I've just accepted an ELA teaching position from a Charter School in Houston!! I go in tomorrow so they can make a copy of my social, DL, and certificates... I'm so happy I didn't think this would ever happen. But here's a little problem. I have a little misdemeanor on my record from 2004. Houston ISD hired me anyway, will a charter school be more strict on a matter like this? I want to tell *everyone* I know that I was hired and celebrate, but there's a part of my worrying about the background check.
Congratulations on the job offer! I don't think that it will be a problem, but I'm not sure. Did they ask you if you have a criminal record on your application?
So do they have yet to do a background check? I guess it depends on what they will consider a problem. Good luck! I hope you still get your spot.
Is this from the job fair today?? If so, did they just do a phone interview or were you able to make it by there today?
Oh no... this is definitely not from the job fair today. The job fair was a waste, this offer was from a 2 part interview I had last week and the week before. Thanks for all your support guys!
I went in today with my transcript, social, and other paper work. The principal did the background himself on the computer in front of me (it's a small school).. he said he would have to put everything on hold for now. He says he'll contact the main office and let me know later this week
oh, I'm sorry. Principals aren't very aware of those kind of things so he probably just needs to hear from personnel.
Oh, sorry. Hopefully it will be no big deal. If another school hired you, you would think it would be the same. Good Luck!
Doesn't anyone break the law anymore these days? Geez! Anyway, it was over 5 years ago... hopefully they take that into consideration. This sucks. My job search continues because I have to prepare for the worst.
Congratulations! Being open and honest about your past is always best. If they found out later, you would be terminated immediately. So, better to get it out of the way! Just knowing that you already worked for another district is HUGE. This is just a formality, I hope! All the best!
The principal said he would call me this week. I still don't know anything yet. I know I'm just feelin' sorry for myself... but I feel like things are always more of a struggle for me than for everyone else.
I think it will work out. I agree with the previous poster.. the principal is probably just being cautious because he isn't sure of the protocol, especially since it's a small school. It will be okay and then you can fully celebrate!
I have a loved one with a misdemeanor and it doesn't come up on background checks in California. Did you have to answer a "were you ever arrested?" question on your application? If not, you should be fine. And, often age and years past since the crime factors into whether or not an potential employer holds it against you.
I put it my offense on the application, but I didn't fill out the paper application until 5 minutes before the principal did the background check on me. He just wanted a paper application on file for me because I never filled one out. He didn't even read it. And yes, I had to answer the have you ever been arrested question. I'll forever have to mark yes to that question... California is a very liberal state when it comes to background checks, Texas isn't as forgiving.
I agree. As I've mentioned on another post, I know an effective teacher that was fired for behavior showing a lack of moral character (partying a little too much and seen by parents). She did nothing illegal (at least not caught). She was fired. They wouldn't even allow her to resign. So, alot of places in Texas, in particularly the smaller communities are very conservative. And the contracts I've signed both have moral character clauses. Anyways, Darlibby...I think you handled this situation the best you can. People aren't perfect. admit you made a mistake and be able to show how you corrected your behavior. Isn't that what we want our teachers to be able to show our kids???? It seems like if HISD overlooked this mistake that other districts would also accept it. We are all wishing the best for you.
I emailed the Principal today and his exact response was, "We did not decide on it yet. I do not know how long it will take. We are having interviews with the other candidates." I think that basically means they are interviewing other people for my position. I'm sad.
Don't give up hope! It could just be that internal people or some other applicants came through that they have to go through the formality. It could also be that there is some other red tape (ie, someone hasn't processed the paperwork) and this is a standard answer to keep you from getting your hopes up. It could have nothing to do with any of this.
I really don't think he has a standard answer. When the principal did the background check (in front of me) he said it was the first time the problem came and he would have to check on it. Why would he just say "I do not know"?
I'm sorry that they haven't decided if it will be alright or not yet, darlibby and I'll keep hoping for the best for you.
