Can I still become a teacher with a possession of paraphernalia on my record?

Question

I have an otherwise clean record.
I want to teach elementary school.
Will they look at this as a college screw up?
I am 20 yrs old.
No other charges were given other than the misdemeanor of drug paraphernalia.
How long will drug paraphernalia be on my record?
Please help. Thank you.

Answer 1

Call the cops and ask them!
I donna, well I think it may be in part the personal preference of your boss as well remember.
Because, you know its one thing to do this or that once in a while, and another is to get caught. I think you gotta be doing something lots to be caught for it.
So, best of luck, let us know how it went! Also, if they ask you about it, just be honest and let them know its something that you did, and not that you do, right?

-N.

Answer 2

It may be several years before the paraphernalia charge is expunged from your record. It also helps that the charge is a misdemeanor. Depends on the laws in your state.

As for your being hired as a teacher in spite of this, it will depend on what school district you're applying to and if board members are especially vigilant in excluding any teaching candidate with even the most minor of offenses. The same also holds true if you plan on working at a private school. It will also depend on how stringent community standards are.

Some will expect you to live a monastic, almost celibate lifestyle. But you shouldn't let that discourage you from pursuing your passion (and it should be a passion because the money sucks and you'll have to put up with a lot of crap from both administrators and parents). If there's a shortage of teachers in whatever district you applying, you shouldn't have much of a problem in securing a teaching position.

Good luck!