Required Reporters

Training Requirement

All instructional personnel and administrators are required as a condition of employment to complete training on these standards of ethical conduct.

Reporting Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Administrators

All employees and administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student.

Examples of misconduct include:

  • obscene language
  • drug and alcohol use
  • disparaging comments
  • prejudice or bigotry
  • sexual innuendo
  • cheating or testing violations
  • physical aggression
  • accepting or offering favors.

Reports of misconduct of employees should be made to the Administrator:

Diana Atwell. Phone number 561-683-1780 Email: haverhill_da@comcast.net or come to school office located at 671 N. Haverhill Rd.,West Palm Beach, FL 33415.

Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to:

The Pastor of Haverhill Baptist Church Phone number 561-683-2327,

Email: pastormike@haverhillbaptist.com

Legally sufficient allegations of misconduct by Florida certified educators will be reported to the Office of Professional Practices Services. Policies and procedures for reporting misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student are posted on the wall in the teacher’s lounge and on our Website at HaverhillBaptist.com.

Reporting Child Abuse, Abandonment or Neglect

All employees and agents have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect.

Call 1-800-96-ABUSE or

Report online at: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/.

 

Liability Protections

Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in any act authorized or required by law, or reporting in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the department or any law enforcement agency, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability which might otherwise result by reason of such action. (F.S. 39.203)

 

An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer of the former or current employee upon request of the prospective employer or of the former or current employee is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information disclosed by the former or current employer was knowingly false or violated any civil right of the former or current employee protected under F.S. Chapter 760. (F.S. 768.095)

 
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
 
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
To whom should I report misconduct?
  • Report allegations or suspicion of misconduct by an instructional personnel member to your school administrator.
  • Report allegations or suspicion of misconduct by your school administrator to the Pastor of Haverhill Baptist Church.
  • Document the activities or details of the event in writing.
  • Secure evidence (if applicable)
Who should report misconduct?
  • All employees of private schools have a duty to report misconduct.
  • If you are aware of or observe misconduct - REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY
 
Who should be reported?
  • Classroom teachers, Substitute teachers, Librarians, Principals
 
What happens if I fail 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
Can’t Decide? 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.
 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Florida Department of Education Office of Professional Practices Services
Turlington Building 325 West Gaines Street
I have read and understand this information about Identifying and Reporting Professional Misconduct.