Understanding the UPPAC Disciplinary Process for Utah Educators
Every licensed educator in Utah is subject to certain professional practice standards, which are enforced by Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission (“UPPAC”). UPPAC consists of a group of educators and community members who advise the Utah State Board of Education on issues related to the professional practice of licensed educators in Utah. Established under state law - Utah Code § 53E-6-101 et seq. - UPPAC’s responsibilities include, among other things, investigating complaints involving educator misconduct; conducting hearings when necessary; recommending disciplinary actions to the Utah State Board of Education; developing procedures for complaint processing and hearings; and proposing professional standards and ethics for educators. Under Utah law, certain conduct by licensed educators is prohibited. This includes obvious things like felony convictions, certain types of misdemeanors and other actions that affect student well being, like the use of corporeal pun...