In June 2014, Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) received a report from the Division of Professional Practices (DPP) regarding the processing of its disciplinary cases.   In response to a growing backlog of disciplinary cases referred to the Attorney General’s office for disciplinary prosecution, additional funding was granted to the CTC for more efficient processing of cases.  In 2016, as a backlog of almost 300 cases choked the system, CTC increased fees and directed additional funds to the Attorney General’s Office.  That effort has resulted in additional hiring at the Attorney General’s office, and in turn numerous new disciplinary cases against teachers and appeals of credential denials reaching the hearing process.

As the DPP report found, most CTC disciplinary cases involve crimes against children, sex crimes, and crimes involving alcohol and drugs.   The CTC disciplinary process is a two-step process.  The criminal conviction or complaint initially goes before the CTC for informal review, at which time an explanation from the teacher or teaching license applicant, usually offered in writing, is considered.  An attorney can be very helpful in crafting a response to the CTC.  If the explanation is found to be reasonable, and the case is not too serious, sanctions may range from no action at all to a short suspension.  More serious cases can result in a recommendation of revocation of the credential.  In any case where the penalty is unacceptable or revocation is recommended, we strongly recommend that the teacher request an administrative hearing.  In almost all cases, the teacher will continue to hold a valid credential while the disciplinary case is pending.

Ray & Bishop, PLC, vigorously defends California professional license holders accused of misconduct.  If your credential is at risk, call 949-557-4888 for our help or visit our website to speak to an experienced teacher license defense attorney today.  Legal advertisement.