Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 584 - TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION
Overview of Chapter 584 – TSPC
Chapter 584 governs the licensing, conduct, preparation, and discipline of educators in Oregon. Its main purposes are:
Establishing professional and ethical standards for teachers and other educators.
Licensing and regulating educators, including teachers, administrators, and other personnel.
Approving educator preparation programs.
Investigating and disciplining misconduct or unprofessional behavior.
Ensuring safe and effective learning environments.
These rules are legally binding for all licensed educators in Oregon.
Case Area 1 – Professional and Ethical Standards
These rules define what it means to be a competent and ethical educator.
Key Requirements:
Teachers must maintain effective instructional skills and professional knowledge.
Educators must provide a safe, respectful, and nondiscriminatory environment for students.
Ethical conduct includes maintaining professional boundaries, being honest, and modeling integrity.
Teachers must communicate appropriately with students, parents, colleagues, and the broader school community.
Example Application:
A teacher who uses inappropriate language or shows favoritism towards certain students may be considered in violation of these professional standards.
Case Area 2 – Grounds for Disciplinary Action
Chapter 584 clearly lists behaviors that can lead to disciplinary action, license suspension, or revocation.
Grounds include:
Conviction of a serious crime or offense related to the teaching profession.
Gross neglect of duty, meaning failure to perform professional responsibilities in a serious manner.
Gross unfitness, such as repeated misconduct, inability to manage classrooms, or failure to maintain professional boundaries.
Abuse or mistreatment of students, dishonesty in professional duties, or violations of confidentiality.
Example Application:
If a teacher is found to be physically or emotionally abusive toward students, the Commission can revoke or suspend their license.
Case Area 3 – Mandatory Reporting of Misconduct
Rules require school administrators to report serious educator misconduct to TSPC.
Key Points:
Administrators must report if they believe an educator has engaged in gross neglect of duty or gross unfitness.
Reports should be made promptly after initial investigation.
Serious misconduct, especially sexual misconduct or abuse, requires immediate reporting regardless of local investigations.
Example Application:
A principal discovers that a teacher sent inappropriate messages to students. The principal must report this to TSPC for further investigation.
Case Area 4 – Investigation and Hearing Procedures
Chapter 584 defines how TSPC handles complaints and investigations.
Investigation Process:
The Commission reviews complaints to determine if a formal investigation is warranted.
Investigations consider the severity of the allegation, prior conduct, and evidence.
The process may be paused if a local school district is already investigating, except for severe misconduct cases.
Hearing Process:
If the investigation finds sufficient evidence, the case may go to a formal hearing.
An Administrative Law Judge may review evidence and make recommendations.
The Commission then decides whether to take action such as probation, suspension, or revocation of the educator’s license.
Example Application:
A teacher is accused of repeatedly neglecting lesson planning. After investigation, TSPC may hold a hearing to determine whether disciplinary action is required.
Case Area 5 – Educator Preparation Program Standards
TSPC sets rules for approving educator preparation programs in Oregon.
Key Requirements:
Programs must meet state standards and prepare candidates to be effective, ethical teachers.
Standards cover curriculum, student teaching, evaluation methods, diversity and inclusion, and legal knowledge of education.
Cooperating teachers and supervisors must be qualified to mentor candidates.
Example Application:
A university’s teacher preparation program must demonstrate that graduates are trained in classroom management, equity, and Oregon law. If the program fails to meet standards, TSPC can deny or revoke its approval.
Case Area 6 – Assignment and Teaching Roles
Rules specify conditions under which educators can teach or serve as teachers of record.
Key Points:
Educators must hold the proper license for the courses or programs they teach.
Misassigning a teacher without the appropriate qualifications can constitute gross neglect of duty.
The Commission may take action if unqualified teachers are placed in classrooms improperly.
Example Application:
A school district assigns a teacher without a math license to teach a high school calculus class. TSPC may investigate and sanction the teacher or the district.
Summary
Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 584 ensures that:
Teachers meet professional and ethical standards.
Misconduct is identified, reported, and disciplined appropriately.
Educator preparation programs produce qualified, ethical teachers.
Teaching assignments and licenses align with educator qualifications.
These rules protect students, maintain professional integrity, and uphold the quality of education in Oregon.
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