Dr. Melody Schopp

September 10, 2010

SDSU

Understand the process of Professional Practices

Understand the process outside of Professional Practices

Understand the Code of EthicsUnderstand certification requirementsUnderstand Department of Education current

initiatives

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpog1_NFd2Q&feature=related

Commission historyCommission membersComplaint proceduresConfidentiality Meetings and hearings

24:08:04.01:01.  Procedure for filing a complaint. A person alleging a violation of the code of professional ethics may request, either orally or in writing, a complaint form from the executive secretary of the Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission. Within ten days after notice to the executive secretary, the executive secretary shall provide to the person bringing the complaint a copy of the code of professional ethics and a form provided by the commission for the purpose of filing a formal written complaint. The formal written complaint shall identify the sections of the code of professional ethics alleged to be violated, the name and position of the individual involved, and local efforts to resolve the problem. Charges of violations of the code of ethics must be based on violations that have occurred within the three years previous to the receipt of the formal written complaint by the executive secretary of the commission.

24:08:04.01:02.  Investigation of complaint -- Notice of initial decision. If a complaint has been filed, the commission shall send a copy of the complaint to the respondent. If the commission decides to conduct an informal investigation, the commission shall give notice of the investigation to the complainant or complainants and the respondent. Based upon the report of the investigators and the complaint, the commission shall decide whether a formal hearing will be conducted. The commission shall notify the complainant or complainants, the respondent, and the superintendent of the local school district or the chief administrator of the local governing body of the decision.

24:08:04.01:03.  Commission hearing procedure. Formal hearings shall be conducted pursuant to contested case procedure in SDCL 1-26. The commission shall establish the time of the hearing. The commission shall hold the hearing as soon as possible, but no sooner than 30 days after notice of the decision to conduct a hearing. All hearings shall be held in Pierre unless the commission designates otherwise. Evidence relevant to current charges in the complaint from up to five years prior to the filing of the written complaint may be introduced at the hearing. Evidence relevant to the current charges that exceeds the five years may be considered at the discretion of the commission. The respondent may choose whether the hearing is to be private or public.

13-43-30.   Appeal by member reprimanded or disciplined. Any member reprimanded or disciplined by the Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission may appeal as provided by chapter 1-26.

Jumping contracthttp://legis.state.sd.us/statutes/DisplayStatute

.aspx?Type=Statute&Statute=13-42-9Conviction of crimehttp://legis.state.sd.us/statutes/DisplayStatute.aspx?Type=Statute&Statute=13-42-10

http://legis.state.sd.us/statutes/DisplayStatute.aspx?Type=Statute&Statute=13-42-12

Obligations to studentsObligations to publicObligations to profession

Initial certification requires verification from an accredited institution that the candidate has completed an approved education program. Five-Year Certificate

To receive a five-year certificate candidates must:Have completed a teacher preparation program, Passed all required Praxis II tests Candidates not meeting the credit or Praxis test

requirement can apply for a one-year certificate.

Educators must also complete a human relations course and South Dakota Indian studies course.

If eligible for certification, educators may have additional time to complete this coursework.

The application process requires:Online initial application and fee Official transcripts showing the education

degree and additional credits completed University sign-off verifying completion of the

teacher education program

Copy of Praxis II test scores Copy of certificates candidate has from other

states Verification of teaching experience in another state Documents supporting legal alien status for non-

citizenship Copy of legal documents required for any criminal

offense declared through the online initial application

International academic credentials must be evaluated to insure they are recognized in the US.

Individual certification information is available online at: http://teacher411.sd.gov