Florida Statutes
And 
Rules

Florida Statutes s. 1006.061 states all employees and agents of the district school board, charter schools and private schools that accept scholarship students, have an obligation to report misconduct by an instructional personnel member or school administrator  

Florida Statutes s. 1012.33 outlines disciplinary procedures regarding district        employment contracts with instructional personnel staff, supervisors and school principals 

Florida Statutes s. 1012.795 provides the Education Practices Commission the authority to issue disciplinary action against an individual’s Florida Educator certificate

Florida Statutes s. 1012.796 provides authority for the Department of Education to investigate and prosecute allegations of educator misconduct 

Florida Statute s. 1012.01 defines public school instructional personnel, administrative personnel, school volunteers, education support employees and managers

State Board of Education Rule 6B-1.001 defines the Code of Ethics of the Education    Profession in Florida

State Board of Education Rule 6B-1.006 defines the Principals of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida

HOW TO REPORT
MISCONDUCT

•	Report allegations or suspicion of misconduct by an instructional personnel member to your school administrator or district contact

•	Report allegations or suspicion of misconduct by your school administrator to your district contact

•	Document the activities or details of the event.

•	Secure evidence (if applicable)

If someone tells you about misconduct, be a LEADER:

Listen
Evaluate
Act immediately
Document
Encourage
Report

WHO SHOULD 
REPORT MISCONDUCT?

All employees and agents of a district school board, charter school or private school have a duty to report misconduct.  

If you are aware of or observe misconduct

REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY!

WHO SHOULD 
YOU REPORT?

•	Classroom teachers
•	Paraprofessionals
•	Substitute teachers 
•	Librarians, guidance counselors and social workers
•	Career specialists and school psychologists
•	Principals, Assistant Principals and Deans

“A teacher affects        eternity…he can never tell where his influence stops.”

~Henry B.  Adams

Failure to 
Report 
Misconduct

Possible penalties for instructional 
personnel or site administrators who fail to report misconduct may include:

•	Written Reprimand
•	Suspension with or without pay
•	Termination of employment
•	Discipline/Sanctions on an educator’s certificate

	

The following behavior may be 
indicative of misconduct that 
should be reported:
•	being alone with a student in dark or closed room or secluded area
•	behaving in an overly friendly or familiar way or failing to maintain an appropriate  professional boundary with a student
•	using forceful or unnecessary physical contact with a student
•	administering discipline not compliant with district policy
•	accepting or offering of gifts for return of a favor or privilege from students or colleagues
•	badgering or habitually teasing a student
•	mocking or belittling a student
•	chronically embarrassing a student
•	displaying prejudice or bigotry against a student
•	suspicion of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
•	failing to properly supervise students or to ensure student safety
•	cheating, falsifying information or testing violations
•	retaliating against a student or colleague for reporting misconduct
•	bantering or engaging in colloquial or slang communications with a student
•	directing  or using profane, offensive, or explosive language in the presence of students
•	making lewd or suggestive comments or overtures toward a student or colleague

Apply the litmus test
        1.  If you feel uncomfortable
        2.  If you question the person’s motives or actions
        3.  If you are unsure

            Protect the students and yourself and report.

			

Identifying and reporting Professional 
Misconduct

“By virtue of their leadership 
capacity, teachers are traditionally 
held to a high moral standard in a 
community”
 
Adams v. State of Florida Professional Practices Council,
406 So 2nd 1170 Fla. 1st DCA 1981

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
 CONTACT:
Florida Department of Education
Office of Professional Practices Services
Turlington Building
325 West Gaines Street
(850)245-0438

www.myfloridateacher.com

{DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION}

			

“Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other 
professions.”
	
--Author Unknown

Florida Department of Education
Office of Professional Practices Services