Law would help track abusive teachers

SPRINGFIELD -- State and regional education officials would be told whenever a teacher is fired or quits under suspicion of student abuse, under a proposed law the Illinois House overwhelmingly approved Monday.

The legislation is aimed at stopping problem teachers and other school employees from jumping from one district to another, with their past behavior remaining under wraps. In addition, the proposal requires prosecutors to inform school officials whenever a teacher or other certified staff member is convicted of serious drug or sex crimes or other felony charges.

The state process for revoking or suspending teaching certificates would also be sped up. The provisions apply equally to school administrators, teachers or any staff required to have a valid teaching certificate.

Supporters referenced a downstate case in which a teacher suspected of abusing students went to another district and victimized additional students before criminal charges caught up to him.

But critics feared the law goes too far by allowing people to be punished for allegations that have never been proven. As proposed, a school superintendent must notify state and regional education officials within 30 days whenever someone resigns or is fired for a reasonable belief of child abuse or neglect.

State Rep. Monique Davis, a Chicago Democrat, said teachers' careers and lives could forever be tarred by allegations that are never proven.

The measure was approved 93-4 and now goes to the Senate.

In other House action, a proposal to give teachers authority to search students' backpacks and lockers passed 84-12.

Sponsored by House Republican leader Tom Cross of Oswego, the plan gives teachers the right to search students and their belongings if, for example, they suspect drugs or weapons. Now, only school authorities like administrators have that ability.

Critics said it would hamper teachers' time to actually teach and would threaten student privacy.

Others pointed out the hypocrisy of one minute debating teachers possibly abusing students and the next voting to give teachers sweeping new powers to search students.

The proposal now goes to the governor's desk.