Case Study #1 | Unlicensed Coach
Mr. C was hired in the spring to be the fall football coach. He was told by the principal to make sure he obtained his coaching authorization prior to the start of the season. He completed the required coaching class, but he forgot to apply for the coaching authorization. After practices began, he told the principal it was all taken care of, and the principal trusted that the coach was being honest.
Context:
The state of Iowa requires licensure for all school coaches, including volunteers, to ensure that all coaches have the qualifications, knowledge, skills and judgment to instruct students participating in team sports. Coaches have the responsibility of conducting themselves in a manner that is worthy of this trust and consistent with the profession s expectation. Administrator should check the BoEE website to make sure educators have a valid license and the correct endorsement for their position.
Discussion Questions:
- What possible issues/concerns might this scenario raise?
- How could this situation become a violation of the law, the MCEE, the BoEE Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics, or other school /district policies?
- In this situation, what are some potential negative consequences for the teacher, for the students and the school community (what s the worst that could happen)?
- What responses/actions will result in a more positive outcome and/or what proactive measures might be considered?
- Follow-up scenario:
A principal reassigns a teacher outside of her endorsement areas. He doesn t report the reassignment on the state BEDS report, because he doesn t want her to have to pay for classes or get a conditional license since it may be temporary. What are some possible issues and solutions?