Office of Accreditation & Teacher Quality

Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission

Complaint Procedure

Individuals who have concerns about a teacher are always advised to move through the local school district's complaint process first. However, formal complaints may be filed against a teacher when attempts to resolve the problem at the local level prove unsuccessful. Complaints must document areas of the Code of Ethics that are alleged to have been violated.

Upon receipt of a written complaint, the commission takes the following options under consideration:

1. Dismiss the complaint,
2. Conduct an onsite investigation, or
3. Move to a hearing on the issue(s) presented in the complaint.

Former commission members serve as designated officials, handling investigative duties and conducting onsite interviews.

When a hearing is held, opposing parties have the opportunity to present each side of the issue, with or without legal counsel. After the hearing is completed, one of the following actions may be taken:

1. Dismiss the complaint and/or allegations for lack of sufficient evidence presented;
2. Issue a private or public reprimand;
3. Offer remedial recommendations to the respondent and/or school board; or
4. Recommend to the Secretary of Education that the teaching certificate be suspended or revoked.