Parents and Public
Public Expectations of our Educational Institutions
The Pennsylvania Department of Education's mission is to lead and serve the educational community to enable each individual to grow into an inspired, productive, fulfilled life-long learner. To that end, the public can expect qualified, effective educators in its public schools and administrators who are capable instructional leaders. The public school environment for every student in Pennsylvania should be supportive, safe and responsive. The standards of conduct demanded of every educator who falls within the Commission's jurisdiction are detailed in the code of professional practice and conduct for educators.
The Commission is vested with authority for disciplining those educators who engage in misconduct. The Commission is committed to protecting the interests of the public and the children/students of this Commonwealth while ensuring that the discipline process is conducted in a fair and impartial manner.
What to do if you have a concern about an educator
In most cases, it is advised to address concerns directly with the educator. If speaking to the educator is not appropriate or feasible, then concerns should be brought to the educator's supervisor. Many concerns can be resolved at the local level without intervention of the state.
Another option is to file an educator misconduct complaint with the Department of Education. The Educator Discipline Act assigns responsibility for reviewing, investigating, and prosecuting educator misconduct to the Department. Complaint forms can be obtained by clicking the link above or by contacting the Office of Chief Counsel, Pennsylvania Department of Education at (717)787-5500. Detailed frequently asked questions about filing a complaint.
Can I complain anonymously
In order for a complaint to be accepted, it must be signed and verified by the interested party filing the complaint. Anonymous complaints will not be processed.
What is the jurisdiction of the Professional Standards and Practices Commission
The Commission has jurisdiction over all certificated educators (public school and private academic school certification) and those educators who work in a charter or cyber charter school or in a contracted educational provider and who are exempt from the certification requirements. The Commission's jurisdiction extends to those holding certification even though they have resigned or retired, are no longer working in education or in Pennsylvania, or are working in a private or non-public school.
Unless certificated, school board directors, coaches and non-professional staff do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Commission.
For more information about the discipline process, including the grounds for discipline and the types of discipline imposed, please visit the Overview of Discipline System.
If I file a complaint, will I or my child have to testify at a hearing
Not all complaints result in a hearing. While many cases can be resolved prior to the filing of a Notice of Ccharges or an administrative hearing, it is expected that should a case proceed to hearing that witnesses will be called to testify. Depending on the facts of the case, you or your child may be asked to provide testimony.
The entire disciplinary process, including the complaint, is confidential. Information is released to the public only if public discipline is imposed against the educator. Violations of the confidentiality prescriptions in the Educator Discipline Act may constitute a criminal offense. The confidentiality provisions are designed to protect the complainant and the affected educator and to avoid possible prejudice to the discipline process. If your child has to testify, the Commission will make every effort possible to redact any reference to your child in the record should the record become public.
Students
In addition to parents, school counselors and law enforcement, there are several resources for students who may be the victim of sexual misconduct or sexual abuse. We have listed a few below:
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) - The mission of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape is to work to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and to advocate for the rights and needs of victims of sexual assault.
Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance - Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance protects children by teaching citizens to recognize and report child abuse and neglect by providing information, educational materials, and programs that promote positive parenting.
Local Rape Crisis Centers - Call 1-888-772-7227 to reach your local rape crisis center
PCAR partners with a network of rape crisis center programs to bring help, hope and healing around issues of sexual violence to all 67 counties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. All programs provide, at a minimum, basic services to victims/survivors of sexual violence, rape and incest including:
- Free and confidential crisis counseling 24 hours a day (Some exceptions apply due to mandated reporter requirements)
- Prevention education programs to schools, organizations and other public groups
- Services for the victim’s family, friends, partners or spouses
- Information and referrals to other services in your area.
SESAME Stop Educator Sexual Abuse Misconduct and Exploitation
SESAME is dedicated to preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment of students by teachers and school staff.