Felon in Texas wants job as teacher

Hello, Do you know if someone who received Deferred Adjudication for a felony assault could receive Teaching Certification in Texas and teach?

Thank you

Felon in Texas wants job as teacher

Hello,

In most cases I would not attempt an answer for a question of this nature because I am not a legal professional. I believe there are other ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs that are in similar situations, I will offer a suggestion. My understanding of deferred adjudication is, there is an initial plea of guilty. It is my understanding, once the conditions of the deferment are met (typically a fine and probation,) the charges are formally dropped. Since there is no conviction, you may legally answer “no” when the questions asked “Have you been convicted….” The charges although formally dropped, they will still remain as a charge and will appear on background checks as a charge and not a conviction.

Here is the tricky part. Even though the charges are dropped the deferment will always be visible to law enforcement the court system and government agencies. Since a state agency certifies teachers, it will be visible. Too many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs assume that their convictions make them ineligible for hire. My suggestion is that you contact the State Board for Educator Certification to find out if your conviction will keep you from being certified in Texas. You can reach them here:

State Board for Educator Certification
1701 N. Congress Ave.
WBT 5-100
Austin, Texas 78701
(512) 463-9734

I hope this helps.