Florida Statutes And Rules
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
State Board of Education Rule 6B-1.006 defines the Principals of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida
Reporting Misconduct
How to Report Misconduct
If you suspect or have allegations of misconduct by instructional personnel, report it to your school administrator or district contact. If the misconduct involves your school administrator, report it directly to your district contact.
Document the activities or details of the event and secure any applicable evidence.
If someone confides in you about misconduct, be a LEADER:
Listen to their concerns.
Evaluate the situation.
Act immediately to address it.
Document all relevant details.
Encourage the person to report.
Report the misconduct to the appropriate authority.
Who Should Report Misconduct?
All employees and agents of a district school board, charter school, or private school have a duty to report misconduct. If you are aware of or observe misconduct, report it immediately!
Who Should You Report?
Misconduct should be reported if it involves:
Classroom teachers
Paraprofessionals
Substitute teachers
Librarians, guidance counselors, and social workers
Career specialists and school psychologists
Principals, assistant principals, and deans
Failure to Report Misconduct
Instructional personnel or site administrators who fail to report misconduct may face penalties, including:
A written reprimand
Suspension with or without pay
Termination of employment
Discipline or sanctions on an educator’s certificate
What Should Be Reported?
The following behaviors should be reported as potential misconduct:
1. Being alone with a student in a dark, closed, or secluded area
2. Behaving in an overly friendly or familiar manner or failing to maintain professional boundaries
3. Using forceful or unnecessary physical contact with a student
4. Administering discipline that does not comply with district policy
5. Accepting or offering gifts in exchange for favors or privileges from students or colleagues
6. Badgering or habitually teasing a student
7. Mocking, belittling, or chronically embarrassing a student
8. Displaying prejudice or bigotry toward a student
9. Appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
10. Failing to properly supervise students or ensure their safety
11. Cheating, falsifying information, or violating testing protocols
12. Retaliating against a student or colleague for reporting misconduct
13. Engaging in inappropriate banter, slang, or colloquial communication with a student
14. Using profane, offensive, or explosive language in the presence of students
15. Making lewd or suggestive comments or overtures toward a student or colleague
Apply the Litmus Test
If you:
Feel uncomfortable about a situation
Question a person’s motives or actions
Are unsure whether something is appropriate
Report it.
Child Abuse: Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action
Look for the Patterns
Serious abuse often involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral indicators should be taken seriously and reported immediately.
If a Child Tells You About Abuse
Be a good listener. Show that you understand and believe the child. Encourage, but don’t pressure them to talk. Ask open-ended questions.
Be supportive. Let the child know they did the right thing by telling you. Assure them they are not to blame and that you want to help.
Don’t overreact. Overreacting can frighten the child and prevent them from sharing more. Avoid speaking negatively about the suspected abuser in front of them.
Document and report it. Write down your conversation as soon as possible, using the child’s exact words if you can.
Don’t delay. Never assume someone else will report the abuse. Reporting as soon as possible ensures the child and their family receive help quickly.
Signs of Abuse
Sexual Abuse
A child experiencing sexual abuse may:
Have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively
Fear a particular person
Seem withdrawn or depressed
Experience sudden weight changes
Avoid physical contact
Run away from home
A child may also have:
Torn, stained, or bloody underwear
Difficulty walking or sitting
Pain or itching in the genital area
A sexually transmitted disease
Neglect
A child experiencing neglect may:
Be frequently tired or hungry
Steal food
Appear overly needy for adult attention
A neglected child may also have:
Unattended medical needs
Little or no supervision at home
Poor hygiene
An underweight appearance
Physical Abuse
A child experiencing physical abuse may:
Seem withdrawn or depressed
Be afraid to go home or run away
Avoid physical contact
Act aggressively
Wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries
A physically abused child may also have:
Unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, or other injuries
Broken bones
Burns
Reporting Child Abuse
Who Must Report Abuse?
Doctors
Nurses
Social Workers
Police Officers
Child Care Workers
Any Witnesses
All School Personnel
What Should Be Reported?
Being alone with a student in a dark, closed, or secluded area
Behaving in an overly familiar way or failing to maintain professional boundaries with a student
Using unnecessary or forceful physical contact
Administering discipline that does not comply with district policy
Accepting or offering gifts in exchange for favors or privileges
Habitually teasing, mocking, or belittling a student
Embarrassing a student repeatedly
Displaying prejudice or bigotry toward a student
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while supervising students
Failing to properly supervise students or ensure their safety
Cheating, falsifying information, or violating testing procedures
Retaliating against a student or colleague for reporting misconduct
Using inappropriate or offensive language in the presence of students
Making lewd or suggestive comments toward a student or colleague
Apply the Litmus Test
If any situation makes you feel uncomfortable, if you question someone's motives or actions, or if you are unsure—report it.
Report abuse online or by phone:
Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline
For further information:
Seminole County District
400 East Lake Mary Blvd. Sanford, FL 32773-7127
Main Number: 407-320-0000
Superintendent: Walt Griffin
Phone: 407-320-0006
Fax: 407-320-0281
Email: walt_griffin@scps.k12.fl.us