Other Professional Licenses  >  Teacher Credential Defense

Defending California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) Teaching Credentials

Ray & Bishop attorneys aggressively represent teachers in California teaching credential license applications, investigations, disclosures, denials, accusations, appeals, reinstatements, and related legal matters. 

Our strategy is simple: prevent problems, fight for the client if accused, and appeal unfair results.  Our focused, experienced, dedicated license and regulatory practice gives you the advantage.  Contact Ray & Bishop for a prompt, thorough and thoughtful discussion of your legal issue with one of our license defense attorneys.

Defending California Teaching Credentials in Situations from Simple Mistakes to Complex Disputes

Choosing an experienced, knowledgeable license defense attorney is key to getting the best result from your California teaching credential defense matter.  Ray & Bishop attorneys defend teaching credentials and teaching credential applicants in all disciplinary situations, including:

• Discipline for criminal convictions
• Credential denial for criminal convictions.
• Unprofessional conduct in the teaching setting.
• Discipline by a school or district.
• Discipline against out-of-state licenses.
• Discipline against other occupational or professional licenses.

We also aid teaching credential applicants in the license application process.  Issues that give rise to problems in teaching credential applications include criminal convictions or a prior history of discipline with another licensing board or other California licensing agency.

Expertise in all Aspect of Teaching License and Regulatory Issues

Ray & Bishop provides legal representation for teachers in any regulatory agency contact with the potential for an adverse outcome, including:

• Denial of a Teaching Credential
• Investigations by CTC
• Reports of School and District Discipline
• Response to CTC Letter of Inquiry
• Formal Review by the CTC
• Defense from an Accusation
• Administrative Hearing
• Petition for Reconsideration after an Adverse Decision
• Writ of Administrative Mandamus (Appeal) after a Loss at Administrative Hearing
• Relief from a Default Judgment
• Modification of Discipline
• Reinstatement of a Teaching Credential

Common Questions from Teachers for Ray & Bishop

I’ve received a letter from CTC inquiring about a conviction or discipline report.  What should I do?
Hire an attorney.  Any statements you in response to an informal inquiry can become admissions that can be used against you later in court.  CTC will make critical decisions based upon the first impressions that come from the response to the informal inquiry letter.  It is important to put your best foot forward in responding to the informal inquiry, Ray & Bishop can make sure that happens.

The Commission is recommending a suspension or denial in response to my first response letter.  What’s my next step?
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Committee on Credentials reviews credential discipline and denial cases in a two-step process before the case can go to a neutral judge for administrative hearing.  There is a secondary formal review before the Commission on Credentials after the initial informal inquiry.  This is an opportunity to add to the evidence and arguments submitted in the informal inquiry, but often leads to the same result as the informal inquiry.  An experienced licensing attorney can make the most of each step of the process, and carefully supervise each stage of the process considering what actions will yield the best result at an administrative hearing, if necessary.

How should I reveal a past problem on an application, renewal form or disclosure form?
Truthfully and carefully.  We understand the tools that the CTC will use to detect adverse events and fact check your application or renewal form for honesty and accuracy.  We know the rules for what must be disclosed and what need not be disclosed.  If an explanation is required, we can assist with important strategic and messaging considerations to minimize the danger of denial or discipline resulting from the disclosure.

I just received a Statement of Issues or a letter denying my license application.  What’s my recourse?
A Statement of Issues from the CTC denying a credential may require the filing of a Notice of Defense within 15 days of the date when the Statement of Issues was sent (not the date it was received).  A letter denying a credential may contain a different deadline.  It is best to promptly contact Ray & Bishop for a consultation to review the letter, before an important deadline passes.

I’ve received an Accusation.  What’s my next step?
You have only 15 days from the date the Accusation was sent to you (not from the date you received it) to file the Notice of Defense.  This matter should be turned over to an attorney as quickly as possible so that this deadline is met and the filing of the Notice of Defense is documented with proof of filing.

How do I pay for an attorney?
We accept all major credit cards, bank debit cards, checks, money orders and cash.  Interest-free payment plans may be available in some circumstances.

2016-2017 CTC Transition to the Office of the Attorney General

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing had its own staff attorneys handling CTC credential discipline and denial cases until 2016.  However, starting in 2016, CTC transitioned its legal workload to the Office of the Attorney General.  Our office interacts with the Office of the Attorney General on a daily basis.  As CTC discipline looks very different from the policies and procedures used by other California licensing agencies, there has been a process of adaptation.  The CTC, which once favored license suspensions, now imposes more complex probationary terms common with other California licenses due to the Attorney General’s influence.  Ray & Bishop is involved in this process and has the knowledge, experience and insights to negotiate with and interact with the Office of the Attorney General in a manner that maximizes the opportunities for a good result for our client.