General Ethics FAQ / Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)

General Ethics FAQ

What are the duties of the Ethics Committee?
For licensed teachers:
- Review complaints and results of investigations alleging or implying a violation of a statue or rule which the Board is empowered to enforce.
- Make recommendations regarding whether to pursue discipline against an individual's teaching license(s).
- Work with the Board's Teacher Ethics Attorney on contested case hearings, as needed.
For license applicants:
- Review applications for possible issuance or denial based on statute and rule which the Board is empowered to enforce.
- Make decisions to issue or deny a license.
- Work with the Board's Teacher Ethics Attorney on contested case hearings, as needed.
Who is on the Ethics Committee?
How do I contact the PELSB Ethics Department?
Is PELSB the agency that handles student maltreatment complaints and investigations?

No. The Minnesota Department of Education handles all student maltreatment investigations. The Student Maltreatment Program assesses and investigates reports of alleged physical abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse that occurs in Minnesota public schools and charter schools. This includes allegations of maltreatment involving students 18 to 21 years of age, including students receiving special education services, up to and until graduation and the issuance of a secondary diploma. They can be reached at: 651-582-8546 or mde.student-maltreatment@state.mn.us.
Is PELSB the agency that handles ethical complaints about licensed school administrators?
Is PELSB the agency that handles ethical complaints against charter schools and/or charter school authorizers?

No. The Minnesota Department of Education handles investigations into charter schools and Authorizers. The Charter Center is responsible for providing state leadership, support, and oversight to promote high-quality charter schools and authorizer excellence under the charter school law, Minnesota Statutes 2023, Chapter 124E. Individuals may file a complaint with the Charter Center if they believe a charter school or authorizer has violated the requirements of Chapter 124E. They can be reached at: 651-582-8297 or mde.charterschools@state.mn.us.
Is PELSB the agency that handles ethical complaints against school districts?
What are the possible disciplinary outcomes from an Ethics Department inquiry into a licensed teacher?
Where can I find out if a teacher has had their license suspended, revoked, or denied?