Pa. Department of Education Releases 2015 Educator Discipline Report

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has released its 2015 Educator Discipline Report, detailing the number of educator discipline cases handled by the Educator Discipline Unit over the past year.

Rivera noted the report showed an increase in the number of complaints filed, charges filed by the Office of Chief Counsel, and investigations completed over previous years.

"The Department's partnership with the Pennsylvania Justice Network, important changes under the law, and more awareness about educator responsibilities have all contributed to a rise in the number of cases taken on this year," Rivera said. "Through its work to address these complaints, the Department remains committed to ensuring that educators across the state are carrying out their duties with fidelity."

The Department oversees approximately 882,685 certified educators, charter school and cyber charter school staff, contracted educational providers, and other staff. In its report, PDE noted that in 2015, 384 complaints were resolved. Seventy percent of those cases included imposed professional discipline measures. The Department received 768 educator misconduct complaints, 70 percent coming from within the Department, 13 percent coming from a parent or family member, seven percent from an administrator, four percent from another school employee, 3 percent from another educator, 1 percent from a school board member, and 2 percent from other sources.

Types of educator misconduct can include criminal conduct, noncriminal conduct, and conduct occurring in another jurisdiction. Professional discipline can include private or public reprimands; certificate suspension, revocation, or surrender; and supplemental sanctions.

"Despite the rise in complaints against educators, it is important to note that these cases represent an extremely small portion of educators in the commonwealth," Rivera added. "Teachers, administrators, and support staff overwhelmingly create a safe and healthy atmosphere conducive to growth and learning in schools across Pennsylvania, and the large majority of educators take their roles and responsibilities seriously."

MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman, 717-783-9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us