Teacher’s Bill of Rights

Right to control the classroom, allows teachers to:

• Establish classroom rules of conduct.

• Establish and implement consequences, which are designed to change behavior, for infractions of classroom rules of conduct.

• Have disobedient, disrespectful, violent, abusive, uncontrollable or disruptive students removed from the classroom for behavior management intervention.

• Have violent, abusive, uncontrollable or disruptive students directed to appropriate school or district school board personnel for information and assistance.

• Assist in enforcing school rules on school property, during school-sponsored transportation and during school-sponsored activities.

• Request and receive information relating to the disposition of any referrals to administration for a violation of classroom rules of conduct or school rules.

• Request and receive immediate assistance in classroom management if a student becomes uncontrollable or in the case of an emergency.

• Request and receive training and other assistance to improve his or her skills in classroom management, violence prevention, conflict resolution and related areas.

• Press charges if there is a reason to believe that a crime has been committed on school property, during school-sponsored transportation or during school-sponsored activities.

In cases in which a teacher faces litigation or professional practices sanctions for an action taken pursuant to this law, there is a rebuttable presumption that a teacher was taking necessary action to restore or maintain the safety or educational atmosphere of his or her classroom.

For students with disabilities whose behavior impedes their learning or the learning of others, the individual educational plan (IEP) team must identify, review and document supports to address those behaviors as part of the IEP. School personnel may consider any unique circumstances on a case-by-case basis when determining whether a change in placement, consistent with the requirements and procedures, is appropriate for a student with a disability who violates the student code of conduct, as established in Rule 6A-6.03312, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).

When a teacher refers a student to the principal’s office for behavioral issues, the principal must determine whether the student violated the student code of conduct.

• If the principal finds that no violation occurred, no disciplinary action may be taken against the student.

• If the principal determines that the student’s behavior warrants more serious disciplinary action than recommended by the teacher, the principal may impose a more serious consequence.

• The principal shall notify the teacher of any decision regarding discipline, or lack thereof, and interventions provided to a student to address the behavior. If the principal deviates in any way from the teacher’s recommendation, the principal must provide the reasons for any such deviation in writing to the teacher.

Principals are responsible for upholding the ethical and safety standards required by state law and the Florida Educational Leadership Standards outlined in Rule 6A-5.080, F.A.C.

• Act ethically and hold themselves and staff accountable to the Florida Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct as established in Rule 6A-10.081, F.A.C., by protecting student well-being and fostering a safe, respectful school environment.

• Ensure compliance with all school safety requirements, as outlined in s. 1001.54, F.S., s. 1006.09, F.S., and Rule 6A-1.0017, F.A.C.

When a concern pertaining to teacher empowerment is not resolved at the school or district level, teachers may request a Special Magistrate. The Special Magistrate will determine the facts, consider information provided by the school district, and submit a recommended decision to the State Board of Education (SBE) within 30 days after receipt of the request by the teacher. The SBE must approve or reject the recommended decision at its next regularly scheduled meeting occurring more than seven calendar days and no more than 30 days after transmittal.

For more information, please visit https://www.fldoe.org/schools/k-12public-schools/special-magistrate/.