File a Complaint Against a Certified Educator

Contact Information

If you have concerns about a certificated educator, submit your complaint in writing to your local school district, Educational Service District (ESD), approved private school, or charter school. 

OSPI has the authority to investigate certificated educators for allegations of unprofessional conduct or a lack of good moral character or personal fitness. These investigations are conducted by the Office of Professional Practices (OPP) within OSPI.

The majority of OSPI’s ability to initiate an investigation is based upon a written complaint from a local school district superintendent, ESD superintendent, chief administrative officer of an approved private school or charter school. 
    
For OSPI to accept a complaint from a private citizen, specific criteria must first be met. The complaint must be one of physical or sexual abuse by a certificated educator and a prior written complaint must have been submitted to an educational service district superintendent, and the ESD superintendent must have failed to cause an investigation and failed to have forwarded a complaint to OSPI.

OSPI’s ability to self-initiate an investigation is limited to specific circumstances. OSPI can self-initiate an investigation when the agency becomes aware that a certificated educator has been arrested, charged, or convicted of crimes listed within RCW 28A.400.322 or when the agency becomes aware that a certificated educator has had a professional license suspended, revoked, or voluntarily relinquished. 

Roles and Responsibilities

School Districts and ESDs

School districts and ESDs review complaints locally and determine whether they should be forwarded to OSPI.

Office of Professional Practices (OPP)

The Office of Professional Practices (OPP), within OSPI, reviews forwarded complaints and conducts investigations when appropriate.

OPP reviews complaints involving certificated educators and allegations of:

  • Unprofessional conduct
  • Lack of good moral character or personal fitness

OPP does not investigate complaints involving:

  • Non-certificated staff
  • School board members
  • District employment actions 

Related Laws

WAC 181-87
WAC 181-86-100
RCW 28A.410.090(2)

If you’re not sure where to start, contact your local school district.