Teacher Credential License Defense California

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How a Teaching Credential Defense Attorney Can Help

As a teacher, you have devoted your career to supporting your students’ futures. When your own future is under threat from a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) investigation, you can turn to a seasoned teacher license defense attorney from S J Harris to safeguard it.

Our firm has years of experience representing teachers across the State of California in disciplinary hearings and appeals. Contact S J Harris Law right away if you are facing an investigation or administrative action to discuss your situation with us during a free 30-minute consultation.

A License Defense Attorney Knowledgeable of the Law Requirements for Teaching Certificates

It takes a skilled license and credential defense attorney to effectively represent you when your teacher or administrator credential  is on the line. Litigators or defense lawyers with no background in education law or licensure requirements do not understand what you had to go through to become a licensed teacher in California, much less what is needed to keep your teaching license.

However, you don’t have to wait until you receive notification that your license is under threat before looking for a teacher license defense lawyer. Our firm’s familiarity with licensing requirements for teachers means that we can assist teachers who are trying to defend and keep their credentials as well as applicants seeking to obtain them.

California offers a variety of teaching credentials to individuals wanting to teach, depending on their interests and aptitudes. Obtaining any of these teaching certificates and credentials generally requires that you:

  • Possess a bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited school
  • Demonstrate basic skills, proficiency and competency in your chosen subject matter
  • Complete a course covering the U.S. Constitution and its terms and principles
  • Pass a teacher preparation program
  • Get a favorable recommendation from your teacher preparation program sponsor

You must then also complete a Teacher Induction Program approved by the CTC or obtain certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.

Having a defense attorney familiar with these requirements and other California teaching laws and regulations means your attorney knows the arduous process involved in obtaining your license. 

This intimate knowledge of teaching laws in California means that you can expect your defense to be informed and tailored to what the CTC is concerned with when it launches its investigation. 

The dedicated team at S J Harris Law knows there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing a CTC-led investigation. Our teacher license defense attorney is committed to providing you with the most effective defense possible.

Why Is It Important to Be Aware of All Rules and Regulations?

As an applicant for or holder of teaching credentials, you are expected to know and abide by all the laws and regulations concerning your licensure. 

Claiming ignorance is not a viable defense when you are accused of violating these laws and regulations. Not only should you be familiar with what is required and expected of you as a teacher, but your teaching license defense attorney should be as well.

Teachers in California are held to the highest ethical standards because they are entrusted with the care and education of children. When allegations surface that a teacher has abused their position or committed a criminal act, such matters are taken very seriously. 

If you have been disciplined by the Commission, it can be difficult for you to find employment elsewhere in the teaching field. A suspension or revocation can ruin your professional reputation, and other potential employers may be hesitant to hire you. 

For this reason, consulting with an experienced teaching licensure defense attorney familiar with these regulations and rules can help preserve your ability to teach.

Reason Your Teaching Credential License Might Be Investigated by California Commission

California law empowers the Commission to investigate the credentials of teachers suspected of committing misconduct. During these investigations, the CTC will attempt to either substantiate or dispel the allegation. 

If evidence is found to support the allegation, you may face disciplinary action that could include suspension or revocation of your teaching license. Some of the allegations of misconduct that could trigger an investigation by the CTC include:

  • A report from law enforcement or another agency alleging you engaged in criminal conduct
  • You were convicted of a crime but failed to inform the CTC
  • Your employer suspended you from your position for at least ten days
  • You were dismissed from a teaching position by your employer
  • An allegation of sexual misconduct was reported to the CTC by your employer

An investigation by the CTC can feel invasive and unsettling. The Commission will consider the facts of the allegations and evidence supporting those allegations. In addition, you may be provided the opportunity to appear before the CTC and explain your position.

At the conclusion of its investigation, the Commission may privately admonish you, issue a public reprimand, or suspend or revoke your teaching credential. If you are not yet licensed as a teacher in California, the CTC can deny your application for teaching credentials.

Defending Your Credentials

When you are accused of misconduct, or your teaching license is in jeopardy, it is important that you take prompt action. 

Once an investigation is opened, the Commission may reach out to you requesting a written explanation of the situation and supporting documents. It is crucial that you comply with this request, as failing to do so can create its own problems.  However, you should consult an attorney before doing so, as anything you write, state, or provide, may be used against you.  

The Commission uses a tiered approach to its investigation.  The basic structure is as follows:

  1. Investigation by Enforcement and Analyst Staff.  This is done initially by the Committee on Credentialing, a sub-committee of the Commission.
  2. A first time review by the Committee on Credentialing.  This first review does not include an interview with you.  The Committee may close the case after its first review.  In many cases, however, the Committee moves to a second informal hearing.
  3. A second informal hearing, in which they invite the credential holder to provide additional information, and also, the opportunity to participate in an interview with the Committee.  After the second informal hearing, the Committee will recommend whether to close the matter, or a level of discipline it believes is necessary.  Once you are notified of its intended discipline, you have 30 days to request reconsideration or a hearing. 
  4. Opportunity to accept the recommendation of the Committee.  Or, you can seek reconsideration of the Committee’s decision (with some limitations), or can request an administrative hearing before the Office of Administrative Hearings. This is a formal appeal and hearing to defend your credential. 

If you request a hearing, one will generally be held before an administrative law judge. The CTC will transmit the case to the Office of Attorney General and a Deputy Attorney General will represent the CTC.  The case can then be settled and negotiated, or it will proceed to a formal hearing.  At this hearing, you have the right to testify and present evidence. If the judge believes the Commission has demonstrated you are not fit to teach by clear and convincing evidence, the judge may recommend discipline.

Reasons Why Your Teaching Credential License May Be Revoked or Denied

The revocation or denial of your teaching credential license can devastate your career. The Commission does not take these actions lightly but will do what it feels is necessary to uphold the integrity of the teaching profession and to protect children. 

Some of the reasons why the Commission might take this drastic action include:

  • Any criminal conviction suggesting you might be a danger to children
  • Any report of physical abuse or sexual abuse you committed against a student
  • Allegations that you engaged in unprofessional or immoral conduct
  • Any other allegation or situation that the CTC believes reflects negatively on your qualifications to teach

Enlisting the help of S J Harris Law, your skilled California teaching license defense attorney, is the best course of action to fight against the threat of a license denial or revocation. 

These are complex matters; your defense attorney can help protect your due process. Even if adverse action is taken against you, S J Harris Law will help you explore your rights to reinstate your license.

Regaining License or Submitting for Renewal

You may be eligible to have your teaching certification reinstated. Reinstatement is not automatic, however, so having knowledgeable legal counsel familiar with teaching certification laws can give you an advantage in the process. 

To apply for reinstatement, you must wait one year from the date your teaching credential was revoked. You must complete a Petition for Reinstatement packet and submit it along with appropriate fees and any supporting documentation. 

Your license defense attorney can help you put together a compelling packet for reinstatement, giving you the best opportunity to regain your credentials and save your career.

Who We Help

S J Harris Law is committed to assisting California’s hard-working men and women who answer the call to teach and instruct the next generation. From initial applicants to seasoned educators, S J Harris Law can provide assistance to any educator worried about their teaching credentials. 

Whether you are applying for licensure and encountering problems, have been notified that you are under investigation by the Commission, or are just concerned about protecting your reputation, we can help. Reach out to S J Harris Law to learn more.

How We Help

Knowing how California’s teaching regulations and laws operate can be confusing, even for experienced teachers. S J Harris Law can explain these regulations and laws to you and effectively apply them to your situation. 

We help teachers complete applications for renewal and reinstatement, and we can also assist you in responding to requests for information from the CTC. And if you are recommended for discipline, we can appear with you and help you present your defense to the administrative law judge.

Consult a Professional Teaching License Defense Attorney

Obtaining and maintaining your California teaching license can be overwhelming, but with S J Harris Law, you have a seasoned and trusted teaching license defense attorney on your side. 

We have the experience and knowledge necessary to prevent common mistakes and ensure you maintain your reputation and success as a teaching professional. Contact us to discuss your needs with our team today.

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Fill out the form or call:

323-894-1095

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When dealing with these complex issues, you need legal representation that has a long track record of success in these types of cases. Scott Harris and the rest of our team at S J Harris Law will be ready to help you pursue any option available that allows you to keep your license and continue working, no matter what industry you are in.

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