Teacher Credentialing Investigations
A number of things can trigger an investigation by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing’s Division of Professional Practices.
Two of the most common triggers for a teaching license investigation are criminal convictions and resignations while allegations of wrongdoing are pending.
A criminal conviction including a “no contest” or nolo contendre plea to even a misdemeanor gives the Commission jurisdiction to investigate the moral fitness of a teaching credential applicant or holder. Such convictions must be disclosed on all credentialing applications whether it is a first time applicant or a renewal. Even a conviction that has been set aside and dismissed under California Penal Code section 1203.4 must be disclosed on a credentialing application (and any professional licensing application for that matter). If you have a criminal past and are applying for a professional license, contact Sacramento teaching credential defense attorney Jonathan Turner for guidance.
Likewise, if you are teaching at a district and resign or otherwise leave your job due to an allegation of misconduct, your district is under an obligation to report you to the Commission’s Division of Professional Practices. A credentialing investigation will follow. A typical scenario is when a teacher is accused by the district of committing some form of misconduct. The district will threaten dismissal proceedings but then allow the teacher to resign instead. The teacher may be under the impression that with their resignation the entire incident is behind them. However, this is not the case as explained above. If you are a teacher accused of misconduct by your school district, contact Sacramento, California Teaching Credential Attorney Jonathan Turner.
Once the Commission’s Division of Professional Practices gains jurisdiction to investigate, the credential applicant or holder is notified of such with a Letter of Inquiry. When such a letter is received it is important that the teacher hire counsel such as Sacramento, California Professional Licensing Attorney Jonathan Turner. The investigation process can be lengthy and may include an appearance before the Committee of Credentials in Sacramento and/or an administrative hearing at the California Office of Administrative Hearings. Following the investigation process the license may be denied for a first-time applicant or suspended or revoked for a license holder. In short, much is at stake.
Contact California Teaching Credential Defense Attorney
If you are facing the discipline of a your teaching credential and dealing with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, contact Sacramento teaching credential defense attorney at the Law Office of Jonathan Turner for free consultation.
Legal Trouble With Your Professional Licensing Board? Call for FREE consultation.
LEGAL TROUBLE WITH YOUR PROFESSIONAL LICENSING BOARD?
If you received a denial of a professional license or any threat to your ability to continue practicing your profession, please contact attorney Jonathan Turner using this contact form or call (916) 471-6506 for a personal conversation.