Teachers are responsible for children’s care, meaning they are expected to meet a very high standard. Credentialed teachers must exercise a high level of care to ensure that they don’t become the subject of a formal complaint from a student’s parents.
When a formal complaint is filed against a teacher, the consequences can be career-ending. If you are a teacher and have become the subject of an investigation, it’s a good idea to consult with a commission on teacher credentialing investigation attorney right away.
Common Complaints Against Teachers
Teachers can face a wide variety of complaints. These are often related to a teacher’s conduct within the classroom but can also extend to personal activities outside school hours.
Some of the most common types of complaints against teachers that lead to a formal investigation include:
- Sexual misconduct
- Physical abuse of students
- Inappropriate communication with students
- Violation of student confidentiality
- Misuse of school property
- Accepting bribes or gifts
- Deception or fraud
- Any type of criminal activity
Despite this wide variety when it comes to the types of possible complaints against teachers, all complaints have something in common: The result of an investigation can seriously harm or even end a teacher’s career.
What to Expect from an Investigation
When a formal complaint is filed against a teacher due to misconduct or criminal activity, an investigation will follow.
Ultimately, such an investigation aims to determine whether the teacher’s credentials should be sanctioned.
Possible outcomes a teacher can face include:
- Formal or informal reprimands
- Restrictions or conditions set on teaching license
- Suspension, revocation, or cancellation of teaching license
Within each category, the specific sanctions a teacher can face vary by case. Additionally, the sanctions may be permanent or expire after a specified amount of time.
When sanctions are permanent, they can prevent a teacher from ever returning to work in their chosen field. Even temporary sanctions can impact a teacher’s reputation and ability to acquire a teaching position.
How a Commission on Teacher Credentialing Investigation Attorney Can Help
When a teacher becomes the subject of a teacher credentialing investigation, the first step is to consult with an experienced commission on teacher credentialing investigation attorney.
This legal professional holds the subject matter expertise needed to counter an investigation that puts teaching credentials at risk.
If you want to keep your teaching credentials intact and protect your professional reputation, you should contact a lawyer as soon as you learn that someone has filed a complaint against you.
Consult an Experienced Lawyer Today
Sanctions against your teaching credentials can alter your future, finances, and employability. Don’t wait to consult a professional — acting quickly is essential to protecting your future and reputation.
Contact S J Harris Law today to learn more about how we can help fight against a possible sanction on your teaching credentials.
