Reporting Educator Misconduct

Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse

Under Florida law, all employees must report reasonable suspicions of child abuse to the Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline:

1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873).

Reporting Child Abuse is Everyone’s Responsibility

Mandatory Reporting of Educator Misconduct

Section 1006.061, Florida Statutes, states all employees and agents of the district school board, charter schools and private schools that accept scholarship students, have an obligation to report alleged misconduct by an instructional personnel member or school administrator which affects the health, safety or welfare of a student.

School Board Policy 8141 – MANDATORY REPORTING OF MISCONDUCT BY CERTIFICATED EMPLOYEES

The following behavior may be indicative of misconduct that should be reported:

• Sexting and/or any other form of unprofessional/unethical communication with a student or colleague
• Being alone with a student in dark or closed rooms or secluded areas
• 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 in return for favors 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
• Using or being suspected of using drugs or alcohol
• Failing to properly supervise students or to ensure student safety
• Cheating or 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

Failure to Report

Possible penalties for personnel who fail to report misconduct:

• Written directive, concern or reprimand
• Suspension with or without pay
• Termination of employment
• Discipline/sanctions on an educator’s certificate

Additional Resources for Schools/Worksites

Sample notices for reporting educator abuse and misconduct can be found here on the Florida Department of Education website.