Teacher Discipline Defense
The process for teacher discipline is typically an issue that occurs, the school administration decides to take action (this can be a write-up, suspension, or termination). If
We have all heard of due process and we all want it. So, you will be glad to hear that The Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, like its counterpart in the Fifth Amendment, provides that no state may “deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”
This applies to public school districts and provides the minimum requirements that each public school district must satisfy when dismissing a teacher. This does not cover the reasons why a teacher may be dismissed, but the process a school must follow to dismiss a teacher.
Understanding disciplinary actions for educators
When any allegation enters into the disciplinary process, you need to be aware of your rights and what needs to happen.
Allegations will happen, whether they are true or false. Good representation from a lawyer will help make sure the evidence shows the conduct of the educator did not match the alleged misconduct.
We like to get involved as soon as possible. This best time is as soon as contact is made with the school that an educator might be disciplined. Literally, if a teacher you know has received a written reprimand, then they should contact a lawyer to discuss alleged misconduct and licensure issues.
Once an allegation is made, the educator may be investigated. Failure to address the seriousness of this stage may result in a revoked license.
We all know teachers work very hard to make education and students’ lives better. We want to make sure that educators’ position in the school is protected.
One is the most important steps in this process is to make sure the allegations are addressed properly and the investigation is conducted how it should be.
If a decision is made for the school to suspend or terminate an educator, they must send you the reasons in writing.
In this letter, they must also inform the teacher of the process to request a hearing on the issues.
