Defending The Licenses And Certificates Of Teachers
Teaching is more than a job to you; it is a calling. The idea of being stripped of your professional license or certificate may seem like the end of the world, but your road in the education profession does not have to end here. A knowledgeable and effective teaching license defense attorney can get to the bottom of your situation and help you protect your ability to follow your passion as an educator.
At Bilello & Soowal, PLLC, our experienced litigators focus on the issues facing educators and students in Florida schools. You can rely on our teaching license defense lawyers to answer your questions, examine your situation, inform you of your rights and work to protect your ability to make a living as a teacher.
How Do You Defend Your License Against A Complaint?
If you’ve received notice that you have a complaint against you, it’s important to act quickly to build a strong defense. You have a limited window of time to submit a response contesting the complaint.
You may have multiple options for challenging the allegations. In some cases, it may be possible to reach a favorable settlement that protects your license and livelihood. A settlement would avoid the necessity of a hearing. If that’s not possible, then you will have a chance to defend yourself in a hearing. This stage is critical. An adverse outcome could result in the suspension or revocation of your educator certificate. You will want to enlist the services of an experienced teacher defense lawyer before the hearing.
What If You Get A Certified Letter?
If you get a certified letter from the Florida Department of Education Office of Professional Practices Services (PPS), it means that you are under investigation by the commissioner of education for potential violations of your teaching license. It’s important to act quickly and carefully when responding to the letter. Early intervention can be the key to avoiding disciplinary action and avoiding the stress and hassle of addressing their accusations in detail at a hearing. If they do attempt to revoke your certificate or license, our attorneys can provide you with a fierce defense of your rights and work to set the record straight.
What If You Are Being Investigated By The Florida Department Of Education?
If you’re facing an investigation by the Florida Department of Education, you’ll need to take prompt action to protect your rights. An adverse finding can affect your teaching license, your career and your reputation.
Here are some steps to consider if you find yourself under investigation:
- Don’t ignore any correspondence or notices from the Department of Education
- Keep detailed records of all interactions and communications related to the investigation
- Don’t discuss the details of the investigation with colleagues or on social media platforms
- Don’t say anything that might incriminate yourself
- Seek help from a Florida education lawyer as soon as possible
Our teacher defense lawyers can provide critical support by protecting your rights throughout the investigation process. They can also represent you in any resulting disciplinary proceedings. Our lawyers handle teaching license defense on a regular basis, and they know what it takes to skillfully navigate these sensitive issues.
What Are Settlement Agreements?
A settlement is a way to resolve a complaint without a contested hearing. Often, the Department of Education will offer a proposed settlement agreement. You don’t have to accept that settlement. In fact, it’s best not to accept it until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
Our attorneys for teachers can protect your rights and negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement. They can be fierce advocates for you in the hearing and in court if your case progresses to those stages.
Can You Still Teach If You Have A Criminal Record?
Having a criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from teaching in Florida. However, it depends on the nature and severity of the criminal record as well as the outcome of the case.
Certain offenses – such as violent crimes, sex offenses and many felonies – will disqualify you from holding a teaching license. But other types of offenses might not be an issue.
If you have a criminal record or are facing criminal charges, please consult with our lawyers for guidance on your teaching license. We can help you proactively address the potential ramifications.
Reach Out To A Teaching License Defense Attorney
The idea of losing your ability to teach professionally is likely terrifying. The complexities of the legal system do nothing to make things easier for you. You can count on our team to listen to your concerns and tailor a strategy for protecting your career and your future. Call 866-335-1513 to set up a free consultation, and our lawyers will take care of the rest.