The Ohio Department of Education approved a revised version of the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators, after two rounds of public comment. The final revised version is substantially similar to the last draft (which we discussed here in April), but has a few changes.

The final version clarified with more detail about the educators to whom the Licensure Code applies. “Ohio educators” are defined as “all individuals applying for a credential or individuals credentialed by the State Board of Education…such as teachers, principals, superintendents, educational aides, coaches, substitute teachers and others credentialed by the State Board of Education.”

Regarding Principle One, the draft revisions included the new violation of failing to verify that an educator is properly credential by ODE prior to hiring. The final version only makes that failure a violation if it is done negligently.

For Principle Three, the final version clarifies that if an employee makes any report required under the Licensure Code, in good faith, such a report is not considered “conduct unbecoming” and the reporting educator cannot be subject to retaliation.

Importantly, the new Principle Nine regarding Appropriate and Responsible Use of Technology remains in the final version and should be carefully reviewed by educators to ensure compliance. Please contact your legal counsel for further information on incorporating the new rules and appropriately notifying impacted staff members.

The final version is available for download in Items 35 of the following: ftp://ftp.ode.state.oh.us/StateBoardBooks/Sept-2019/Voting%20Items/. ODE’s web site is not yet updated as of the date of this blog entry.