A former Harlan Community School District vocal teacher has been charged by the Iowa Board of Education Examiners. The Harlan News-Advertiser reports Heidi Schwery was charged with student abuse and unethical practice. Schwery resigned from her position back in October 2012. She is accused of encouraging or consummating a romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationship with a student. The relationship was not sexual in nature. Schwery is also charged with unethical practice by failing to make reasonable efforts to protect the health and safety of students or creating conditions harmful to student learning.

Her hearing is set for Thursday, May 23rd. The paper says the matter may be resolved by Schwery surrendering her teaching license or an agreement to a lesser sanction. She was employed by the Harlan Community School District in August of 2005 and resigned on October 22nd, 2012.