies teacher Johnny Roberts will keep their certificates, but they are placed on probation. Each must successfully complete counseling.
"This panel, composed of your peers, believes that, as a teacher, you are required to exercise a measure of leadership beyond reproach," commission presiding officer Lucile Casey wrote in a letter to each educator. "By your actions, you have lessened the reputation of all who practice our profession. The profession cannot condone your actions, nor can the public who employ us."
Masterson is on probation for two years. She also must go through a substance abuse evaluation and any treatment recommended.
She had been denied a permanent teaching certificate because she was arrested in 1999 on a charge of possession of marijuana, and in 2002 for driving under the influence. She completed pretrial intervention in the first case, and received probation with a driver's license suspension in the second.
Masterson appealed Education Commissioner Jim Horne's decision and was granted the certificate so long as she meets the requirements of the agreement approved along with the reprimand. If she fails to comply, her certificate may be revoked.
The education commissioner sought discipline against Roberts after his 2001 arrest on a charge of soliciting an undercover officer for sexual intercourse for $20. Roberts, who according to documents in his personnel file claimed he was framed, was suspended without pay for five months, and entered a last-chance agreement with the school district.
He also went through a misdemeanor intervention program.
The reprimand came as part of a settlement between the state and Roberts, who has worked in Hernando schools for 24 years. He agreed to be evaluated by a mental health professional and to complete any recommended treatment.
He is on probation for a year. If he fails to comply with the agreement, his certificate could be revoked.
The Education Practices Commission also reprimanded former Central High School teacher Troy Bishop, who resigned under pressure after being accused of wrestling with students in class. A student provided photos of the wrestling, which Bishop initially denied.
Documentation on the terms of Bishop's reprimand was not immediately available.
