Bill Aims to Stop Inappropriate Student-Teacher Relationships

[gtxvideo vid=”UXbZoywu” playlist=”” pid=”2gxTqEDg” thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/UXbZoywu-120.jpg?cachebust=1458747097530″ vtitle=”teacher sex abuse”]

Some state lawmakers are hoping to prevent future inappropriate student teacher relationships.

It would make it mandatory for teachers to be trained on appropriate behavior towards students, covering everything from social media to dress code. It’s already a voluntary course through continuing education. So, lawmakers say no additional funding is necessary. This bill would make the about one hour course mandatory once a year. While it made it out of committee with a favorable report, not everyone supports it.

Sen. Dick Brewbaker, (R) Montgomery said, “We have to tell grownups with a college degree, who claim to be professionals that they are supposed to keep their hands of the people in the little desks? I mean this is crazy. And the idea that if you are hiring a person that’s willing to have an inappropriate relationship with a student, the idea that an hour a year professional development is going to make any difference at all? The whole thing is absurd on it’s face.”

Bill is supported by the Alabama Education Association. It’ll now go to the senate for a vote.