Whether you are a teacher in a public, private, or charter school, your job is hard. Teachers regularly risk being accused of misconduct from students, parents, administrators, or law enforcement. A teacher could face disciplinary action for not only job-related issues, but also from certain conduct that takes place off school campus. Even if the complaint is dismissed or only results in a letter of reprimand from your administrator, the Florida Department of Education could still attempt to discipline your license.
An experienced education law attorney who represents teachers will fight to protect your Florida Educator Certificate. The Florida school and education law attorneys of Herdman & Vicari, P.A., are committed to effectively and aggressively defending your Florida Educator Certificate and career.
Alleged School District Misconduct and Discipline
Once your school district receives a legally sufficient complaint against a licensed educator, it must submit the complaint to the Florida Department of Education within 30 days of its receipt. From there, the Florida Department of Education will conduct its own separate investigation to determine if your certificate should be disciplined.
Some common violations that are subject to an investigation include:
Inappropriate communication with students
Inappropriate relationships with students
Inappropriate physical contact with students
Failure to protect, supervise, or report
Fraud or mishandled funds/property/position
Violated testing protocols
Criminal charges or conviction
Plagiarism
If the Commissioner of Education determines the educator's conduct warrants disciplinary action, the Education Practices Commission, determines what penalty to issue against an educator's certificate. Penalties that can be issued against an educator's certificate can range from a letter of reprimand, fines, probation, suspension or revocation. You have the right to appeal any disciplinary actions to an Administrative Law Judge at the Division of Administrative Hearings.
If you are accused of misconduct on or off campus, it is important to speak with an education attorney at your earliest opportunity. You have certain Due Process rights that should be exercised to defend your job, license, and livelihood. Contact us via email on our Contact Page for a free consultation.
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