Ethics

File a Complaint

Citizen Complaint: The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board prefers that complaints be submitted in writing. Reports are not accepted via email due to data privacy concerns and computer security issues. The complaint should contain the name of the teacher, school and school district; specific information about the alleged misconduct; name and mailing address of the complainant. Complaints can be sent to Teacher Ethics, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, 1021 Bandana Blvd. E., Suite 222, St. Paul, MN 55108-5111.

District Report: Based on Minnesota Statute 122A.20, Subd. 2(a), a district must report a teacher to the board within 10 days “when its teacher or administrator is discharged or resigns from employment after a charge is filed with the school board under section 122A.41, subdivisions 6, clauses (1) , (2), and (3), and 7, or after charges are filed that are grounds for discharge under section 122A.40, subdivision 13 , paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (5), or when a teacher or administrator is suspended or resigns while an investigation is pending under section 122A.40, subdivision 13 , paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (5); 122A.41, subdivisions 6, clauses (1) , (2), and (3), and 7; or 626.556 , or when a teacher or administrator is suspended without an investigation under section 122A.41, subdivisions 6, paragraph (a) , clauses (1), (2), and (3), and 7; or 626.556 .”  Submit this information in writing to Teacher Ethics, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, 1021 Bandana Blvd. E., Suite 222, St. Paul, MN 55108-5111.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) prefers that complaints be submitted in writing. Reports are not accepted via email due to data privacy concerns and computer security issues. The complaint should contain the name of the teacher, school and school district; specific information about the alleged misconduct; name and mailing address of the complainant. Complaints can be sent to Teacher Ethics, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, 1021 Bandana Blvd. E., Suite 222, St. Paul, MN 55108-5111.

Yes, however, the name of a complainant is classified as private data and cannot be released unless the complainant consents.

The allegations must fall within Minnesota Statute and PELSB’s jurisdiction to take action. In other words, the alleged misconduct must violate either Minnesota Statute 122A.20, Subdivision 1 or Minnesota Rule 8700.2100 the Code of Ethics for Minnesota Teachers. PELSB staff will send you a letter explaining the process.

Any criminal conviction listed in Minnesota Statute 122.A.20 subd. 1(b) will prohibit someone from obtaining teacher licensure. All other convictions and conduct are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Is this where I report an allegation of maltreatment of minors?
No. Report to the Student Maltreatment Program at the Minnesota Department of Education. If that department concludes a finding of maltreatment against a licensed teacher, they will share the report with PELSB and the Discipline Committee will conduct an inquiry.

Complaints against licensed administrators should be sent to the Board of School Administrators pursuant to MN Statute 122A.13 . If the school administrator is a licensed teacher, PELSB may have jurisdiction over the complaint.

You can access the Minnesota Educator License Lookup to determine if the teacher has a current or valid license. All final disciplinary actions involving teacher licenses are public information. Copies of orders can be sent upon request.

If a complaint has been filed against a teacher and PELSB is conducting an inquiry, that teacher will receive a letter from PELSB and have an opportunity to respond.

The length of an investigation will depend on the facts of the case.

Disciplinary Action Lookup

Teacher Discipline Inquiry System (TDIS)

A 2008 state law requires a school board or other school hiring authority to contact the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) before hiring a new teacher to determine if disciplinary action has ever been taken against the individual. The Teacher Discipline Inquiry System (TDIS) is a password-protected online search application created for this purpose. School boards or other appointing authorities should designate an individual to access TDIS.

New users will need to set up an account before using the system. Requests will be approved by the PELSB. Users must search for records by teacher file folder number. A License Lookup feature is available if the file folder number is not known.

Disciplinary action taken against a licensee will be available on this system. This action represents the final action taken by the PELSB. Only public information will be presented; the PELSB is unable to provide additional information due to data privacy laws.

Access the Teacher Discipline Inquiry System. (Hosted by the Minnesota Department of Education, login required.)

Code of Ethics for Minnesota Teachers

The Code of Ethics for Minnesota Teachers is established in the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board's administrative rules. Each teacher, upon entering the teaching profession, assumes a number of obligations, one of which is to adhere to a set of principles which defines professional conduct. The principles are reflected in the code of ethics, which sets forth to the education profession and the public it serves standards of professional conduct and procedures for implementation. The code applies to all individuals licensed under the rules established by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. 

Minn. Rule 8710.2100, Subp. 2. Standards of professional conduct. The standards of professional conduct are as follows:

A. A teacher shall provide professional education services in a nondiscriminatory manner.
B. A teacher shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to health and safety.
C. In accordance with state and federal laws, a teacher shall disclose confidential information about individuals only when a compelling professional purpose is served or when required by law.
D. A teacher shall take reasonable disciplinary action in exercising the authority to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning.
E. A teacher shall not use professional relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to private advantage.
F. A teacher shall delegate authority for teaching responsibilities only to licenses personnel.
G. A teacher shall not deliberately suppress or distort subject matter.
H. A teacher shall not knowingly falsify or misrepresent records or facts relating to that teacher's own qualifications or to other teachers' qualifications.
I. A teacher shall not knowingly make false or malicious statements about students or colleagues.
J. A teacher shall accept a contract for a teaching position that requires licensing only if properly or provisionally licensed for that position.