OHIO’S SYSTEM For catching bad teachers

How the state system works for disciplining teachers:

Who’s watching: The Ohio Department of Education created its Office of Professional Conduct in 1999 to keep unqualified or unfit people from entering the profession and to investigate licensed educators and coaches accused of wrongdoing.

When an investigation starts: The department acts on tips from school districts, social workers, police, prosecutors, citizens and news stories. Authorities decide if an allegation is serious enough to investigate. Only those with educator licenses, including teachers, coaches, aides and counselors, are subject to investigation.

Who investigates: The state’s four investigators are a former deputy sheriff, two paralegals and a former teacher. The agency’s newly hired professional conduct director is a former teacher and school administrator. His assistant is a lawyer.

How they investigate: Investigators review public records, including court, police and school documents. In some cases, investigators may interview witnesses or others with direct knowledge. The state invites accused teachers to respond at the beginning of the process.

What happens next: If the state deems action is warranted it issues a reprimand or schedules a hearing. A state lawyer tries the case and gives an opinion to the state school board which must decide whether to follow the lawyer’s opinion.

How teachers are disciplined: For lesser offenses or when allegations can’t be proved, the state often issues written reprimands or agreements that allow educators to keep their licenses with conditions. The state also can limit, suspend, revoke or deny a license.

Source: Ohio Department of Education