Certification and Educator Prep. Divisions 

The GaPSC previewed proposed rules for ed preparation and certification, including language to be more inclusive of certain out-of-state preparation programs for the Induction certificate, which will be considered for initiation at the next meeting.  More information regarding these proposals will be shared if and when they are initiated.

Information regarding educator preparation reform may be found HERE. 

Ethics Cases

Under Standard 2: Conduct with Students, a male administrator who allegedly "patted down" a female student at a metal detector checkpoint and called her "baby girl" was issued a one year suspension.  It's important to note that whether the physical contact was incidental or intentional could make a significant difference in such cases.

A paraprofessional who was accused of twisting the ear of a non-verbal, special needs student and "guiding" him by the neck was issued a one year suspension.  It appears that the fact that the student is non-verbal and less likely to be able to state his disagreement with the parapro's actions motivated the PSC to issue a somewhat harsher sanction.

The Commission recommended a one year suspension for an administrator who allegedly pulled a teacher out of her classroom and directed her to work on his dissertation.   Part of its rationale for the sanction was the alleged usage of school resources for a non-school related matter.

The GaPSC will routinely recommend a one year suspension for a teacher who fails to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect under Standard 9: Required Reports.  

After discussion, the GaPSC found no probable cause to issue a sanction where a principal allegedly changed an entire class's grades and did not inform the superintendent or central office of his action.  While some members expressed disapproval of the principal's action, the Commission concluded he complied with Georgia's law regarding grade changes and could find no ethical violation.

A teacher who allegedly had sex on campus with an administrator was issued a 90 days suspension under Standard 10: Professional Conduct.  Whenever an administrator and teacher are alleged to have engaged in sexual activity on campus, the administrator is typically given a harsher sanction.

The GaPSC recommended a two years suspension for a teacher who allegedly left a student alone at a state fair for 12 hours.  In aggravation of the alleged inadequate supervision of a student, it is believed that a stranger picked up that student and dropped him off at a restaurant in another county.