Stupid teachers

[cclngthr]

I was at work on Monday (covering for a teacher at the juvenile detention center) and saw an newspaper article about a teacher charged with kidnapping a 10 year old student to have sex with him. WTF.

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/133250.html

Ex-teacher had resigned twiceSchools reprimanded woman charged in sex case

ADAM LYNN; The News Tribune Published: August 15th, 2007 01:00 AM


An ex-teacher charged with the sexually motivated kidnapping of a 10-year-old Tacoma boy resigned from two previous South Sound teaching jobs after being confronted about her professional judgment, officials said Tuesday.
Jennifer Leigh Rice, 31, spent one year each working as a teacher in the Bethel School District and with Yelm Community Schools.

She was a Spanish teacher at Spanaway Lake High School in the Bethel district during the 1998-99 school year. She quit after administrators questioned her handling of an after-school Spanish club, said Mark Wenzel, district spokesman.

The complaint involved procedural matters and wasn’t “egregious,” Wenzel said.

She resigned at the end of the year after administrators expressed concern about her “lack of judgment,” he said.

Wenzel did not know what specifically occurred. The News Tribune has requested a copy of her personnel file, which wasn’t available Tuesday.

Rice also resigned from a second-grade teaching job at Southworth Elementary School in the Yelm district after the 2005-06 school year, Superintendent Alan Burke said.

Administrators in the 5,000-student district in southeastern Thurston County confronted her with concerns about her classroom management style, her relationship with her colleagues and her disciplinary techniques, Burke said.

He said some of Rice’s practices were “odd and different,” including a report that she allowed some members of an after-school Spanish club to vote on whether other members should be allowed to remain in the club.

“She worked hard and was bright, but things like that made us question her professional judgment,” the superintendent said. “We don’t generally allow students to vote other students off the island.”

Burke said Rice decided to quit when administrators told her they didn’t plan to renew her contract for the next school year.

A few months later, in October 2006, she hired on with the Tacoma School District as a teacher at McKinley Elementary School.

She was placed on administrative leave six months later when officials investigated her for inappropriately socializing with students outside school hours, district spokeswoman Leanna Albrecht said.

Rice’s contract was allowed to lapse at the end of the year as a result of that investigation, which found no evidence of sexual misconduct but was concerning to administrators, Albrecht said.

It was at McKinley that Rice met the boy she’s now accused of kidnapping, according to court records. The boy’s father later told investigators she showered the boy with attention until about a month ago, when the man told Rice not to come to the house any more, the records state.

Police believe she abducted the boy from his home Saturday morning, drove him to a highway rest stop outside Ellensburg and had sex with him, court documents state.

After her arrest, Rice told detectives she’d had sex with the boy four to five times previously, including once when she sneaked into his house while his parents slept, according to an affidavit filed by detectives.

She’s pleaded not guilty and was being held in jail in lieu of $500,000 bail.

Do you know Jennifer Rice?

To help us tell a more complete story about the former teacher, we’re looking for additional sources of information among co-workers, parents of her students or others who knew her when she was a teacher at Southworth Elementary School in the Yelm Community Schools district, Spanaway Lake High School in the Bethel School District, and McKinley Elementary School in the Tacoma School District.

If you are willing to help, please contact us at newstips@thenewstribune.com or at 253-597-8688.

[ricerrx7]

Where were all the horny female teachers when I was in school?

[Munky]

"Lack of judgement" my ***..that's just ****ed up.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Where were all the horny female teachers when I was in school?

I wish mine was now. . . .:eek:

[PSUsouthpaw]

Where were all the horny female teachers when I was in school?

Well, I doubt you'd have wanted one before puberty, but afterwards it may have been cool. Although it would have to be a total secret until post-graduation.

[cclngthr]

"Lack of judgement" my ***..that's just ****ed up.

No common sense was used. I asked my boss about where that line is crossed and saying hi to a parent/student in the community is OK, but anything beyond that is a no-no.

I considered tutoring kids, but that violates that rule.

I can see parents/students at my shop briefly but cannot transport them anywhere. There are times were we deliver the car or pick up the car at the home. If I were by myself, that would violate that rule, but it would be within a grey zone if another shop employee were with me (it is suggested I not do that).

[hyunelan2]

My wife (4th grade teacher) tutored a student before, but it was at school - before school hours started.

She also gave a girl a ride home once, when the parents failed to pick the kid up after school detention. The girl lives in our subdivision, and my wife called the parents prior to giving the girl a ride.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

My wife used to do home-bound tutoring. This summer the school paid her to tutor a needy student at their home. Usually when she does extra tutoring it's at the school.

[05xd]

Where were all the horny female teachers when I was in school?

Agreed+1.I had some hot ones too buddy.That was in middle school and so on,not elementary school.

[cclngthr]

My wife (4th grade teacher) tutored a student before, but it was at school - before school hours started.

She also gave a girl a ride home once, when the parents failed to pick the kid up after school detention. The girl lives in our subdivision, and my wife called the parents prior to giving the girl a ride.

TPS rules state that even rides home with permission is not allowed. I USED to require a written note from parents but that is not permitted now.

My wife used to do home-bound tutoring. This summer the school paid her to tutor a needy student at their home. Usually when she does extra tutoring it's at the school.

My district abandoned that about 15 years ago due to the risk of the above crimes. The only tutoring is done before/after school in the school building or in a district tutoring center.

This incident is just ONE that happened last school year. At the same time, a middle school principal in the same district was convicted of indecent liberties with a 21 year old former student. http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/129055.html

Sort of makes me embarassed to work in the school system.

[ricerrx7]

Well, I doubt you'd have wanted one before puberty, but afterwards it may have been cool. Although it would have to be a total secret until post-graduation.

I went to playboy.com when I was in kindergarten (yes, it was around), and played doctor constantly....

[cclngthr]

I went to playboy.com when I was in kindergarten (yes, it was around), and played doctor constantly....

Do you think it is OK for an adult with authority over children to have sex with them? What about ANY adult having sex with any kid?

Rules are there for a reason.

[ricerrx7]

I'm just saying that I would have loved to have had a "friendly" teacher when I was that age...

[chillbro1]

Where were all the horny female teachers when I was in school?

Seriously...I was gonna post the same thing...

Jim Rome always says that also....

LMAO

But in all seriousness...the teachers preying on kids thing has gotten out of hand.

I am starting to think that teachers should have to pass a Psychological Exam like Law Enforcement Officers....


Peace,

[sciphi]

Teachers are role models. This person wasn't. And she is deserving everything she has coming to her. I mean, a 10 year old kid. At least do the captain of the high school football team or someone older.

[PSUsouthpaw]

Teachers are role models. This person wasn't. And she is deserving everything she has coming to her. I mean, a 10 year old kid. At least do the captain of the high school football team or someone older.

Agreed. Hot teachers having sex with students isn't necessarily the right thing to do by any means whatsoever...but you gotta admit, theres a hell of a lot of high school guys who will let it slide for that kind of chance.

[cclngthr]

I'm just saying that I would have loved to have had a "friendly" teacher when I was that age...

Teachers can't be *friendly* as you define it. They are there to do a job and that is it. Getting too involved with a student is a no-no.

Teachers are role models. This person wasn't. And she is deserving everything she has coming to her. I mean, a 10 year old kid. At least do the captain of the high school football team or someone older.

It isn't JUST that the student is 10 years old. There are boundaries even WHEN a student becomes an adult. The second article I linked to was a middle school principal convicted of indecent liberties with a former student who now is an adult. According to the district policy, the principal violated that student/teacher relationship rule because he was involved in a situation where the former student was raped and he was in the same room where it happened.

I am starting to think that teachers should have to pass a Psychological Exam like Law Enforcement Officers....
I am starting to think this also needs to be done, even with current employees. It is embarassing to see stuff like this going on in my workplace. It seems like that the district needs to start asking questions about personal relationships to see if the applicant knows where that boundary is at.

There are times where I work on a student's parents car. That can be done, carefully, however if I have to transport the parent and/or student too/from the shop, it would be best if I decline doing that. I cannot go to a student's home by myself for any reason.

If I have something posted on Ebay and a student or their parent buys it, I cannot deliver it to them except to ship it or have the item at school and have the parent come to get it.

20 years ago, this wasn't even considered inappropriate. It sure is now.

[sciphi]

I was being glib with my last sentence above.

It's understandable how administrators don't want an authority figure, ie teacher, to have contact with students away from school, or school-sponsored events. Too much influence can be exerted on an impressionable youth.

However, there is being too strict and seriously interfering with people's lives outside their work. I'm worried that restrictions on teachers will go so far as to in effect wall them into their houses when they're not in school doing their jobs.

[ricerrx7]

Teachers can't be *friendly* as you define it. They are there to do a job and that is it. Getting too involved with a student is a no-no.

Get a grip. I didn't say it's a good thing for a teacher to do, or say that it's acceptable. I'm just saying that I personally would have loved to have that teacher.

[cclngthr]

I was being glib with my last sentence above.

It's understandable how administrators don't want an authority figure, ie teacher, to have contact with students away from school, or school-sponsored events. Too much influence can be exerted on an impressionable youth.

However, there is being too strict and seriously interfering with people's lives outside their work. I'm worried that restrictions on teachers will go so far as to in effect wall them into their houses when they're not in school doing their jobs.

It is not just administrators, it is the whole district/school board enforcing it. This teacher was fired last month after an internal investigation found she had socialized with students after school. Apparently, she resigned twice from 2 other school districts for the same behavior she displayed while at Mckinley ES. The district did not find any sexual issues at that time. That showed up when she took the boy from his home; which he could have gone willingly.

Teachers can enfluence youth to a point. However there is this line that cannot be crossed when relationships go with students and teachers.

However, the suggestion of having this go too far has possible consequences. Teachers refusing to comfort a kid coming to school upset is a distant possibility. About 12 years ago, I was in one hell of a sticky situation where one of my students who was being neglected by his mother (dad was dead) and was calling me telling there is no food in the house and he and his brother could not even get in the house. CPS knew about the situation but could not legally evacuate the parental rights due to the lack of neglectful behaviors they saw. I debated it and chose to feed these kids rather than seeing them go downhill any futher and waited until CPS got their act together. I got written permission from the students mother and his grandmother to take him with me. I did have another person with me every time as well; it is better to have more than 1 person going along. Now, I probably could not do what I chose to do back then.

As for walling teachers in their houses, that is a possibility and I see that on the horizon. I cannot call a student's parent on my cell phone or home phone. It has to be done on a district phone line. Parents can email me through my school email address, but not my personal email address. The time that is easiest to call the parent is not necessarily the daytime either. Evenings tend to be the time where parents have the opportunity to be able to talk to the teacher. It is highly recommended that I, as a teacher not have ANY person (except my own children) under the age of 18 in my house or vehicle. However, that *could* be extended if a former student, now an adult were at my house.

[SuperGLS]

Maybe high school and definitely college, but no middle school or elementary school stuff like this should be tolerated.

[redbull_ng]

guess it doesnt count when my gf is a teacher :P


lol

[BobMs_wht2k2]

So, according to Colin's messed up theories on life, my wife is a bad person because whe interacts with her kids and parents outside of school. Almost all of her parents know it's OK to call her with a problem outside of school hours and to keep some consitency with her kids sometimes they want to call her to tell her some "big news". So this makes her a bad one.

[kylemorg]

Colin never said "bad teacher", he simply stated that it's against the rules, and is a potentially risky situation.

It's a shame that some teachers can't be trusted to control or modify their behavior around students, especially if they know they've got weird kinks like the teacher in the original post having sexual interest in 10 year old boys.

This society has gotten so screwed up with laws that prevent the many from doing anything that a few whackos would take advantage of. I've got an idea -- punish the whack jobs that abuse their positions and leave the rest of the teachers / doctors / cops alone.

IMO -- When you sign up to be a teacher, doctor, cop, etc, you souldn't have to modify your life ouside work around it, with the exception that you are not to use your position for illicit purposes. If you do, then you should be punished.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

punish the whack jobs that abuse their positions and leave the rest of the teachers / doctors / cops alone.


I agree, unfortunately our bleeding heart whackos in office won't allow that to happen. Can't assess blame on ourselves now. Can't be pushing someone to admit personal fault.

[cclngthr]

So, according to Colin's messed up theories on life, my wife is a bad person because whe interacts with her kids and parents outside of school. Almost all of her parents know it's OK to call her with a problem outside of school hours and to keep some consitency with her kids sometimes they want to call her to tell her some "big news". So this makes her a bad one.

Messed up theories? No, it is reality Bob. I called my boss, the director of personnel at the school district of my employer, which happens to be the same district which this employee was working and that is what she said.

Mcguire (my boss) said the risk is too high and it is grounds for termination if contact is made outside of school other than a very brief, casual hi in a store or public place in the community. That is the rule.

It's a shame that some teachers can't be trusted to control or modify their behavior around students, especially if they know they've got weird kinks like the teacher in the original post having sexual interest in 10 year old boys.

This society has gotten so screwed up with laws that prevent the many from doing anything that a few whackos would take advantage of. I've got an idea -- punish the whack jobs that abuse their positions and leave the rest of the teachers / doctors / cops alone.

I don't think either is going to happen any time.

Maybe high school and definitely college, but no middle school or elementary school stuff like this should be tolerated.

She did this when she taught high school too.

Latest article:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/crime/story/134124.html
Previous school trouble shown

ADAM LYNN; The News Tribune Published: August 16th, 2007 01:00 AM


Jennifer Leigh Rice came to her first teaching job with a 3.46 GPA from Seattle Pacific University and “excellent recommendations,” according to records obtained Wednesday by The News Tribune.
Within six months, Rice, then 23, was placed on administrative leave from her job at Spanaway Lake High School after being accused of attending a party where students were drinking alcohol and smoking pot; giving students rides in her car despite being warned not to; and making “verbal advances toward (a) male student,” according to her personnel file.

Nine years and two teaching jobs later, Rice, now 31, is charged with the sexually motivated kidnapping of a 10-year-old boy she taught at Tacoma’s McKinley Elementary School.

She’s pleaded not guilty and was being held in the Pierce County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail.

Pierce County deputy prosecutor Mary Robnett said Wednesday that she anticipates filing more charges against Rice, who reportedly told detectives she had sex with the boy as many as five times.

One of those liaisons occurred at a highway rest stop outside Ellensburg over the weekend after Rice abducted the boy from his home, according to court documents.

Tacoma police spokesman Mark Fulghum said Wednesday that detectives are investigating whether there are other victims.

The Tacoma School District, her latest employer, requested this week that the state’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction launch an investigation into Rice’s conduct, agency spokesman Nathan Olson said Wednesday.

Tacoma school officials were apprised of at least some of Rice’s problems at Spanaway Lake High not long after they hired her in October 2006, according to Bethel School District records released to The News Tribune as part of a public records request.

Those troubles began in February 1999, when district administrators received reports that she was inappropriately fraternizing with students and had “a thing” for one of the male students in the Spanish club she supervised, according to records from her personnel file.

One student, a girl, told district administrators that Rice showed up at a February 1999 party at a student’s house where alcohol and marijuana were being used, according to the records.

Rice walked into a back bedroom where the girl was lying on a bed with a male student and asked the boy if he was sexually aroused, according to the records. Rice later denied making that statement.

A different male student told district administrators that Rice had called him at least twice at his home and once at a friend’s house.

The student said Rice “says she likes him, and he has perceived that she would like to be romantically involved with him,” according to district records.

Rice later told administrators that she had called the boy and been to his home but had no romantic interest in him, a report in her personnel file states.

Rice spent the rest of the 1999 school year on leave before resigning, district records state.

Responding to a reference request from Tacoma district officials last year, Bethel human resources director Judy Borgia sent a letter to her counterpart in the Tacoma district, Bonnie McGuire, on Nov. 20, according to Bethel records.

Borgia notified McGuire that she had signed off on the Washington State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release for Rice – which meant Rice was not found to have violated any laws or rules governing sexual misconduct – but she asked McGuire to call her regarding “another issue documented in (Rice’s) employment file,” according to the letter.

Borgia did not specify in her letter what the issue was.

A later note entered in Bethel’s files shows that Tacoma deputy superintendent Ethelda Burke and district human resources manager Chantana Yuong met with Rice on Dec. 18, 2006, to discuss her resignation from Spanaway Lake High.

The note mentions that Bethel notified Tacoma officials of Rice’s attendance at the student party and her transportation of students in her car.

The note did not mention anything about Rice’s alleged romantic advances toward the one student.

Burke warned Rice not to attend student parties or drive students around in her car, according to the note.

Rice was placed on administrative leave from her job at McKinley in April 2007 for inappropriately socializing with students, Tacoma spokeswoman Leanna Albrecht said this week.

Rice was forced to resign as an elementary school teacher with Yelm Community Schools, where she worked during the 2005-2006 school year.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Mcguire (my boss) said the risk is too high and it is grounds for termination if contact is made outside of school other than a very brief, casual hi in a store or public place in the community. That is the rule.

Must be nice to live in fantasy world. What's the weather like?

I can just see parents lovingthe fact that the teacher will not talk to them outside of school. I hope they don't mind changing professions after 2 years.

[cclngthr]

Must be nice to live in fantasy world. What's the weather like?

I can just see parents loving the fact that the teacher will not talk to them outside of school. I hope they don't mind changing professions after 2 years.

This is not fantasy Bob and you know it. It is reality that we teachers have to shut ourselves in a hole just to protect ourselves from the students and parents.

I originally would consider this an over-reaction, but after having a butt-load of cases like this in a 2 year period of time in the district, this is the way the district wants it. It mostly involves contact between students and the teacher, not parent and teacher, but any contact according to the rule is subject to be grounds for reprimand/grounds for termination.

Last school year I saw this happening in my school district alone:

This teacher going on administrative leave (and getting arrested);
A middle school principal being arrested and convicted of indecent liberties with a now adult former student;
A 4th grade teacher convicted of rape involving 3 children, not students;
3 substitute teachers having inappropriate conduct with students and being terminated.

I did ask Mcguire yesterday about me working on a student's parents car. She said no problem as long as the contact only involves that particular issue and it is brief. She advised me that I should have my partner make the contact rather than me and not pick up the vehicle or deliver the vehicle or transport the parent and student (if they are together).

Since I live solo, if I have a child in my house, it is advisable to have another adult in the house with me and all window blinds and door open. Of course that does not happen anymore.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

:rolleyes: Sounds like you need to move. Or find a new profession.

[hyunelan2]

Agree. It sounds like your district is a little too controlling of your life. My wife doesn't have anything like the restrictions you are describing.

[cclngthr]

:rolleyes: Sounds like you need to move. Or find a new profession.

I'd rather stay put for now. Moving on could raise more questions. If you run away from a sticky situation it makes you look guilty. I'd rather not have that happen.

[hyunelan2]

So... maybe I missed a post or two somewhere... you're in a "sticky situation?"

[ricerrx7]

Colin, you sound like my uncle. You hear one little, minuscule detail, and it keeps changing itself in your head until it's something completely different and exaggerated. You're going to sit there and tell us that you are not allowed to have a conversation with another adult in the supermarket because their kid goes to the school for which you work? Maybe you are under suspicion in your school district and they're just keeping a close eye on you...

[kylemorg]

RicerRX -- enough of the personal attacks. This is the policy where Colin works. Remember that he's teaching in a school that educates what some would call "problem" children, and their policies might be more strict, or they may not.

Unless you have actual evidence that something someone is saying is unarguably untrue, then how about you stop calling people liars all the time, OK?

Remember, the accusation usually reflects more about the accuser's traits than on the accused...

[BobMs_wht2k2]

RicerRX -- enough of the personal attacks. This is the policy where Colin works. Remember that he's teaching in a school that educates what some would call "problem" children, and their policies might be more strict, or they may not.



So's my wife. She handles the extreme of the extreme. She works in a "sue happy" district and there is nowhere near these rules. As a matter of fact, teachers are encouraged to interact with the parents and children by attending after school functions.

So yeah, I'm gonna call BS.

[Cypher]

adam i deleted one of your posts, I know how you feel about colin but I'd like to ask you to keep it to yourself.

Everyone just remember that different school districts/states/counties may have different rules and as crazy as they may seem to some of us thats just the rules around them.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

And some people like to exagerate to the extreme as well. Some even get the real facts twisted around so nothing makes sense. Big deal. Opinions are opinions and I think everyone is entitled to them.

Personally, I gotta go with Adam on this one. If my opinion involves a ban, then so be it. It's only the interweb.

[Cypher]

This is true, maybe colin can post up some website or something showing the rules of his district? no ones getting banned, just don't take things to the personal level.

[ricerrx7]

http://www.tacoma.k12.wa.us/schoolboard/policies/index.asp

There you go, did it for him. No such mention of the rules that colin is stating.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Wow. . . . :D

[ricerrx7]

RicerRX -- enough of the personal attacks. This is the policy where Colin works. Remember that he's teaching in a school that educates what some would call "problem" children, and their policies might be more strict, or they may not.


Every school district has "problem children". That doesn't mean that if you are at the grocery store and a parent asks you a question, you have to run away from them and refuse to talk! The link I posted even says that they want open communication between staff and parents/students. Hardly seems like what has been mentioned here...

[BobMs_wht2k2]

[Cue= Dramatic music] Duh duh duuuuuuuuuuuh

[Cypher]

perhaps colin's place is different, lets just allow him to speak up and explain before going crazy.

[cclngthr]

RicerRX -- enough of the personal attacks. This is the policy where Colin works. Remember that he's teaching in a school that educates what some would call "problem" children, and their policies might be more strict, or they may not.

Unless you have actual evidence that something someone is saying is unarguably untrue, then how about you stop calling people liars all the time, OK?

Remember, the accusation usually reflects more about the accuser's traits than on the accused...
So's my wife. She handles the extreme of the extreme. She works in a "sue happy" district and there is nowhere near these rules. As a matter of fact, teachers are encouraged to interact with the parents and children by attending after school functions.

This is the Tacoma School District policy and involves the entire school district, not just MY school. EVERY PERSON working with students is within the policy scope. Teachers are prohibited from contacting students at any time before/after school with 1 exception: those involved with after school activities may, but with written parent consent and/or parent presence. Teachers can only contact parents via school email or district operated phone line. If a teacher at one school attends an after school function at another school, the attendance of that teacher would be questioned because that teacher would have no valid reason for attending a function at a different school except IF the teachers child attended that school.

That sounds extreme to Bob and most people, but the policy is in an effort to protect both student and teacher. It is there for a reason. I just learn to live with it. Does it impair my job? No, it does not. It is inconvenient because I now have to be at the school in order to contact parents rather than being at home at night, if that is the case. I can't guarantee that parents are going to be available to discuss things during the school day. Some parents cannot chitchat with a teacher when they are at work. THEY are not always available and I have to re-arrange MY schedule on their schedule when they have time to discuss what is happening at school.

So... maybe I missed a post or two somewhere... you're in a "sticky situation?"

Whenever this happens, it effects everyone and a resignation because the policy is not what you want would raise more questions why you don't like the policy. It would raise suspicions about you.

Colin, you sound like my uncle. You hear one little, minuscule detail, and it keeps changing itself in your head until it's something completely different and exaggerated. You're going to sit there and tell us that you are not allowed to have a conversation with another adult in the supermarket because their kid goes to the school for which you work? Maybe you are under suspicion in your school district and they're just keeping a close eye on you...

Your problem is you don't want to understand the ramifications of what *could* happen. No, I am not allowed to have an extended *visit* other than a "hi, nice to see you," conversation with a parent/student in a store. I am not under any suspicion whatsoever. I am just following the district guidelines. There would be no valid reason why I would need to conduct a lengthly conversation in a store. If a parent were needing to discuss things with me, that needs to be done at the school and not anywhere else.

The reasons for the district wide policy are valid. It also prevents teachers from working closely with their children and their relatives' children.

[ricerrx7]

My "problem" is people that lie and use shock value to get people to believe them.
Time to test out this site's nifty "ignore" feature...

[BobMs_wht2k2]

http://www.tacoma.k12.wa.us/schoolboard/policies/index.asp

There you go, did it for him. No such mention of the rules that colin is stating.

Maybe Colin can show us the rules from there. Unless of course this is one of those "verbal only" type things that can't be proved or disproved.

If a parent were needing to discuss things with me, that needs to be done at the school and not anywhere else.


Yeah, cause everybody works that same schedule you do right? They never have a need to contact you oputside of your 8-4 schedule mon-fri, every holiday and plenty of spring/fall/winter breaks.

[cclngthr]

The state has this:



1520 Washington State Professional Code of Conduct

Pursuant to Washington State Law, certain conduct of persons holding professional certification issued by the State of Washington are considered unprofessional and may result in disciplinary action by the State Board of Education, including suspension or revocation of the individual’s certificate. Such acts of unprofessional conduct are also likely to result in disciplinary action by the District, up to and including termination of employment.

The contents of the WAC are provided here as a reference for employees. Questions regarding the Act may be directed to Legal Services.


Chapter 180-87 WAC
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION -- ACTS OF UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

WAC 180-87-003 Authority. The authority for this chapter is RCW 28A.70.005 which authorizes the state board of education to establish, publish, and enforce rules and regulations determining eligibility for and certification of personnel employed in the common schools of this state. This authority is supplemented by RCW 28A.70.160 which authorizes the revocation of certificates for unprofessional conduct. (Note: RCW 28A.02.201 (3)(a) requires most private school classroom teachers to hold appropriate Washington state certification with few exceptions.)
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-003, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

WAC 180-87-005 Purpose. The sole purpose of this chapter is to set forth policies and procedures related to reprimand, suspension, and revocation actions respecting certification of education practitioners in the state of Washington for acts of unprofessional conduct. It is recognized that grounds for the discharge, nonrenewal of contracts, or other adverse change in contract status affecting the employment contracts of education practitioners are broader than stated herein. The grounds set forth as unprofessional conduct in this chapter shall not limit discharge, nonrenewal of contracts, or other employment action by employers of education practitioners.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-005, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

WAC 180-87-010 Public policy goals of chapter. The public policy goals of this chapter are as follows:
(1) To protect the health, safety, and general welfare of students within the state of Washington.
(2) To assure the citizens of the state of Washington that education practitioners are accountable for acts of unprofessional conduct.
(3) To define and provide notice to education practitioners within the state of Washington of the acts of unprofessional conduct for which they are accountable pursuant to the provisions of chapter 180-86 WAC.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-010, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

WAC 180-87-015 Accountability for acts of unprofessional conduct. Any educational practitioner who commits an act of unprofessional conduct proscribed within this chapter may be held accountable for such conduct pursuant to the provisions of chapter 180-86 WAC.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-015, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
WAC 180-87-020 Applicability of chapter to private conduct. As a general rule, the provisions of this chapter shall not be applicable to the private conduct of an education practitioner except where the education practitioner's role as a private person is not clearly distinguishable from the role as an education practitioner and the fulfillment of professional obligations.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-020, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

WAC 180-87-025 Exclusivity of chapter. No act, for the purpose of this chapter, shall be defined as an act of unprofessional conduct unless it is included in this chapter.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-025, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

WAC 180-87-030 Prospective application of chapter and amendments. The provisions of this chapter shall take effect ninety calendar days after adoption and shall apply prospectively to acts of unprofessional conduct committed after such effective date. Unless provided to the contrary, any revision shall take effect six months after adoption and shall apply prospectively from such effective date.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-030, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

WAC 180-87-035 Education practitioner -- Definition. As used in this chapter, the term "education practitioner" means any certificate holder licensed under rules of the state board of education to serve as a certificated employee.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-035, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

WAC 180-87-040 Student -- Definition. As used in this chapter, the term "student" means the following:
(1) Any student who is under the supervision, direction, or control of the education practitioner.
(2) Any student enrolled in any school or school district served by the education practitioner.
(3) Any student enrolled in any school or school district while attending a school related activity at which the education practitioner is performing professional duties.
(4) Any former student who is under eighteen years of age and who has been under the supervision, direction, or control of the education practitioner. Former student, for the purpose of this section, includes but is not limited to drop outs, graduates, and students who transfer to other districts or schools.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-040, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

WAC 180-87-045 Colleague -- Definition. As used in this chapter, the term "colleague" means any person with whom the education practitioner has established a professional relationship and includes fellow workers and employees regardless of their status as education practitioners.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-045, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

[cclngthr]

ACTS OF UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
WAC 180-87-050 Misrepresentation or falsification in the course of professional practice. Any falsification or deliberate misrepresentation, including omission, of a material fact by an education practitioner concerning any of the following is an act of unprofessional conduct:
(1) Statement of professional qualifications.
(2) Application or recommendation for professional employment, promotion, certification, or an endorsement.
(3) Application or recommendation for college or university admission, scholarship, grant, academic award, or similar benefit.
(4) Representation of completion of inservice or continuing education credit hours.
(5) Evaluations or grading of students and/or personnel.
(6) Financial or program compliance reports submitted to state, federal, or other governmental agencies.
(7) Information submitted in the course of an official inquiry by the superintendent of public instruction related to the following:
(a) Good moral character or personal fitness.

(b) Acts of unprofessional conduct.
(8) Information submitted in the course of an investigation by a law enforcement agency or by child protective services regarding school related criminal activity.[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-050, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

WAC 180-87-055 Alcohol or controlled substance abuse. Unprofessional conduct includes:
(1) Being under the influence of alcohol or of a controlled substance, as defined in chapter 69.50 RCW, on school premises or at a school-sponsored activity involving students, following:
(a) Notification to the education practitioner by his or her employer of concern regarding alcohol or substance abuse affecting job performance;
(b) A recommendation by the employer that the education practitioner seek counseling or other appropriate and available assistance; and
(c) The education practitioner has had a reasonable opportunity to obtain such assistance.
(2) The possession, use, or consumption on school premises or at a school sponsored activity of a Schedule 1 controlled substance, as defined by the state board of pharmacy, or a Schedule 2 controlled substance, as defined by the state board of pharmacy, without a prescription authorizing such use.
(3) The consumption of an alcoholic beverage on school premises or at a school sponsored activity involving students if such consumption is contrary to written policy of the school district or school building.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-055, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

WAC 180-87-060 Disregard or abandonment of generally recognized professional standards. Any performance of professional practice in flagrant disregard or clear abandonment of generally recognized professional standards in the course of any of the following professional practices is an act of unprofessional conduct:
(1) Assessment, treatment, instruction, or supervision of students.
(2) Employment or evaluation of personnel.
(3) Management of moneys or property.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-060, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]
WAC 180-87-065 Abandonment of contract for professional services. Any permanent abandonment, constituting a substantial violation without good cause, of one of the following written contracts to perform professional services for a private school or a school or an educational service district is an act of unprofessional conduct:
(1) An employment contract, excluding any extracurricular or other specific activity within such contract or any supplementary contract.
(2) Professional service contract.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-065, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

WAC 180-87-070 Unauthorized professional practice. Any act performed without good cause that materially contributes to one of the following unauthorized professional practices is an act of unprofessional practice.
(1) The intentional employment of a person to serve as an employee in a position for which certification is required by rules of the state board of education when such person does not possess, at the time of commencement of such responsibility, a valid certificate to hold the position for which such person is employed.
(2) The assignment or delegation in a school setting of any responsibility within the scope of the authorized practice of nursing, physical therapy, or occupational therapy to a person not licensed to practice such profession unless such assignment or delegation is otherwise authorized by law, including the rules of the appropriate licensing board.
(3) The practice of education by a certificate holder during any period in which such certificate has been suspended.
(4) The failure of a certificate holder to abide by the conditions within an agreement, executed pursuant to WAC 180-86-160, to not continue or to accept education employment.
(5) The failure of a certificate holder to comply with any condition, limitation, or other order or decision entered pursuant to chapter 180-86 WAC.
(6) Provided, That for the purpose of this section, good cause includes, but is not limited to, exigent circumstances where immediate action is necessary to protect the health, safety, or general welfare of a student, colleague, or other affected person.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.010. 97-21-075, § 180-87-070, filed 10/17/97, effective 11/17/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-070, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

WAC 180-87-080 Sexual misconduct with students. Unprofessional conduct includes the commission by an education practitioner of any sexually exploitive act with or to a student including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Any sexual advance, verbal or physical;
(2) Sexual intercourse as defined in RCW 9A.44.010;
(3) Indecent exposure as defined in RCW 9A.88.010;
(4) Sexual contact, i.e., the intentional touching of the sexual or other intimate parts of a student except to the extent necessary and appropriate to attend to the hygienic or health needs of the student;
(5) Provided, That the provisions of this section shall not apply if at the time of the sexual conduct the participants are married to each other.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-080, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

WAC 180-87-085 Furnishing alcohol or controlled substance to students. Unprofessional conduct includes the illegal furnishing of alcohol or a controlled substance, as defined in chapter 69.50 RCW, to any student by an education practitioner.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-085, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

WAC 180-87-090 Improper remunerative conduct. Any deliberate act in the course of professional practice which requires or pressures students to purchase equipment, supplies, or services from the education practitioner in a private remunerative capacity is an act of unprofessional conduct.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-090, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

WAC 180-87-093 Failure to assure the transfer of student record information or student records. The failure of a principal or other certificated chief administrator of a public school building to make a good faith effort to assure compliance with RCW 28A.225.330 by establishing, distributing, and monitoring compliance with written procedures that are reasonably designed to implement the statute shall constitute an act of unprofessional conduct.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.010, 28A.225.330(3) and 1995 c 311. 96-08-012, § 180-87-093, filed 3/25/96, effective 4/25/96.]

WAC 180-87-095 Failure to file a complaint. The intentional or knowing failure of an educational service district superintendent, a district superintendent, or a chief administrator of a private school to file a complaint pursuant to WAC 180-86-110 regarding the lack of good moral character or personal fitness of an education practitioner or the commission of an act of unprofessional conduct by an education practitioner is an act of unprofessional conduct.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.70.005. 90-02-075, § 180-87-095, filed 1/2/90, effective 2/2/90.]

[BobMs_wht2k2]

And NOTHING in that long arse statement is anywhere close to what you're describing. Care to try again?

[hyunelan2]

And NOTHING in that long arse statement is anywhere close to what you're describing. Care to try again?

Ditto... Read the whole thing twice even.

[cclngthr]

The term MORAL CHARACTER is key.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

That's legal Jargon for "Don't be an idiot". Kinda obvious if you ask me. But we're asking about your specific comments regarding no talking to anyone anywhere approach. Where's that? You have STILL not shown us anything of the sort.

Like normal, you're waffling when being called out on your BS. I will continue to call it BS until you show us something other than legal descriptions of terms used in the descriptions of misconduct.

[Cypher]

whats waffling? must be an "old school" term :abovelol:

[BobMs_wht2k2]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waffling You should try searching. . . :tongue:

Basically it means talking out your azz, but in a nice way.

[Munky]

Mmm....waffles.

My high school english teacher was fine as hell, I would have waffled her if I had the chance.

[logan4ta]

was the teacher hot?

if so...props to that 10 year old

[ricerrx7]

Colin, did you read what you posted? Or did you find a random string of text, and hope that no one else would read it, and just assume that it agreed with your statements? Since it's obvious you haven't read it (or maybe you just don't understand it?), it basically says; be professional, defines student, defines colleague, tells you not to give students alcohol, drugs, or pills, says you cannot tell someone they have to buy something because you're a teacher, don't have sex with a student (unless you're married to that student), and says you need to report anyone that's not being a "good moral character".
Where the **** does it say that you cannot converse with a parent in the grocery store? Where does it say that you can only talk to a parent if you're at school? Why are such simple concepts SO confusing to you that you have to misconstrue them to the point that they no longer even resemble the truth?

[cclngthr]

Colin, did you read what you posted? Or did you find a random string of text, and hope that no one else would read it, and just assume that it agreed with your statements? Since it's obvious you haven't read it (or maybe you just don't understand it?), it basically says; be professional, defines student, defines colleague, tells you not to give students alcohol, drugs, or pills, says you cannot tell someone they have to buy something because you're a teacher, don't have sex with a student (unless you're married to that student), and says you need to report anyone that's not being a "good moral character".
Where the **** does it say that you cannot converse with a parent in the grocery store? Where does it say that you can only talk to a parent if you're at school? Why are such simple concepts SO confusing to you that you have to misconstrue them to the point that they no longer even resemble the truth?

Yesterday I had a conversation with Mrs. Mcguire, Director of Personnel with the school district, and my boss, inquiring WHERE in writing it was because I did not find it. I was asking her the question because the article appeared ambiguous in saying the teacher socialized with students after school hours, which is why she was fired; NOT the sexual issues, which was discovered last Friday. I wanted to know WHEN it was appropriate and not appropriate from the eyes of the district, rather trying to interpret it myself; when a teacher could contact a student and the parents. I had an idea what it meant, but wanted a more affirmative answer from the person in charge of employees. Moral Character is widely interpreted and there can be a narrow view where Moral Character is considered to be a limited number of behaviors that are appropriate.

She told me it is within the scope of the Professional Code of Conduct that it is inadvisable to converse with a student/parent at length after school hours. She asked me directly if I have had contact with ANY of my students after school hours. I said I see students regularly in the community, and say hi to them if I feel like it. She told me any more than that is not appropriate and could be subject to grounds for termination of employment.

She told me NOT to have extended conversations with parents or students after school hours except at district sponsored activities. She also told me that visits to the student's home, or having students in my home is not to be done at any time.

I asked her about calling parents. She advised me that I need to do it during school hours OR through district phone and/or email and be limited to the child's education. Talking to students/parents about your personal life crosses that line; which I knew beforehand; which may include lifestyle, marriage or personal beliefs. If I were to be absent for any time, I could simply state the reason for the absence.

I asked her about transporting students in a private vehicle. She said that NEVER should be done at any time. I asked her this question because there are times where a parent of a student brought their vehicle to my shop or has work done to their vehicle and at times, I and another person may get the vehicle or deliver the vehicle or driver to the shop or home. She advised me that working on the car would be permitted, but transporting would be best if I have another person do it. She advised me to not give discounts to students families, to treat them like any other customer (which I do that).

I also asked her about showing some of the custom cars I have worked on. She said only pictures and it MUST relate to the curriculum. I cannot bring students to my vehicle to show them. 1. It is dangerous because it is in a parking lot, and 2. There would be questions why (from the building administration) that is happening.

I asked her about teaching neighborhood kids. She advised that I should not do that. I can teach a fellow teachers child, but keep the relationship on a professional level.

This is to have a means of distance between students/family and the teacher. The boundary line is there not only protect both parties, but ensure each is objective when it comes to grading and assessing the child. It is too easy to be easier on a friend's child than one that you are not friends on a personal level with without knowing you are doing it. It may sound easier to teach a child you know real well, but it is very easy to subconsciously be unaware that you are being judgemental against/for a particular student.

[kylemorg]

So Colin, are you sorry you made the first post yet? :rolleyes:

[BobMs_wht2k2]

So basically, since he cannot find any written evidence to support his crackpot theory it now turns into a verbal rule.

I do believe I called that one BEFORE it happened! So once again, Colin is spewing more BS that he made up. Perfect.