Teacher Discipline Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What type of complaints against teachers, administrators, or other certified school personnel can I file with the Education Department?

Generally, a complaint should be filed if you have information that a certified educator has been convicted of a crime or committed an act that raises a serious question as to his or to her moral character, or when you believe that the conduct of a teacher or administrator poses a threat to the welfare of a child or a school community. Complaints concerning incompetence, negligence, or dissatisfaction with teaching style or philosophy will typically not result in State action against certification. Those issues should be reported directly to your local school district.

2. Should I first file my complaint at the local level, e.g., school principal or superintendent of schools, before filing with the State?

We encourage you to file your complaint at the local level first since many complaints against certificate holders are satisfactorily resolved at this level with remedial action. This office, however, has the authority to initiate a separate investigation against a certificate holder.

You may file a complaint against a teacher who is employed in a non-public school if the teacher is certified. This office has the authority to investigate the conduct of certificate holders and refer the matter to the professional conduct officer for action when appropriate.

This office only has the authority to investigate individuals who hold or who are applicants for certification. Generally, teaching assistants are certified by the Education Department and teacher aides are not. Complaints against an uncertified individual should be directed to the school principal or to the superintendent of schools.