Code of Professional Conduct

Contact Information

Certified educators in Washington must follow professional standards that protect students and maintain trust in schools. The Code of Professional Conduct explains what conduct may lead to an investigation or discipline.

Examples of conduct that may violate the code include:

  • Physical abuse or sexual misconduct 
  • Inappropriate relationships or communication with students 
  • Falsifying records 
  • Misuse of school funds or property 
  • Failure to report required information 

Review the Code of Professional Conduct for Education Practitioners for more information. For the complete legal requirements, see the laws and rules below.

Educator Conduct Laws and Rules

These laws and rules outline educator conduct expectations and disciplinary processes.

WAC Sections

  • Chapter 181-87 WAC - Acts of unprofessional conduct.
  • Chapter 181-86 WAC - Policies and procedures for administration of certification proceedings.
    • Professional Practices can investigate allegations that an educator lacks the good moral character and personal fitness required of educators.
    • “Good moral character and personal fitness” is defined within WAC 181-86-013.
    • As a condition of maintaining an education certificate, the certificate holder must continue to maintain “good moral character and personal fitness”. WAC 181-86-014 Good moral character and personal fitness-Continuing requirement.

RCW Sections

  • RCW 28A.410.090 - Outlines revocation or suspension of certificate or permit to teach, criminal basis, complaints, investigations, and processes.
  • RCW 26.44.030 - References abuse of Children, reports, duty and authority to make, duty of receiving agency, duty to notify, case planning and consultation, penalty for unauthorized exchange of information, filing dependency petitions, investigations, interviews of children, records, and the risk assessment process.
  • RCW 28A.400.317 - Discusses physical abuse or sexual misconduct by school employees, duty to report, and trainings.

How to File a Complaint Against a School Employee

Learn how to report concerns about a certified educator. This page explains when and how to file a complaint, what information to include, and what happens next. The first step is to submit a written complaint to your school district superintendent, educational service district superintendent, or private school administrator.