Education Majors: Criminal Charges Can Prevent You From Becoming a Teacher in Kentucky
If your child is studying education at a Kentucky university — UK, UofL, EKU, WKU, Murray State, Morehead State, NKU, or KSU — and they’ve been charged with a crime, their teaching career may be at stake. The Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) requires character and fitness evaluations for all teaching certification applicants, and criminal history is examined carefully. Certain convictions can result in permanent denial of certification.
At Clark + Harris, we represent Kentucky education majors facing criminal charges, tailoring our defense strategy to protect their ability to obtain teaching certification after graduation.
Kentucky Teaching Certification Requirements
To teach in Kentucky public schools, graduates must obtain certification through the EPSB. The certification process includes a criminal background check through the Kentucky State Police and FBI, as well as a character and fitness evaluation. KRS 161.120 grants the EPSB authority to deny, suspend, or revoke teaching certificates based on criminal convictions.
Offenses That Can Prevent Certification
Certain offenses are particularly problematic for teaching certification:
- Sex offenses — any sexual offense conviction is typically an absolute bar to teaching certification
- Violent crimes — assault, domestic violence, and other violent offenses raise serious fitness concerns given the responsibility of working with children
- Drug offenses — substance-related convictions are scrutinized because of the school environment
- Theft and dishonesty — crimes of moral turpitude affect character evaluations
- DUI — while not automatically disqualifying, DUI convictions require explanation and can delay certification
Clinical Placement Background Checks
Before certification, education majors must complete clinical placements (student teaching) in Kentucky schools. School districts require criminal background checks for all student teachers, and a criminal record can prevent placement — effectively preventing program completion even before the certification question arises.
Defense Strategies for Education Majors
Clark + Harris employs specific strategies for education students:
- Prioritizing charge dismissal — avoiding any conviction is the strongest protection for certification eligibility
- Diversion and deferred prosecution — completing these programs demonstrates responsibility while avoiding conviction
- Charge reduction negotiations — when conviction is unavoidable, reducing to lesser offenses that are less problematic for EPSB review
- Campus conduct defense — preventing university disciplinary findings that could independently affect program completion
- EPSB consultation — understanding the EPSB’s specific requirements and tailoring the defense accordingly
- Expungement planning — timing expungement to occur before clinical placements or certification applications
Call Clark + Harris — 859-474-0001
If your child is an education major facing criminal charges at a Kentucky university, their teaching career depends on how the case is handled. Call Clark + Harris at 859-474-0001 for a consultation.
Clark + Harris — Protecting Kentucky education students’ teaching careers through strategic criminal defense. Call 859-474-0001.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I contact Clark + Harris after being charged in Kentucky?
As soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and often leads to better outcomes. Call 859-474-0001 — we respond promptly to new inquiries.
Does Clark + Harris represent clients throughout Kentucky?
Yes. We represent clients in all 120 Kentucky counties, both state District and Circuit courts, and federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.
What happens during a free consultation with Clark + Harris?
We review the specific charges and evidence, discuss available defenses, explain the likely process in the relevant court, and give you a clear roadmap of next steps — at no cost to you.
Related Resources
If this information applied to your situation, the following Clark + Harris guides may also be helpful:
- How to Protect Your College Student’s Future After a Kentucky Criminal Charge
- Greek Life Criminal Charges at Kentucky Universities: Fraternities, Sororities, and the Law
- Kentucky College Student Probation: What Happens to Your Enrollment?
- Study Abroad at Risk: How Criminal Charges Affect International Travel for Kentucky Students
- Kentucky College Student Emergency Contacts: What to Do in the First 24 Hours After an Arrest