Reported Teacher Misconduct Cases Increase

The Dayton Daily News reports Ohio Department of Education records show the number of accusations of teacher misconduct have tripled since 2007. The problems include lewd text messages, inappropriate social media posts, physical threats and sex acts with students. The number of reported cases increased from 250 in 2007 to 754 in 2011. However, specific sexual offenses investigated by the department's Office of Professional Conduct have decreased since 2008. The department investigates whether a teacher's license should be revoked or suspended when it receives reports of bad behavior. Some experts attribute the increase to social media and a better reporting system.