News from the BoEE - August 2022
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Renewal applications take 3-4 weeks to process. You must have a valid license in order to serve as an educator in Iowa.
You may need to apply for an extension if your license is expiring soon.
Late fees will be assessed for applications received after a license has expired.
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HF 2081 (2022) removed the teacher preparation program completion testing requirement (Praxis, edTPA).
SF 2383 (2022) allows our agency to grant licensure without deficiencies or testing to out-of-state applicants who have held a license in another state, have passed the required assessments in another state, and who have no pending or past licensure disciplinary action.
SF 2383 (2022) directs our agency to create a work- based learning authorization.
ADDITIONAL LICENSURE RULE CHANGES
• Testing is no longer required for in-state or out-of-state applicants for full licensure.
• An optional K-12 Special Education - All endorsement is currently under research review.
• Special education and other K-12 endorsements are now allowable as part of the teacher intern program.
• A new 5-12 Mathematics – Basic endorsement has been created for early HS mathematics courses.
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The BOEE often receives complaints that involve a practitioner skirting the line between appropriate and inappropriate behavior. The following examples illustrate the risks.
Elementary Teachers and Appropriate Boundaries
1) An elementary school teacher often tickles students or uses horseplay with her students.
As a professional, you have to understand you are not a parent or a grandparent to your students. You can still show that you care about your students by listening to them and making sure they are learning. What would this look like to a parent or your principal?
Violation of Standard: 25.3(1)(e)(4) Soliciting, encouraging, or consummating a romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationship with a student; Mandatory Reporting
or 25.3(6)(c) Failing to make reasonable effort to protect the health and safety of the student or creating conditions harmful to student learning.
2) An elementary school teacher lap-sits with students when they are seated on the floor for reading time.
Lap-sitting with students should end at preschool. Again, you are not a parent or a grandparent to your students. At reading time your students should all be sitting together on the floor and not on your lap.
Violation of Standard: 25.3(1)(e)(4) Soliciting, encouraging, or consummating a romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationship with a student; Mandatory Reporting
or 25.3(6)(c) Failing to make reasonable effort to protect the health and safety of the student or creating conditions harmful to student learning.
Middle School Teachers and Appropriate Boundaries
A health teacher is teaching a section on CPR to the class. The teacher touches a female student’s chest at the breasts to show her where to start compressions. The student felt very uncomfortable and reported it to her parents.
Even if chest compressions and appropriate placement of the hands is a necessary part of the class you’re teaching, touching the student is not necessary. It would be better to show the student on yourself where to place your hands. What would this look like to a parent or your principal?
Violation of Standard: 25.3(1)(e)(4) Soliciting, encouraging, or consummating a romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationship with a student; Mandatory Reporting or 25.3(6)(c) Failing to make reasonable effort to protect the health and safety of the student or creating conditions harmful to student learning.
High School Teachers and Appropriate Boundaries
1) An art teacher is helping a student with the pottery wheel when he caresses her face as he moves her hair behind her ear.
There is no valid reason to touch a student’s face or hair. You can still show that you care about your students by listening to them and making sure they are learning. What would this look like to a parent or your principal?
Violation of Standard: 25.3(1)(e)(4) Soliciting, encouraging, or consummating a romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationship with a student; Mandatory Reporting
2) An English teacher hugs a student who is upset about things going on at home. This isn’t the first time. Other students have seen these interactions. The student’s parents are going through a divorce. Another student tells the school counselor. You may be thinking that the teacher is just caring about the student. Yes, hugging can be ok, but it should not be the norm to hug your students.
Violation of Standard: 25.3(1)(e)(4) Soliciting, encouraging, or consummating a romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationship with a student; Mandatory Reporting
What could you do next time?
The lesson here is do not touch your students. Your students have been learning to respect boundaries, their space, and others’ space since kindergarten, and you as a teacher need to do the same. Remember, telling kids to keep their hands to themselves – the same goes for teachers. There are very few reasons to touch your student. Now, this does not mean NEVER, but it should be rare. If a student invites a hug, give them a quick shoulder hug. If they need encouragement, your words go a long way. Offer a “great job, nice work,” a high five, or a fist bump. There are other ways to support and care about students.
If you have any questions about this legal dilemma or professional ethics you may contact Nicole Proesch at 515-242-6506 or Nicole.proesch@iowa.gov. However, if you need legal advice on a specific issue contact your district legal counsel.
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21-01 The Respondent was charged with abandoning a written employment contract without prior unconditional release by the employer. The Respondent received a written reprimand.
21-76 The Respondent was charged with failing to make a reasonable effort to protect the health and safety of the student or creating conditions harmful to student learning and soliciting, encouraging, or consummating a romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationship with a student by initiating inappropriate physical contact with four students. The Respondent received a written reprimand, a suspension of his license for a minimum of one year, was ordered to take an Ethics for Educators class, and have a mental health evaluation.
21-97 The Respondent voluntarily surrendered his license to the board.
21-106 The Respondent was charged with abandoning a written employment contract without prior unconditional release by the employer. The Respondent received a written reprimand and represents he will not be teaching in the state of Iowa.
21-125 The Respondent voluntarily surrendered his license to the board.
20-51 The Respondent voluntarily surrendered his license to the board.
21-56 The Respondent was charged with being on school premises or at a school-sponsored activity involving students while under the influence of, possessing, using, or consuming alcohol. The Respondent received a written reprimand, a suspension of her license for a minimum of one year, and was ordered to take an Ethics for Educators class, substance abuse evaluation and treatment.
21-22 The Respondent was charged with failing to maintain a professional relationship with all students inside and outside the classroom by soliciting, encouraging, or consummating a romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationship. The Respondent denies and does not admit the charges but acknowledges the allegations if proven would constitute grounds for the agreed discipline. The Respondent received a written reprimand, a suspension of his license for a minimum of five years, was ordered to take an Ethics for Educators class, and have a risk evaluation from an approved professional.
21-92 The Respondent voluntarily surrendered his license to the board.
21-94 The Respondent was charged with soliciting, encouraging, or consummating a romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationship. The Respondent received a written reprimand, a suspension of his license for a minimum of one year, was ordered to take an Ethics for Educators class, and have a mental health evaluation.
21-108 The Respondent was charged with failing to report suspected child abuse and failing to make an effort to protect the health and safety of a student creating conditions harmful to learning. The Respondent received a written reprimand, a suspension of her license for a minimum of four years, was ordered to take an Ethics for Educators class, and have a mental health evaluation.
21-109 The Respondent was charged with abandoning an employment contract without prior release. The Respondent received a written reprimand.
21-121 The Respondent was charged with abandoning an employment contract without prior release. The Respondent received a written reprimand and was ordered to take an Ethics for Educators class.
21-156 The Respondent was charged with abandoning an employment contract without prior release. The Respondent received a written reprimand.
22-08 The Respondent was charged with being on school premises or at a school-sponsored activity involving students while under the influence of, possessing, using, or consuming alcohol. The Respondent received a written reprimand, a suspension of his license for a minimum of one year, and was ordered to take an Ethics for Educators class, substance abuse evaluation and treatment and mental health evaluation and treatment.
21-103 The Respondent was charged with failing to account properly for funds collected that were entrusted to the practitioner and failure to use time or funds granted for the purpose for which they were intended. The Respondent received a written reprimand, a three-month suspension, is required to take a 15-hour in-person Ethics for Educators course, and will not be responsible for educational funds for five years.
21-119 The Respondent was charged with violation of contractual obligations. The Respondent received a written reprimand.
21-151 The Respondent’s license was suspended for non-compliance with the Iowa Department of Revenue.
22-06 The Respondent’s license was suspended for non-compliance with the Iowa Department of Revenue.
22-22 The Respondent has surrendered her license.
21-06 The Respondent was charged with committing or soliciting any sexual or otherwise indecent act with a student or any minor; soliciting, encouraging, or consummating and romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationship with a student, and been found guilty of sexual exploitation by a school employee. The Respondent was found to have violated these ethical standards and his license was revoked.
21-17 The Respondent was charged with and found to have violated failing to account for funds, converting public property to personal use, and combining public and personal funds. The Respondent received a letter of reprimand, an indefinite suspension of his teaching license for 18 months, and completion of a fifteen-hour ethics for educators class.
21-23 The Respondent was charged with failing to make a reasonable effort to protect the health and safety of the student or creating conditions harmful to student learning and failure of an administrator to protect the health and safety of students. The Respondent agreed to a written reprimand, completion of a course on allegations of sexual abuse and grooming, and to review the circumstances of the case with the Iowa Department of Education in regards to Chapter 102 investigations and expectations.
21-89 The Respondent was charged with falsifying or deliberately misrepresenting or omitting material information regarding the evaluation of students, specifically IEPs. The Respondent received a written reprimand, completion of an Ethics for Educators course, and completion of a special education law course.
21-132 The Respondent was charged with abandoning an employment contract without a prior release. The Respondent received a written reprimand.
21-133 The Respondent was charged with falsifying or deliberately misrepresenting or omitting material information regarding the evaluation of students, specifically IEPs. The Respondent received a written reprimand, completion of an Ethics for Educators course, and completion of a special education law course.
22-02 The Respondent was charged with abandoning an employment contract without a prior release. The Respondent received a written reprimand and completion of an Ethics for Educator
22-12 The Respondent has surrendered her license.
22-35 The Respondent has surrendered her license.
22-06 The Respondent’s license is suspended by the Iowa Department of Revenue for failure to pay concerning payment of debts to state or local governments.
22-25 The Respondent’s license is suspended by the Iowa Department of Revenue for failure to pay concerning payment of debts to state or local governments.
19-112 The Respondent voluntarily surrendered his license to the board.
21-81 The Respondent was charged with physical abuse of a student and was granted a deferred prosecution but agreed not to seek or reinstate her educator license. The Respondent voluntarily surrendered his license to the board.
21-93 The Respondent was charged with being on school premises or at a school-sponsored activity involving students while under the influence of, possession, using, or consuming alcohol. The Respondent received a Written Reprimand, a suspension of his license for one year with all but three months suspended. The Respondent shall provide a monthly BAC test randomly to the Director during this time. The Respondent shall also take a 15-hour Ethics for Educators class.
21-126 The Respondent was charged with abandoning a written employment contract without prior unconditional release by the employer. The Respondent received a sixty-day suspension of his license.
21-127 The Respondent was charged with having an inappropriate relationship with a student, failing to make a reasonable effort to protect the health and safety of a student, and conducting professional conduct in a way that exposes a student or practitioner to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement. The first count was dismissed and the Respondent received a Written Reprimand, a deferred suspension of one year, and completion of a professional boundaries course.
21-138 The Respondent was charged with soliciting, encouraging, or consummating a romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationship with a student by having inappropriate communications with the student. The Respondent received a Written Reprimand, a Suspension of his license for 10 years, shall undergo a risk evaluation from an approved SOTP professional, and send recommendations to the director.
21-140 The Respondent was charged with consuming alcohol at lunch during a professional development day and returning to work after consuming the beverage. The Respondent received a Written Reprimand and to take a 15-hour Ethics for Educators course.
21-160 The Respondent was charged with improper administration of testing when she provided the passages to students the day before the test. The Respondent received a Written Reprimand, completion of a 15-hour Ethics for Educators course, and completion of a class in Special Education law.
22-04 The Respondent’s license was suspended indefinitely.
22-52 The Respondent was charged with abandoning a written employment contract without prior unconditional release by the employer. The Respondent received a Written Reprimand and completion of a 15-hour Ethics for Educators course.
21-43 The Respondent was charged with several counts of falsification of records, and incompetence about improper administration of testing. The Respondent received a Written Reprimand, a one-year suspension of her license, completion of a 15-hour Ethics for Educators course, and completion of a class in standardized testing.
21-80 The Respondent was charged with having an inappropriate relationship with a student, failing to protect the health and safety of students, and repeatedly exposing students and staff to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement. The Respondent agrees to voluntarily surrender his license and in exchange, the state dismissed the charge of having an inappropriate relationship.
21-86 The Respondent was charged with physical abuse of a student. The Respondent received a Written Reprimand, a two-year suspension of her license, and completion of a 15-hour Ethics for Educators course.
21-117 The Respondent was charged with failing to comply with federal, state, and local laws applicable to the fulfillment of professional obligations. The Respondent received a Written Reprimand, a one-year suspension of her license, completion of a 15-hour Ethics for Educators course, and completion of a class in standardized testing. In addition, she agrees not to administer medication or a supplement to any students for a period of five years.
21-130 - The Respondent was charged with failing to make a reasonable effort to protect the health and safety of the student or creating conditions harmful to learning, and with repeatedly exposing students or other practitioners to unnecessary embarrassment of disparagement. The Respondent received a Written Reprimand, completion of a 15-hour Ethics for Educators course, and completion of a psychological evaluation.
21-164 The Respondent was charged with failing to make a reasonable effort to protect the health and safety of the student or creating conditions harmful to learning. The Respondent received a Written Reprimand, completion of a 15-hour Ethics for Educators course, and completion of a course on de-escalation techniques.
22-01 - The Respondent was charged with abandoning a written employment contract without prior unconditional release by the employer. The Respondent received a Written Reprimand.
22-07 - The Respondent was charged with abandoning a written employment contract without prior unconditional release by the employer. The Respondent received a Written Reprimand.
22-13 The Respondent was charged with abandoning a written employment contract without prior unconditional release by the employer. The Respondent received a Written Reprimand.
22-27 The Respondent was indefinitely suspended due to non -compliance with the Iowa Department of Revenue.
22-44 The Respondent was indefinitely suspended due to non -compliance with the Iowa Department of Revenue.
22-48 The Respondent was charged with abandoning a written employment contract without prior unconditional release by the employer. The Respondent received a Written Reprimand.
22-51 The Respondent was charged with abandoning a written employment contract without prior unconditional release by the employer. The Respondent received a Written Reprimand.
22-84 The Respondent was charged with failing to make a reasonable effort to protect the health and safety of the student or creating conditions harmful to learning, and with repeatedly exposing students or other practitioners to unnecessary embarrassment of disparagement. The Respondent voluntarily surrendered her license without the possibility of reinstatement.
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