Teacher ethics bill headed to governor

Source: Sarasota Herald Tribune

The state Legislature just passed the Ethics in Education Act, which gives Florida the toughest law in the nation against abusive teachers.

If Gov. Charlie Crist signs the bill, it would:

* Ban settlements that keep accusations against teachers secret if they quietly leave a school district.

* Withhold the retirement benefits of educators who commit certain felonies against children.

* Require the state to help public and private schools develop educator ethics policies.

* Put more parents and law enforcement officials on the state committee that helps determine the punishment for teachers who commit violations.