The following topics were discussed during the Georgia Professional Standards Commission’s (GaPSC) monthly meeting on July 13-14, 2022:
Assistant Attorney General’s Report
An educator who enters an Alford Plea in criminal court, a guilty plea in which the accused does not admit guilt and asserts their innocence, is still subject to disciplinary action by the GaPSC. Likewise, an educator who pleas nolo contendere, a plea in which the accused does not accept or deny responsibility for a criminal charge, is also subject to disciplinary action by the GaPSC.
Ethics Division
The Commission sought a suspension of 20 days for an educator accused of extending his arm and knocking a student to the ground. While the first-year educator claims he felt threatened, video allegedly shows the educator walking to the student and knocking him down. Neither the student nor his parents wanted to press criminal charges. The student was not injured. The Commission also recommended a reprimand for an educator who allegedly used sick days to work in another school district. The educator allegedly has text messages from the principal directing him to use the sick days.
Rules
The following proposed rule changes were initiated at the meeting: 505-2-.168 INTERVENTION SPECIALIST ENDORSEMENT: The new rule would adjust the formatting, revise the certificate types issued, and clarify the in-field requirements for teaching students in early intervention programs. 505-3-.111 ELEMENTARY Agriculture Education (P-5) Endorsement Program: The new rule would expand preparation program options for those seeking certification to teach Agriculture Education in P-5 schools.
August GaPSC Meeting The next meetings will be on Aug. 10-11, 2022.