This question came up in a California case. In that case the ruling held that the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing cannot merely cite the fact of a DUI conviction and proceed to suspend or revoke a teaching credential. Instead, they must affirmatively demonstrate that the person is unfit to teach, and that must be done by applying the 7-factor test The seven factors include: 1) The likelihood that the conduct may have adversely affected students or fellow teachers and the degree of such adversity anticipated; 2) The proximity or remoteness in time of the conduct; 3) The type of teaching certificate held by the party involved; 4) The extenuating or aggravating circumstances, if any, surrounding the conduct; 5) The praiseworthiness or blameworthiness of the motives resulting in the conduct; 6) The likelihood of the recurrence of the questioned conduct; and 7) The extent to which disciplinary action may inflict an adverse impact or chilling effect upon the constitutional rights of the teacher involved or other teachers. These factors have now been incorporated into an administrative regulation (see 5 Cal. Admin. Code. ? 80302.) Yes you should attend the hearing. Not attending the hearing could send the message that you should be suspended.
Answered on Mar 05th, 2012 at 3:19 PM