parent power  By Dr. Jo Lynne DeMary 

Punishing Teacher Misconduct

Q I am distressed by what appears to be a growing number of stories about teacher misconduct. In the last month, I’ve read national articles describing misbehavior involving embezzling, drugs, alcohol and sexual misconduct by teachers. One Virginia teacher was actually accused of being drunk in class. Do these teachers lose their licenses so they are not allowed to go somewhere else and get another teaching job?

A The large majority of teachers in the profession are highly qualified, competent people who inspire us with their caring and unselfish commitment to making a difference for our young people. When stories like those you referenced are reported, educators who have dedicated ourselves to this rewarding work are appalled as well.
When applying for a license to teach in Virginia, the applicant must respond to questions addressing felony convictions, criminal activity, drug use and violations, and previous licenses that may have been denied, revoked, cancelled or suspended. The hiring system also requires a background check.
The weakest link in the system comes into play when school boards fire teachers who are sex offenders or permit them to resign but do not follow up with licensure action.
The president of the state board of education has publicly stated that the Board of Education will support legislation in 2008 that strengthens requirements on local boards. Ohio has addressed this matter by establishing a database of educators subjected to disciplinary action in that state. The database is available to the public.

Q The rash of bomb threats in Chesterfield County targeted at multiple schools, including elementary, was frightening to me as a parent. What is being done to deter this type of behavior?

A Be assured that while we know from experience that actual bombs are not involved in most cases, school and police officials take each threat seriously. We also do not know whether any given threat is the action of a disgruntled student carrying out a prank or a mentally disturbed adult, so we assess each situation individually.
School should be a safe place for young people whose parents are required to send them there under compulsory school attendance laws. The threat of harm to children through a bomb threat is a class 5 felony in Virginia, punishable by one to 10 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a monetary fine.
Obviously, repeated offenses carry heavier consequences. If an enrolled student is involved, the school system takes serious action, including possible expulsion. Students need to be informed of the consequences of such actions.

Jo Lynne DeMary was superintendent of public instruction for Virginia and is currently director of the Center for School Improvement at VCU. She believes that parents empowered by knowledge are the best partners in their children’s education.

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