Appealing a Decision Concerning Certification

Appeals Process

An appeal process has been developed for candidates who are denied admission to the teacher education program or student teaching, or whose pursuit of program completion is believed by the candidate to have been compromised. The Teacher Education Council will consider an initial appeal. The Dean of the School of Education, whose decision will be final, will hear a final appeal as necessary.

Initial Appeal

The candidate will submit a written request to the Director of Teacher Education asking to have the decision reviewed by the Teacher Education Council (TEC). The Dean of the School of Education will not be involved in the TEC during this review. This request must be submitted no later than 15 business days from the date of written notification that admittance has been denied. The letter must also include a detailed explanation regarding the candidate's rationale for requesting the appeal. The Director of Teacher Education will convene a meeting of the Teacher Education Council to review the decision of the faculty evaluators during the portfolio process. The TEC will vote to support or reverse that decision. Procedures for this meeting are as follows:

  • The candidate will present her/his case, discussing the rationale for requesting the appeal.
  • No new documents/additions to the portfolio will be considered.
  • A time limit of thirty minutes will be allowed, during which time the members of the TEC may ask questions.
  • The appeal will be discussed in closed session by the TEC.
  • The candidate will be notified in writing within seven business days of the TEC decision.

Final Appeal

If the candidate does not agree with the outcome of the TEC review, the candidate may appeal directly to the Dean of the School of Education. The candidate is required to notify the Office of the Director of Teacher Education of her/his intent to appeal the decision of the TEC within fifteen business days of the TEC review.

The Director of Teacher Education will then notify the Dean, who will review all documents and meeting minutes prior to making a decision in the matter. The decision of the Dean will be final.