[InTheArmsOfGod]

I have 3 questions that involves teaching for the state of Florida if anyone should know.

1. How far do background checks go for prospective teachers? Meaning, do they only look at "convictions" and not arrests?

2. This question is for those who are familiar with the question process when you are being interviewed. Provided you have no convictions on your record, will you still be asked about misdemeanor/felony arrests in your past that have either been expunged or sealed by the courts?

3. Lastly, provided one has admitted and explained to their prior arrest and eventual outcome, what are there chances of being able to teach?

For simpler clarification, I am needing to know if the school board will ask you about prior arrests or not? And if they do, do they use that arrest against you in determining whether you should be allowed to teach or not? The crime in itself does not involve any actions that would put a child at risk (i.e. abuse, sexual abuse, alcohol, drugs, firearm)

Any help with this matter or directions to where I can find proper answers is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[Fr_Chuck]

They can not see "arrests" this is not part of your background unless you are applying for law enforcement or national security positions.

Normally they will do a normal background on criminal which shows every conviction you had as a adult

They may ask you about any charges involving child abuse spouse abuse and related crimes.

But remember if people in the area know you, or if this material is available by talking to references and things like that, anything can be discussed. The main issue is that arrests do not show up on regular police reports.

If they use some private agency at times they find things that the police report seals since they are not obligated to the laws sealign the record.

So you list anything on your record, to be sure , go to the local police station and ask them to run a criminal history on yourself

[DoulaLC]

In my district... You will be asked for a yes or no and an explanation if necessary regarding any past felony charges. You will also have a fingerprint check. Even volunteers and substitutes in schools will be fingerprinted and checked.

[InTheArmsOfGod]

In my district.....You will be asked for a yes or no and an explanation if necessary regarding any past felony charges. You will also have a fingerprint check. Even volunteers and substitutes in schools will be fingerprinted and checked.

Do you know if you are disqualified for a past arrest (in your district)?

Thanks for your answers!

[DoulaLC]

Do you know if you are disqualified for a past arrest (in your district)?

Thanks for your answers!

I went directly to the district website to double check, so that would be a good place to look if you are wanting to know specifically for your area. This is what my district covers:
Will not hire for felony convictions for violence, sale of controlled substance, sexually related crimes, indecent exposure, child abuse. MAY for some misdemeanor convictions not in the last 10 years, and some lesser ones not in the last 5 years. They start to be more of a case by case situation when they are not felony convictions and what position you are looking for. Best bet would be to inquire where you want to try and get into.

[brandizzle]

I am a substitute teacher in Florida and have worked in the child care field in Florida. Jessie's law (I think) requires that all personnel working with children be fingerprinted and background checked. I would check the Florida department of education website and the county where you are applying. Most larger counties have online application processes and application information. For example, I live in the tampa bay area and know that all three of my surrounding counties, hillsborough, pasco, and pinellas, all offer online apps and hr info.