Educational professionals who may be facing disciplinary action, or are at risk of termination, likely need legal advice as quickly as possible. You may face unwarranted disciplinary actions, including suspension or termination, and need help protecting your job and preserving your career. You may suffer retaliation for speaking up about a situation in your school or asserting your legal rights. The advice and protection of an Ann Arbor, MI, teacher discipline lawyer benefit you in many ways. We know the law and what protections it offers, and with our decades of combined experience, we can pinpoint when your rights have been violated.
The K Altman Law legal team has protected many educators like you in cases of lack of due process in termination of employment, inconsistent policies, discrimination, retaliation, and lack of protection from false allegations. We listen to you, protect you, and advocate for you in court and out. Contact us today—don’t risk your future.
Ann Arbor Teacher Discipline Lawyer Protecting Teachers
Disciplinary actions taken against you as a teacher can have repercussions that extend beyond the walls of your school. Educators enjoy a certain reputation in their community, as well, so when actions are taken against you at work, the consequences often affect your social standing in your community and your reputation. We know that disciplinary actions that lead to termination can be very serious matters.
Usually, these actions start with an investigation by the school district into the complaint, so it’s important to secure legal representation right away. We can protect you from being railroaded in the process and ensure that your rights and civil liberties are respected during the investigation. Once the school district (or other governing body) has determined whether there was cause for action, they take action. You could lose your job or even risk your license to teach. We ensure that you are given fair consideration at every stage of the investigation.
Usually, you will be given written notification of the allegations and permitted a hearing to respond to them. We can advocate for you in the hearing and arbitration if that is in your contract. We can develop a case alongside you based on evidence and points of Michigan law. You have the right to due process in disciplinary action and the right to be presumed not guilty of the charges unless proven otherwise. You also have the right to have legal protection and representation throughout the entire process.
Reasons To Hire an Educational Defense Lawyer
An educator may be subject to discipline for violation of school policies, violations of state or federal laws, violations of state or federal laws, general misconduct, physical or verbal abuse, or neglect of duty. These are just a few charges that could be laid against you. You may be fined or disciplined due to unprofessional conduct or unethical actions. We also know that many teachers face false allegations, usually from angry students who may disagree with your grading, classroom discipline, or other reasons. We view each charge against you through the lens of your innocence and work hard to prove it.
If you are facing disciplinary action or termination, you deserve strong legal protection, and the legal team from K Altman Law is here to ensure that you get it. Contact us today for a consultation with an Ann Arbor teacher discipline lawyer.
Steps to Take When Facing Disciplinary Action as a Teacher
When a teacher is notified of pending disciplinary action due to allegations of misconduct, the situation can feel overwhelming, but our Ann Arbor, MI teacher discipline lawyer is here to help. These cases can involve allegations related to conduct, performance, or violations of school policies, and may put a career, license, and reputation at risk. Acting early and following a clear approach can make a major difference in how the matter is resolved.
Attorney Keith Altman founded our firm with a mission to prioritize legal fairness and justice for all of his clients. After witnessing first hand countless students and individuals struggling against powerful institutions without the support that they need, he is dedicated to providing passionate and dedicated representation for your legal needs. If you are facing disciplinary proceedings or consequences, contact K Altman Law today to receive the dedicated representation that you deserve.
Review the Notice or Letter Received
This document usually outlines the alleged conduct, the applicable policy or rule, and the next steps in the disciplinary process. It’s important to read it carefully and avoid responding immediately out of frustration or emotion. At this stage, writing or speaking without legal support can cause more harm than good. We advise taking time to gather facts and understand what’s being claimed before doing anything else.
Collect Relevant Records and Communications
This includes emails, personnel files, performance reviews, and any written statements or evaluations related to the incident or issue in question. If witnesses or other employees were involved, making note of who might have important information can also be helpful. These materials may be important during the investigation or appeal process, and preparing them early gives a clearer picture of what occurred. Our Ann Arbor teacher discipline attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence for your case.
Understand the Disciplinary Process Laid Out By the School or District
In many cases, there will be an internal investigation followed by a hearing or meeting. Teachers often have a right to respond to allegations, either in writing or in person, and may be allowed to have representation present. Our teacher discipline lawyer can help review school policy and outline what rights a teacher has throughout the process.
Maintain Professional Conduct Throughout the Entire Process
Maintaining professional conduct throughout is essential. While it’s natural to feel defensive, responding with hostility or violating communication policies can hurt the case. We recommend keeping interactions with administrators and school officials respectful and documented in writing whenever possible. Even informal conversations can be important, so keeping notes or saving emails is a good practice.
Appeal the Decision, if Necessary
If disciplinary action is ultimately imposed, such as suspension, demotion, or termination, there may still be an opportunity to appeal. Many school systems have procedures in place to review decisions, and in some cases, matters can be taken to a state-level board or hearing. This process can involve legal arguments, written filings, and appearances before decision-makers. If you are in need of assistance with your appeal, our Michigan teacher discipline lawyer is here to help you.
Contact Our Ann Arbor Teacher Discipline Lawyer Today
Facing disciplinary action is never easy, but it’s important to approach each step with preparation and care. Teachers have rights and should be treated fairly, no matter the allegations. Our firm helps educators protect their careers and reputations by offering guidance at each stage of the process. If you’re facing disciplinary action, contact K Altman Law for the support that you need.
