We are an Austin-Based Law Firm and Defend Teacher Certificates in Austin and Throughout Texas
The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC), along with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board of Education, regulates the teaching profession, enforces the Educator’s Code of Ethics, and assists in investigating alleged misconduct in Texas schools.
Some common violations that are subject to an investigation include:
- Inappropriate communication with students: Using texts, social media, or other forms of communication in a manner deemed inappropriate by the SBEC.
- Inappropriate relationships with students: Engaging in romantic or overly familiar relationships.
- Deceptive or fraudulent practices: Falsifying records or other school-related documents.
- Misappropriation of school property or privileges: Using school resources for personal gain.
- Accepting bribes or gifts that impair judgment: Accepting gifts that influence professional decisions.
- Sharing students‘ confidential information: Improperly disclosing personal information about students.
- Physically mistreating students: Engaging in any form of physical misconduct.
- Sexual relationships or sexual misconduct with students: Any sexual relationship or activity with a student is strictly prohibited.
Disciplinary Actions and Your Right to Defense
The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) has the authority to restrict, suspend, or revoke your teaching certificate if you are found to have violated school policies or laws, failed to report child abuse, abandoned a teaching contract without cause, or been convicted of a felony.
If a complaint is filed against you, the SBEC will conduct an investigation and determine whether disciplinary action is warranted. Should you face allegations and potential disciplinary measures, you have the right to an evidentiary hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). It is crucial to hire an experienced license defense law firm to guide you through this process.
You have the right to due process when your teaching license is at risk. Legal representation is essential, regardless of whether the complaint is unfounded or involves extenuating circumstances. An experienced Texas administrative hearings lawyer can defend your rights, ensuring you receive a fair opportunity to protect your career and livelihood.
Disciplinary Actions Teachers Can Face After an Accusation
Suspension of your professional license is not the only disciplinary action that can result from allegations of misconduct. The Texas SBEC can take a variety of actions against a teacher depending on the type of misconduct and the severity of the offense. Potential penalties include:
- A written reprimand
- Remedial education requirements
- Restrictions on the issuance of your teacher license
- Restrictions on renewal of your license
- Short or long-term limitations on your teaching certificate
- Suspension of your teaching certificate
- Revocation of your teacher license without the possibility to reapply
- Various other conditions or restrictions that the SBEC deems necessary
Additionally, depending on the accusations you face, you could be facing criminal charges as well as threats to your teaching license. For example, if you are accused of having an improper relationship with a student, you could face severe regulatory and criminal penalties, especially if your student is a minor.
The best way to protect yourself against disciplinary action and ensure your ability to work as a teacher in Texas is by hiring an experienced teacher license defense attorney serving Texas as soon as you discover you have been accused of misconduct.
Your lawyer can help protect you against disciplinary action and fight to protect your reputation and livelihood.
The do Not Hire Registry
Under Texas law, the “Do Not Hire” Registry includes individuals who are ineligible to work in the Texas public school system due to misconduct or criminal history.
Principals are legally obligated to report any inappropriate behavior by teachers or school personnel to the superintendent, regardless of whether the staff member resigns before disciplinary action is completed.
- Importance of legal representation: If you are facing potential placement on the Do Not Hire Registry, obtaining experienced legal counsel is crucial for protecting your right to work. A skilled teacher license defense attorney can help build a case to refute the allegations or provide context to demonstrate that you did not violate the law.
- Taking action to fight back: Individuals placed on the Do Not Hire Registry have a limited timeframe to challenge the decision. Disputing the accusations promptly and presenting supporting evidence is essential. Any delay can jeopardize your ability to continue working as an educator in Texas. Beyond employment, being listed on the registry can also result in significant social stigma.
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Texas Teachers Have the Right to Due Process
Teachers have the right to due process when facing allegations of wrongdoing or misconduct. This right ensures that no disciplinary action is taken without fair consideration through the legal process, giving educators the opportunity to tell their side of the story to a judge. Our role is to ensure that the disciplinary process is conducted properly and to protect you from unjust actions.
Defending Your Rights
If you are facing potential disciplinary actions from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) or another regulatory body, it is crucial to seek experienced legal counsel.
Hiring a teacher license defense lawyer who serves Texas can ensure your rights are respected and that you receive fair treatment throughout the process. Whatever the nature of the accusations, we are ready to guide you through the investigation.
Importance of Early Legal Representation
It is essential to retain an experienced education lawyer as soon as you are notified of an investigation. Your attorney can help you present your perspective effectively and ensure that you remain in control of the narrative.
With a skilled lawyer by your side, you can better protect your teaching license, avoid suspension, revocation or other serious disciplinary consequences, and maintain your right to work as an educator.
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A Law Firm You Can Trust to Stand up to the Board for You
At Bertolino LLP, we know how to defend against a complaint filed against you, find all relevant evidence, and build a strong defense based on that information. We provide a wide range of legal services and will use our extensive experience to help defend you during disciplinary proceedings by the licensing boards.
Do not let an attack on your teaching certification threaten your ability to do your job and make a difference. Get the dedicated Texas license defense attorneys at our firm on your side. Contact our firm by phone or through our website to schedule your free case consultation now.
Call or text (512) 476-5757 or complete a Case Evaluation form
