As an educator, you are committed to supporting the development of your students and serving the community. You’ve poured so much time and energy into your profession, which is why a Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) complaint can be so unsettling.
If you receive a CTC complaint, you need to mount a strong teaching certificate defense. Bringing in character references is one impactful way of bolstering your defense and protecting your license. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Character Reference?
A character reference is a letter or written statement from someone who knows you well and can speak to your positive qualities. Character references are supposed to provide the CTC with a complete picture of who you are and your dedication to the profession.
There are over 300,000 fully licensed teachers in California and thousands more with preliminary credentials. While the CTC has access to your license information and file, the people who have your fate in their hands do not know very much about who you are. Character references help fill in the blanks so that the commission can look beyond the complaint.
Who Can Serve as Character References in Teaching Certificate Defense Cases?
Generally speaking, anyone who knows you well can serve as a character reference in teaching certificate defense proceedings. A few examples include:
- Family members
- Employers or supervisors
- Friends
- Community leaders
- Coworkers
- Past or current students (or their parents)
While you are allowed to submit more than one character reference, you don’t want to inundate the CTC with information. Therefore, you should focus on a few individuals who know you best and can attest to the quality of your character.
What to Look For in a Character Reference
When choosing a character reference, you should focus on individuals who possess the following:
A Reputation That Speaks for Itself
A person who writes a character reference is lending you some of their credibility. You want to choose someone whom the CTC will view as trustworthy and reputable. For instance, obtaining a reference letter from a beloved teacher with decades of experience can help support your teaching certificate defense arguments.
Similarly, seeking a reference from a community member who is heavily involved in the local education system will help showcase your involvement and commitment to the area in which you work.
Honesty and Sincerity
The best references are sincere and honest. They don’t exaggerate your character but can give an authentic account of your attributes and past behavior. Exaggerations can hurt your case, whereas credible accounts are much more persuasive.
Clear Language and a Positive Tone
Character reference letters must be structured well and easy to read. Your references need to be concise and create content that adds value to your case.
Extensive Knowledge About You
Each reference letter should briefly outline the person’s relationship and history with you. They should include how long the two of you have known each other and the context of your interactions.
How to Structure Character References
Character reference letters should follow this basic format:
- Introduction of the Author: The writer should state who they are and how the two of you are acquainted
- Positive Personal Qualities: Highlight your specific positive traits and provide concrete examples when possible
- Relevant Experiences: Share situations where you demonstrated commendable behavior
- Statement of Support: Clearly express belief in your character and recommend that you retain your certificate
- Contact Information: End with contact details so the board can reach out for clarification if needed
Character reference letters should be one to two pages at most. The board may not thoroughly read longer letters or may perceive them as exaggerated.
How Character References Can Strengthen Your Teaching Certificate Defense
Incorporating character references into your defense strategy can:
Humanize You
The CTC handles countless allegations every year. As a result, some board members may struggle to look past the complaint and consider the person whose fate is in their hands. Character references offer a more well-rounded view of who you are and what you’ve achieved in your personal and professional life.
Humanization can evoke empathy from the review board and potentially lead to more lenient outcomes. Providing context about who you are can promote more informed decisions and reduce the risk of apathetic or procedural treatment from the board.
Highlight Your Professionalism
Allegations of misconduct or complaints about teachers should not be examined in a vacuum. Even if you make a mistake, the board should look at that issue in the context of your entire professional journey. How severe was the mistake? Are there any mitigating factors? What are the long-term consequences of suspending or revoking your teaching certificate?
These are all of the questions you want the CTC to be asking when making a decision about your license. Character references shed light on the impacts you’ve made as a teacher and how future students will be deprived of your talents if your license is revoked.
References from past and current students can be particularly impactful. Consider reaching out to students or their parents as you fight for your right to teach.
Show That the Community Supports You
Letters from community members or local leaders demonstrate your involvement beyond the classroom. You have worked hard to shape the community and better the world around you. Use character references to showcase your reach and commitment.
When the community shows up to defend you, the disciplinary board will realize the value you bring to the table. They may even show you leniency and give you an opportunity to do what you love.
Speak to a Teaching Certificate Defense Attorney Today
Are you facing allegations of misconduct or in danger of disciplinary action? If so, character references may be able to help you protect your license. However, you’ll also need an experienced license defense lawyer in your corner.
Unlock Legal and our team of teacher certification defense attorneys are here to fight for your professional reputation. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
