There are teaching jobs available all over the country. There are so many openings that need to be filled that in some counties they are recruiting teachers from other countries to come to America. There are many ex-felons who may also consider whether or not they can get those jobs being advertised. When you learn the answer to the question of if an ex-felon can become a teacher you may be surprised.
Being an ex-felon doesn’t automatically disqualify you from becoming a teacher in America. It all depends on what the crime was that you committed to be convicted of the felony. If your conviction had something to do with a sexual crime, for example, then you will most likely not be allowed to become a teacher in the traditional sense. There are some types of felonies that would not disqualify you from being a teacher.
What the Information States :::: Most school districts around the nation have websites, where they will list any open positions within the district. They will list teaching positions so that people in the public know what types of teachers they are hiring for. It is in this section that you will find out if an ex-felon can become a teacher in that district. The information they provide there should let you know their policy about past convictions.
You can read the school district websites to see what their policy is regarding hiring ex-felons. You can also contact them to inquire about what the policy is. Most are not going to have a blanket statement against hiring ex-felons. They are going to be more concerned with what the crime was that you were convicted of. The nature of the crime is what will help determine whether or not you can be hired as a teacher as an ex-felon.
Some of the types of crimes that will usually keep you from becoming a teacher, at least in a public school, include those involving sexual misconduct, murder, aggravated battery or assault, kidnapping, luring a child, adult or child abuse or neglect, etc. There are others, but it all depends on the school district you are applying with and the laws in that state, which are set forth by the state education department.
Another option is to contact the department of education for the state that you live in. Each state has a department of education that oversees the schools in that state. They will have information regarding hiring requirements and how to become a teacher in that state. They will be able to help you determine if you can become a teacher as an ex-felon within your state.
Their office can review the nature of the crime you were convicted of and then tell you if there is any chance you can teach in that state. They may have suggestions regarding how to move forward, if they feel your criminal record is one that would not disqualify you from becoming a teacher in that state. Contact them for information, clarification, an evaluation of your criminal record, and for details on if you can move forward to become a teacher.
Addition Routes to Teaching as an Ex-Felon
If you are an ex-felon who has their heart set on teaching, you still have options you can explore. The information above focused on teaching in public schools. They have standards that are stricter when it comes to who can become a teacher in their districts. You still have options that you can consider though that will help you become a teacher, even though it’s not at a public school.
Some of the other options you may want to consider exploring include:
- Private schools. Most private schools go by their own standards and rules and they are not as strict as those set forth by the state’s education department. Look at the private schools in your area and see what their rules are regarding hiring an ex-felon to be a teacher. They should have the information posted on their website, or you can always email them to get the policy and have your questions answered. Private schools may be run by religious institutions, as well as organizations or for-profit groups.
- Your own programs. As discussed below, if you have a talent or skill that you want to teach to others, you can likely do that in a private setting. You can offer classes at a local rec center, in the park, or at Panera Bread. You just need to find a place where you can hold the classes and then find the students who want to take them.
- Prisons and substance abuse centers. Lots of different types of institutions like these hire teachers for a variety of programs. Depending on the nature of the crime you were convicted of, they may allow you to work in such settings. Check with the various places to see what their policy is regarding hiring ex-felons as teachers.
- International opportunities. If you are willing to move out of the country, you may be able to get a job as a teacher in another country. You will need to see what their policies are.
What you want to teach is also going to impact your options regarding becoming a teacher as an ex-felon. If you are someone who is an artist or yoga teacher, for example, and you want to teach art or yoga classes that are something you can do on your own. You don’t have to follow the rules set forth by the department of education. You can offer them in your community, or you can also offer online classes.
Some people have a calling to be a teacher. If that is you, then despite being an ex-felon you are going to want to find a way to teacher. There are options for you. Find the one that will work for you, which may be heavily influenced by the nature of the crime that you were convicted of. Consider the options and determine which route will be best for you and to meet your goals.
