Former Denver Substitute Teacher Surrenders Iowa License Amid Grooming investigation
Table of Contents
- Former Denver Substitute Teacher Surrenders Iowa License Amid Grooming investigation
- Background on โคEducator Misconduct and Licensing
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Whatโฃ is “grooming” in the context of educator โmisconduct?
- What is the role of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners?
- What does it mean to “surrender” a teaching license?
- How does NASDTECโฃ help prevent misconduct from crossing state lines?
- What should parentsโ do if they suspect inappropriate conduct by a teacher?
A former substitute teacher andโฃ coach in the Denver Community School District has permanentlyโฃ surrendered his Iowa teaching license following allegations ofโ inappropriate conductโฃ with a student. The Iowa Board ofโค Educational Examiners โaccepted the voluntary surrender on November 14, 2024, effectively โbanning Ethan Parsons from teaching in the state.
The case centers โaround allegations โof grooming behavior โtowards a student
โ and an โ inappropriate relationship with a student
, asโฃ detailed by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.โข This action raises concerns about student safety and the โvetting process for educators,and highlights the potential for misconduct to cross state lines due to the portability of teaching credentials.Parsons is now prevented from seeking licensure in other โstates as well, due to notification protocols.
Investigation Details and Allegations
The investigation began after a judge signed a search warrant on May 22, 2024, granting access to Parsons’ Snapchat account records.According to โwarrant details, a student and a friend reported to police that Parsons had expressed a desire to touch the student and engage in sexual activity. Copies of the specific messages were not โขpreserved.
Parsons reportedly denied any wrongdoing, stating to an officer that heโ did nothing โขwrong
.In a phone conversation, he claimed the student initiated contact and professed โขignoranceโค regarding Snapchat.โค He initially denied sending โขthe student photos, โthen claimed any pictures sent were blank images. He also admitted it was stupid of him to even have the conversation with her
.
License Surrender and Board Action
The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners found probable causeโฃ for violations of the code โof conduct on October 10, โ2024. Parsonsโฃ subsequently filed a Surrender of โฃPractitioner License andโค Waiver of Formal โHearing form โon October 24, 2024.The board formally accepted the surrender onโค November 14, 2024.
The surrender order mandates that the board will notify theโ National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC),ensuring other state licensing boards are informed of the action.
Did You Know?
NASDTEC maintains a national database of educator misconduct, helping to prevent teachers with disciplinary โrecords from moving to otherโข states without scrutiny.
Current โStatus โand Ongoing Inquiries
The Bremer โคCounty Attorney’s โoffice declined to commentโ onโฃ whether a criminal investigation is currently underway,stating they could never confirm nor deny
such matters. The Denver Community โฃSchool District confirmed that Parsons is no longer employed by the district,citing confidentiality obligations preventing further details.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 22, 2024 | Search warrant issued for Snapchat records |
| Oct 10, โ2024 | Iowa board finds probable cause |
| Oct 24, 2024 | Parsons submits license surrender |
| Nov 14, 2024 | License surrender accepted |
Pro Tip: Parents and students can access data about Iowa educators, includingโ disciplinary actions, through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners’ online license โsearch tool: https://iowaboee.my.site.com/LicenseSearchDetailPage?licenseId=0038y00000A4mAAAAZ
What steps should school districts take to better protect students from inappropriate educator conduct? And how can โขstates improve information sharing โto prevent problematic teachersโฃ from relocating โand continuing their โคcareers?
Background on โคEducator Misconduct and Licensing
Cases of educator misconduct,โข including grooming and inappropriate โrelationships with students, are a seriousโ concern nationwide. โState licensing boards play a crucial role in investigating allegations, imposing disciplinary actions, and protecting students. However, the portability of teaching licenses can createโฃ challenges, as educators โขmay be able to seek โemployment in other states even after facing disciplinary โฃaction in their original state. NASDTEC’s efforts to facilitate information sharing are vital in addressing this issue. โข The increasing use of social โmediaโ and digital communication also presents new challenges for monitoring and preventing inappropriate interactions between educators and students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whatโฃ is “grooming” in the context of educator โmisconduct?
Grooming refers to a pattern of behavior used to buildโ a relationship with a โminor for exploitative purposes. It frequently enough involves establishing trust and manipulating the child’s emotions.
What is the role of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners?
The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners is responsible for licensing and regulating educators in the state, โincluding investigating allegations of misconduct and taking disciplinary action.
What does it mean to “surrender” a teaching license?
Surrendering a โlicense is a voluntary act by the educator,but it typically occurs as aโ result of anโ investigation and often prevents the educator from seeking reinstatement.
How does NASDTECโฃ help prevent misconduct from crossing state lines?
NASDTEC โขmaintains a national database of educator misconduct, which is accessible to state licensing boards, helping toโ identify and prevent problematic teachers from obtaining licenses in other states.
What should parentsโ do if they suspect inappropriate conduct by a teacher?
Parents shouldโ promptly report their concerns to the school management and the state licensing board. โค They may also consider contacting law โฃenforcement.
This is a developing story. If you have information related to this case, please reach out to KCRG. We’re committed โฃto keeping our community informed. Share this article โคwith โขyour network to raise awareness about this critically โขimportant issue, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest โupdates.