Schools

Teachers' misconduct files coming to the Web

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published August 15, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - Florida parents can check state misconduct records of their children's teachers on a public Web site starting Monday, the first day of school in most communities.

The State Board of Education unanimously on Tuesday approved that and several other changes - mostly technical - in teacher disciplinary procedures, but none will be as far-reaching as the Web site.

"It sends a message that we're serious about making sure we have the best people in the classroom," said board chairman T. Willard Fair.

He acknowledged it could result in a run of parents asking to have their children removed from the classrooms of teachers who have blots on their records.

The information will be posted in the educator quality section of the Education Department's Web site. Searches can be done by name.

"If you find nothing, that means that teacher has no sanction on their certificate," said Pam Stewart, deputy chancellor for kindergarten-12th grade educator quality.

Information on teachers who have been accused of misconduct will include complaints, dispositions and sanctions, if any, which can range from letters of reprimand to license revocations.

Private school parents may have even more incentive to check out the Web site.

Teachers who have lost their certificates cannot work in public schools, but they can be hired by private schools.

[Last modified August 15, 2007, 00:47:11]