. 1 BEFORE THE TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION

2 OF THE STATE OF OREGON

3 In the Matter of the _ )

4 Teaching License of ) STIPULATION OF FACTS

g MATTHEW TAYLOR RAMA g AND ORDER OF PROBATION

7 On or about September 5, 2002, the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission

8 (Commission) received a complete application for a Transitional Teaching License from

9 Matthew Taylor Rama (Rama). Mr. Rama reported criminal convictions on the character
10 question section of Application for Educator Licensure Form C-1. Mr. Rama provided
11 documentation of convictions for alcohol related behavior. On September 16, 2002, at the
12 request of the Commission, Mr. Rama participated in an evaluation for alcohol dependence at
13 the Warm Springs Community Counseling Center.
14 After review of the facts in this matter, Mr. Rama and the Executive Director agree that
15 their respective interests, together with the public interests, are best served by a stipulation to
r6 certain facts and the issuance of licensure subject to a three (3) year probation.
17 This Order sets forth the facts upon which the parties have agreed and the sanction to
18 be imposed. Mr. Rama stipulates that there are sufficient facts contained in the Commission's
19 files and records to support the findings of fact and conclusion of law set forth below. In
20 entering into this stipulation, Mr. Rama waives the right to a hearing to contest the findings of
21 fact, conclusion of law and order set forth below. Mr. Rama understands that the Commission
22 will impose a three (3) year probation with specific conditions.
23 This stipulation is contingent upon approval and adoption of the Order by the
24 Commission. If the Commission does not adopt this Order, neither Mr. Rama nor the
25 Commission are bound by these Stipulations and Mr. Rama retains all rights to a hearing on the
26 allegations.
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Page 1 STIPULATION OF FACTS AND ORDER OF PROBATION - RAMA

1 STIPULATION OF FACTS
' 1. On September 5, 2002, The Commission received a complete application for a
3 Transitional Teaching License from Matthew Taylor Rama.
4 2. Mr. Rama currently holds a South Dakota Teaching License issued October 3, 2000,
5 valid for five years.
6 3. Mr. Rama's criminal convictions in the State of Nebraska are:
7 1992 - Driving under the Influence, Minor in Possession, and Violation of Probation
8 (failure to attend an alcohol education class);
9 1993 - Disturbing the Peace;
10 1997 - Driving Under the Influence; and
11 1998 - Driving Under the Influence.
12 4. Mr. Rama declares that he has no prior or subsequent criminal convictions in any court
13 of law.
. IT IS SO STIPULATED:
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16 att -w Taylor P -ma Date
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18 ictoria Chrom rlain, Exe tive Director Date
19 CONCLUSION OF LAW
20 Matthew Taylor Rama’s criminal convictions constitute Gross Unfitness as defined in
21 OAR 580-020-0040(5)(c). Conviction of a crime may be used as evidence to establish an
22 applicant's lack of fitness to serve as an educator pursuant to ORS 342.143.
23 ORDER
24 The Commission adopts the above Findings of Fact and places Mr. Rama on probation
25 for three (3) years.
26 The Commission, authorizes issuance of a Transitional Teaching License to Matthew
‘ Taylor Rama subject to all standard terms and conditions and subject to the following special
28 terms of probation: I
Page 2 STIPULATION OF FACTS AND ORDER OF PROBATION - RAMA

1 1. The Commission places Mr. Rama on a three (3) year probation to commence the issuance
. date of a Transitional Teaching License.
3 2. The probation shall remain in effect subject to the following conditions:
4 a. Mr. Rama shall conduct him self as a law-abiding citizen;
5 b. Mr. Rama shall report in writing within ten days to the Executive Director of the
6 Commission any arrest or citation for any felony, misdemeanor, major traffic
7 violation;
8 c. Mr. Rama shall comply with the Standards for Competent and Ethical Performance
9 of Oregon Educators under OAR 584, Division 020.
1O Violation of any of the terms of probation shall constitute an independent basis for the
11 Commission to revoke Mr. Rama's teaching license or otherwise impose discipline, after first
12 providing Mr. Rama with notice and opportunity for hearing.
13 IT IS SO ORDERED this [2 day of October 2002.
. TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION
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17 |ctoria Cham erlain Executive rector [1003021
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Page 3 STIPULATION OF FACTS AND ORDER OF PROBATION - RAMA