Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyers Blog
If you are an educator in Georgia facing disciplinary action, the below may be helpful in understanding how you might defend any accusations that are lodged against you.
You worked hard to become an educator, but that could change in an instant. Disciplinary actions can be brought against you if you take part in any of these activities:
● Acting unethically, as defined by the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators (Standards 1–10, GaPSC Rule 505-6-.01).
● Having their teaching certificate taken away in another state for similar unethical behavior (GaPSC Rule 505-6-.01).
● Being ordered by a court or requested by the Department of Human Resources to suspend or deny certification because of unpaid child support (O.C.G.A. §19-6-28.1 and §19-11-9.3).
● Having any other professional license or certificate suspended or taken away.
● Breaking any other laws or rules related to being an educator.
● Any other valid reason that shows the person is not suitable to be a teacher.
The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) has the authority to impose various disciplinary actions depending on the severity and nature of the misconduct. These actions not only affect your license, but may also impact your ability to find future employment in education. Disciplinary actions include the following:
● Warnings: Formal reminder that the educator’s behavior was inappropriate.
● Reprimand: Formal statement that the educator’s behavior was inappropriate
● Monitoring: The Commission reviews an educator’s behavior every few months while they are working in a Georgia public or private school.
● Suspension: When an educator’s license, certificate, or permit is temporarily made invalid. During this period, the educator cannot work or volunteer in any role in education, including as a teacher, paraprofessional, aide, or substitute.
● Denial: The Commission refuses to issue a license to an applicant due to disciplinary reasons. During this period, the educator cannot work or volunteer in any role in education, including as a teacher, paraprofessional, aide, or substitute.
● Revocation: An educator’s license, certificate, or permit is made invalid. While it is revoked, the person cannot work or volunteer in any educational role, including as a teacher, paraprofessional, aide, or substitute. After three years from the revocation date, the educator may submit a written request to the Commission to reapply, including proof that the original reasons for revocation no longer apply. If the request is denied, the educator must wait at least one year before submitting another petition.
There is a rise in Georgia teacher ethics cases being reported to the GaPSC. Here at Conaway & Strickler, our attorneys have decades of experience representing individuals who are at risk of losing their professional license. We understand how much is at stake, and we are committed to protecting your career and reputation. The earlier you seek legal guidance, the stronger your defense can be. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.