K12 Online Education School is under investigation over allegations of using uncertified teachers

By: TREVOR AARONSON and JOHN O'CONNOR, Florida Center for Investigative Reporting/StateImpact Florida

   The Florida Department of Education is investigating the nation's largest online educator over allegations it violates state law by using uncertified teachers.

   According to documents obtained by the Florida Center for Investigative Reporting and StateImpact Florida, the company K12 (K-12) asked state-certified teachers to sign class rosters that included students they hadn't taught.

   In one case, a K12 manager instructed a certified teacher to sign a class roster of more than 100 students. She only recognized seven names on that list.

   K12 denies wrongdoing and says it is cooperating with the investigation.

   It operates in 43 Florida school districts, including in Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, Orange and Duval counties. It teaches everything from art to algebra to students in kindergarten through high school.