El derecho a la defensa de los docentes en los sumarios administrativos educativos: análisis de su protección jurisdiccional en el proceso contencioso administrativo regulado por el COGEP.

Abstract

Abstract: This research analyzes the impact on the constitutional right to a defense for teachers subject to administrative disciplinary proceedings within Ecuador's National Education System, as well as the repercussions for contentious-administrative proceedings regulated by the Organic General Code of Processes (COGEP). The study acknowledges that the State's disciplinary authority must be exercised within strict parameters of due process, guaranteeing rights established in the Constitution, national educational regulations, and international human rights instruments. Employing a qualitative, descriptive, analytical, and proposal-oriented approach, the study utilized legal-dogmatic, exegetical, hermeneutic, and comparative methods, alongside an analysis of doctrine, regulations, and national and international case law. The results demonstrate that, although Ecuador possesses a protective legal framework, difficulties persist regarding the substantiation of administrative acts, the evaluation of evidence, the application of the adversarial principle, and the proportionality of sanctions. Finally, the study proposes guidelines aimed at strengthening teacher disciplinary proceedings, enhancing defense guarantees, and promoting an educational administration that is fairer, more transparent, and respectful of fundamental rights.