Changes sought in teacher hiring process

Vermont's education commissioner wants changes in teacher hiring policies in the wake of the Shaun Bryer case. Bryer is charged with sexually abusing three boys while he worked as an elementary school teacher in Morristown. Prior to those charges, Bryer resigned under pressure and was hired to teach in Colchester. Morristown school officials had disciplined Bryer for improper contact with students, but didn't disclose that information to future employers. Now Education Commissioner Armando Vilaseca wants to tighten background checks for teachers. He is insisting that superintendents to contact former employers to find out about disciplinary action, have prospective teachers allow former employers to release information, and have the departments of Education and Children and Families share information.