Felon feels background checks are unfair

Felon feels background checks are unfair

What happens when a potential employer does a background check on you 

Hi Eric,

Thanks for allowing this email, and starting your blog. Although I do not know your credentials, or where you get your knowledge, just knowing there is an open discourse is helpful to those of us who feel desperate.

I am an ex offender who was convicted in 1977, and 1978 for 2 separate offenses. 

1977 robbery- this was a teenage indiscretion of joyriding in a stolen car with someone who lifted a set of keys from a key hook on the wall in a home where we attended a party and then, staying silent after we were caught. The robbery charge is because the keys were stolen from inside the home, making it a point of law 1978 for possession of a controlled substance. The reason I give that summary is to articulate the injustice of this practice of culling ex-offenders from the workforce. 

Particularly someone who has not been in trouble for over 33 years. Especially when, for decades, I have been employed successfully. In fact, I have a B.A. and an Associates in Applied Science degree- both with honors. I am currently unemployed, and unable to get past the background requirements for employment, and have been eliminated from numerous jobs that I would otherwise have gotten.

 My questions are these:

1.) How is it not a violation of our constitutional rights for a potential employer to data mine our info. without standing? And, have us self incriminate as a pre-employment requirement? Isn't the Constitutional protections for minority rights?

2.) What are the statistics of ex- offenders currently in USA? In other words how many millions of people are affected by this practice? Has this been challenged in the courts?

My belief is that our Constitution is piece of paper that becomes animated by the people who stand up for their own rights. After all, it is the minority that needs the protections, not majority opinion. That is the purpose of the document. Furthermore, without class action, the ACLU will not challenge this practice. How could we mount a class action challenge to this practice? I could go on ad infinitum, but I will just close with a sincere thank you for the work you are doing to help others get through this.

Best Regards,

Pablo

Felon feels background checks are unfair

“Ban the Box” and Background Checks

Hello Pablo,

It is the responsibility of every employer to hire the best person they can find for any job. Having a criminal record does not necessarily eliminate you from consideration from any job. An employer is trying to get some idea of the type of people that are applying.

Too often with ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs assume that they were maligned because because they have criminal convictions. In many cases the may be correct but that is difficult or nearly impossible to prove. I am of African descent. I have often thought that was the reason that I didn't get many jobs that I know I was more than qualified for. Rather that wallow in anger and self-pity, my other choice was to keep applying for each and every job I felt I fit.

When speaking of the laws and the constitution, being a child of the sixties, I can tell you that laws do not change attitudes. Laws may say that I am equal but until individual prejudices go away, I will always have a difficult time.

My advice is to not give in to your frustrations but let them motivate you.

I hope this helps.

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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Background Checks  

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where can Ex-offenders Find Jobs

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Felon feels background checks are unfair

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Ex-offenders and felons can consider tech careers

We appreciate what you do for us, thanks a lot. I'm a violent ex-offender in vocational school in Florida for HVAC. I have an armed bank robbery charge, 1st time offender. I also am bilingual in Spanish. I want to eventually start my own business but my charge makes it difficult for me to do residential air conditioning. I'm aware I could do commercial but it seems to be a lot of obstacles for me to even get into the field with my charge and even more issues getting a contractors license later due to money and my charge. Therefore, I've been considering auto mechanic technician course, where it appears there will be less of a hassle to get work and start my own business in that.

So my question is, is it possible to get a really good opportunity as a auto mechanic tech with decent money and to start my own business in that despite my background or will I have better chances sticking to HVAC. Brother, I'm at the crossroads on this. I don't have a problem educating myself for a better life. It's just, being correct in the education for the situation that is. I could seriously take some sound advice and suggestions from you. I really appreciate this outlet you have provided for me and others.

Thanks man!

 Ex-offenders and felons can consider tech careers

A: Hello,

First of all, are you certain you cannot get a contractor's license? I meet too many ex-offenders and felons that assume that they are not eligible for certain types of employment because of their backgrounds.   To be sure you can, contact the licensing board to inquire if your conviction prohibits you from being licensed. You can contact them here:

Division of Professions
Construction Industry Licensing Board
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783


http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/cilb/index.html


With the large Hispanic population in Florida, there is opportunity for you to build a good HVAC business. Even if you choose an automotive career, you can either get a job working for larger automotive maintenance shops (Sears, Pep Boys, Strauss,) dealerships, independent garages or you could even start small and build a list of customers.

If you choose a job, be sure to let the employer know that you can be bonded.  Ex-offenders and felons can be bonded by the Federal Bonding Program.  Take a look at the videos below for more information.

Technical careers are a great alternative to jobs for felons and ex-offenders.

I hope this helps.

Jobs for Felons:  What is the Federal Bonding Program?

Jobs for Felons: How to Get a Federal Bond

This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!

Ex-offenders and felons can consider tech careers

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Trying to get a job with a misdemeanor

I have a misdemeanor on my record which is forgery and its hard finding a job. Do you have any tips on how to get a job with that on my record?

Jam,

Trying to get a job with a misdemeanor

Hello Jam,

Your particular charge is what is classified as an "integrity" crime. In the eyes of some, you cannot be trusted.  This means you will have a very difficult time getting a job anywhere money or valuables are at risk. You will definitely need to change your line of work.

My suggestion to you is to contact your local One-stop career center. They have a lot of services that can help unemployed people in different situations get jobs. Many of the counselors at these centers have experience assisting people with criminal backgrounds. You may also find success applying to smaller companies that tend to do less exhaustive background checks than larger companies. Ex-offenders and felons often have more success finding jobs when they know where to look.

Click the blinking gold link below.  It will take you to a huge list of companies that offer opportunities to people with criminal records.

You can find your local One-stop career center here:

www.servicelocator.org

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs?

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

 I hope this helps.

Trying to get a job with a misdemeanor

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The Truth about Background Checks

Which reputable company can I go to online or the most popular or common to do a background check on myself. I want to be able to know exactly what's on my record so I'll know what to put on my application when filling them out.

Thanks

Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs should know what is in their records

That's a very good question.

I encourage all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs to find out exactly what is in their respective criminal records. This will allow them to be honest when applying for jobs.

An employer may perform a background check through an investigative service or state or federal law enforcement agencies. The law allows public access to felony conviction records without consent of the person whose record is being checked. Local law enforcement agencies may provide this information for a fee.

The best and most accurate resource for criminal records is from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (The FBI)


Individuals can obtain a copy of their national criminal history record from the FBI by submitting a request to the address below.

In order to receive a copy of your FBI record for personal, employment, or international work requirements the FBI requires the following:

1) A signed written request with a brief explanation for the request and your complete return
mailing address.

2) Every request for records must contain two completed applicant fingerprint cards with all of the applicant's personal information (name, date of birth, place of birth, etc.) and a current set of 10 rolled fingerprints and eight flat finger impressions. Fingerprints and impressions must be taken by a local police department.

3) An $18.00 fee in U.S. currency by certified check or money order payable to the United States Treasury. This information is provided in compliance with the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.

FBI
CJIS Division
ATTN: SCU, MOD.D-2
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, West Virginia 26303
For more information, you may contact the FBI at 304-625-3878

An easier way to get an accurate copy of your criminal record is from your probation or parole officer. He/she can get it without a fee.

I hope this helps.

The Truth About Background Checks

The Truth About Background Checks

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Employment Background Checks: Know Your Rights

Jobs for ex-offenders and Felons: Expungement of Criminal Records

 

Ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs should know what is in their records

Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Places That Hire Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record | Background Check

Will educated felons be able to get corporate jobs?

Will educated felons be able to get corporate jobs?

 

Taking a lawbreaking past out of college applications

Hello,

I am a 25 year old college student currently working on my M.S. in Information and Communication Science. When I was 20 I was convicted of "Accessory to a felony after the fact" in Texas (the crime actually happened just 6 months after turning 18). I have not been in trouble with the law since and finished my 5 year probation with no problems. I am smart, attractive, and one of the only women in my program at school. My advisors keep telling me how easy it will be for me to get a job in computer science as a woman due to the lack of diversity amongst gender in many corporations. I am very fearful that I will not be able to get any job after graduation due to my felony record. I have contacted two lawyers in Texas about expungement but they have told me to quit dreaming and that felony expungements are far and few between in the state of Texas (I live in Michigan now). Is this true? Is there no chance for me to get this off my record ever? I am afraid that I have put all of this money into my education and still will not be able to get a successful job because of a stupid decision I made 7 years ago. What are my options? What is some general advice on this issue? Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

KN

Will educated felons be able to get corporate jobs?

Hello,

Expungement may not be an option for many ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs, but don not give up.  Layers are going to hate my next suggestion because there are attorneys who make their livings by helping people with the expungement process.  My suggestion is to contact your local legal aid office.  There, you will get valuable advice and you can find out if it is a a viable option for you.  If it is an option, you may be able to get low cost or even free assistance and if it can help your career.

I know of ex-offenders and convicted felons with far worse charges than yours who have gone on to have great careers. Companies hire people with criminal records everyday.  A bit of advice is whenever possible, apply for jobs using your resume and well written cover letters. Often by using this method, the criminal record question may never come up. If the question arises, always be honest while letting the person know the event in your life was an isolated incident and you are fortunate to have put it behind you. Also talk about how hard you have worked to overcome your past.

I'm sure you will make out just fine.  In the meantime, take a look at the article linked here:

Jobs for Felons: Companies Pledge Second Chance Opportunities

Jobs for Ex-offenders and felons: Sending Resumes and Cover Letters

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Employment Background Checks: Know Your Rights

Jobs for ex-offenders and Felons: Expungement of Criminal Records

 

Will educated felons be able to get corporate jobs?

 Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Places That Hire Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record

Relocating Felon needs a Job

I have a brother that has relocated to MD from NY. He has felonies in NY that are not felonies in this location. Do you have any tips or organizations that he may be able to try?


Thanks in advance.

 

Relocating Felon needs a Job

 

Just a little insight, a felony in one state does not downgrade in another state.  I'm not sure where your brother lives in Maryland, but the Maryland Dept. of Labor provides many services for the unemployed. Ex-offenders and felons can get info on available jobs and other valuable services. You can get more information here:

http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/uihelp.shtml

You can get information on available jobs, writing a resume or connections to training that could lead to a new career.

Also take a look at this page.  You will find a huge list of employers who will offer ex-offenders and felons a fair chance at job opportunities.  You can also search for open jobs in your local area and even sign up to have job openings sent to you:  Jobs for Felons

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where can Ex-offenders Find Jobs

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Resumes for Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record | Fair Chance Jobs | Second Chance Jobs for Felons    

Relocating Felon needs a Job

Felon needs a job for a new start

Dear Mr. Mayo,

I read your book and its a really good book.   I was wondering if in any way you can help me.  At the age of 17 (in 2002), I was accused and convicted of possession of a controlled substance.  Under the felony conviction, I received two years of intense probation which required me to be tested for drugs once a month, see my probation officer once a month and pay a $10.00 per month restitution charge.

 

In 2003 after being on probation for six months, I incurred a new felony charge, which violated the terms of my probation.  At the age of 18, they found cocaine on me I was charged with possession, intent to deliver and manufacturing of drugs. Both of my court cases were ran concurrently.  I received a four year sentence and served 18 mos in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

 

While being incarcerated, I took responsibility for my actions, paid the penalty for the crime and have been rehabilitated.  At the age of 17 and 18, I was young, immature and a victim of my circumstances.  I lived in a poverty-stricken neighborhood infested with drugs and economic injustice.  This is not an excuse for the crime I committed.  However, I became of product of my environment.  When I was exposed to better opportunities, I wanted to change my life and make a difference in my life and community.  I made immature mistakes and have since changed my life for the better.

 

 

Since being released from the Illinois Department of Corrections in 2007, I completed various training programs:  a Medical Assistant Program at Everest College in Merrionette Park IL and a Cosmetology Program at Canella Beauty School in Blue Island, Illinois.  I am trying to educate myself and make a positive contribution to society.

 

Eight years later at the age of 27, I pose no threat to society and would like to use my compassion and skills to help others in the healthcare industry.  In addition, I currently take care of my elderly uncle (age 70) who has multiple health issues. I currently have me CNA certificate I have been looking for a job for a while now and nobody doesn't want to give me a chance. I was wondering if you can help me.  I have been given a waiver for my convictions through Illinois Department of Public Health and every place I apply to tell me they doesn't accept waivers.  I've tried everything I really need your Sir. 

Angela

Felon needs a job for a new start

 

Hello Angela,

I'm sorry you are having so much trouble.  It seems that you are really trying to get together.  Unfortunately there are some obstacles.  You have a Cosmetology certificate.  If that is what you want to do, you should apply to small, independent hair salons.  You may have to start at the bottom by washing hair etc., but often if you want more, you have to pay your dues.

If you want a career in the medical field, as I often suggest to ex-offenders and felons looking for employment is to apply for temporary employment. There are temporary agencies that service the field of medicine.  Often companies end up hiring their temporary help. There is a twist for ex-offenders and felons when it comes to applying for temporary assignments. They should apply at smaller independent temporary employment agencies. Independent agencies don't have to deal with restrictions larger agencies may have placed on them by their parent companies as they relate to hiring ex-offenders and felons. They are free to hire anyone they choose. You can find listing in your local telephone directory and apply as you would any other job.  There are also home health aide and visiting nurse services that you also should apply to.

I also strongly recommend to all ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs is to go to the nearest One-stop Career Center.  There you will find a list of services that can help you find a job.  There are also trained counselors to assist you.  Many of these counselors have experience working with those who have criminal backgrounds and may know which employers have a history of hiring ex-offenders and felons.  You can find you nearest One-stop Career Center here:

One-Career Centers Nation-wide

Whenever you get an interview, remember to tell the interviewer that you can be bonded.  The Federal Bonding Program provides fidelity bonding insurance coverage to individuals with criminal histories and other high-risk job applicants who are qualified, but fail to get jobs because regular commercial bonding is denied due to their backgrounds.

Applications for federal bonding can be obtained through any Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) office or Illinois Employment Training Center (IETC)

    Contact:
    Re-entry Employment Service Program
    33 South State Street
    Chicago, IL 60603
    312-793-1107    

Web Site: www.ides.state.il.us/exoffenders

If you ever have an interview with a private employer, mention that they may be eligible for a federal tax credit just by giving you a chance.  The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit to reduce the federal tax liability of private for profit employers to be used as an incentive for employers to hire individuals from eight different targeted groups: TANF recipients, veterans, ex-felons, high risk youth, summer youth, Food Stamp recipients, SSI recipients, and vocational rehabilitation referrals.

 
Contact:
 
State wide Program Manager WOTC
33 South State Street
Chicago, IL 60612

312-793-1597
 
Web Site: www.ides.illinois.gov/page.aspx?item=80


I hope this helps.

Ex-offenders and convicted felons can get jobs with Federal Bonding Program

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Felon needs a job for a new start

Felon with college education needs a job

My husband has a felony, the charge is lewd and lascivious. It was an incident that happened about 6 years ago before we met. He had a drinking problem at the time and has not drank any alcohol in the past 5 years. After serving 7 months in prison for this crime he got out and went back to school.

He started at a community college and went on to be accepted to the Kansas University school of business and graduated with a degree in accounting with distinction which is no small feat! He graduated in December of '16 and has since been unable to find a job in his field.

He has had one offer that was later taken back after seeing his charge on paper and several interviews for jobs where I know he would have got them if it weren't for this charge. We tried to get it expunged but were unsuccessful. The judge did say we should try again later as he wasn't saying no forever. My husband is becoming increasingly disappointed and losing hope. He is a great, intelligent and changed man.

What more can we do?

Felon with college education needs a job

My suggestion is to apply for jobs by letter of application. By applying for jobs this way often allows ex-offenders and felons to get around the application process and never have to mention that he has a criminal record.  Many professional job seekers never fill out applications.  They send application letters to employers.  Take a look at the sample letter below.  It will give you an idea of how to put an application letter together.

Perhaps the best advice I can give anyone looking for a job, is to apply for all jobs you are qualified for.  Often felons will not apply for jobs because they feel that they will be rejected.  That is not a good practice.  Never eliminate yourself from jobs by not applying.  The more jobs you apply for, the better your opportunity to get interviews.

As far as applying for expungement,  this a legal process that I advise that you don't try without assistance.  I suggest contacting your local legal aid office.  you will find attorneys that can offer low cost and often even no cost assistance with getting this process done in an effective way.

I hope this helps.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Sending resumes and Cover Letters

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where can Ex-offenders Find Jobs

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

Felon with college education needs a job

Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Places That Hire Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record

Felon with DUI needs help finding jobs

Felon with DUI need help finding jobs

Hello,

In 2007 I was charged with two separate DUI offenses. The first one that I had ever received was in March and I got a second one in October. I received these charges during my own personal time off from work. At the time I was a driver for a beer distributor, ironically. I didn't report back to work because I was certain that I would be fired, after all I was unable to perform the job for which I was initially hired. Since then, I have had much difficulty finding a job, and it is extremely depressing. I have a family to support, and I am desperately seeking any help that I can get.

 Felon with DUI needs help finding jobs

Hello,

I'm guessing that your license has been taken away. Your career may be over and it may not be. I'm going to suggest two things. First, I suggest that look into a Certificate of Rehabilitation.  A Certificate of Rehabilitation is a court order, which declares that a person who has been convicted of a felony is rehabilitated. If a petition for a Certificate of Rehabilitation is granted, it is forwarded to the Governor by the granting court and constitutes an application for a pardon.

Then you want to look into a Certificate of Good Conduct. The purpose of is is to provide evidence that you have been rehabilitated for employment and other purposes. It shows you are a law-abiding citizen and fully rehabilitated. It has no other legal effect.


These certificates are not available in all states.  It would be a good idea to contact your local legal aid office where you may get assistance at a low cost or even no cost.


As always, I suggest ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs to contact their local One-stop Career center with help with their job search efforts. You can find the nearest center to you here:

http://www.servicelocator.org

I hope this helps.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Employment Background Checks: Know Your Rights

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where can Ex-offenders Find Jobs

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

 Companies Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Felons | Companies That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Ex-offenders | Employers That Hire Felons | Jobs For Felons | Jobs For Ex-offenders | Jobs That Hire Felons | Resumes for Felons | Felon Friendly Jobs | Felon Friendly Employers | Jobs for Felons | Jobs For People That Have Felonies | Jobs For People With A Criminal Record | DWI | DUI

Felon with DUI needs help finding jobs

Can Expungement help Me get a Job as a Nurse?

 Can Expungement help Me get a Job as a Nurse?

Hi,
And thank you for reading my email. I am a 35 yr old mother who committed a mistake years ago and still today it haunts me.

In the year of 2011 I was in need of a job and came across a guy in school who said he was security guard for a masseuse. Later on he said she was hiring and I'll learn as I go. We met and had a conversation. She explained very little and as we went for a ride gave me a receipt book and said we would talk about it more in a lobby of a hotel where she was staying as she is very busy and travels most of her time. Also asked me to go with security guy to collect payment as she would order food for us.

Story short, I knocked on door with security standing by elevator.  As I walk in, the gentleman hands me money and I don't accept but ask if before I can use restroom. I had a long ride. He replies yes. As I open door, I get bum rushed by the cops and arrested for prostitution.  I had nothing illegal or dressed provocative. The security left and the lady turned phone off. I was sent to county jail for three days and couldn't call family to bail me out with charges like that. In Long Island where it happened, fought it for a year and lowered it down from prostitution felony to misdemeanor violation/indecent exposure.

It's now 2018. Plz, do you think such a case can get expunged in NYC? I went to college have associates in paralegal. Would a violation be shown? I have friend lawyer and through nexus lexus wont show up criminal record but when I sent my fingerprint to FBI, saw that even if it got lowered to violation still shows I got arrested for prostitution.

I want to become a nurse. I don't drink or do drugs. I have 4 kids 17-15-8 and two months, single mom two honor roll kids. Pls, I know its a long story. Pls, I need your advice for 2015 to be a better year. I'm always afraid to go to interview I feel they would Know and don't know if they will believe my story. My life is over.

Help

Can Expungement help Me get a Job as a Nurse?

Hello,
I am not a legal professional, but to my knowledge, the State of New York allows for the sealing of certain convictions under certain circumstances.  I suggest that you speak to a legal professional about this for a more definitive answer.

You can contact the Legal Action Center for more information.  You can reach them here:
http://lac.org/index.php/lac/legal_services

For those outside of New Your state, I suggest contacting you local legal aid office.  There you can get information on expungement. sealing of records and Certificates of Rehabilitation in your state.  You may even qualify for low-cost or even no cost assistance.

Since you want to be a nurse, you will need to be licensed by the state and your record will come up.  Don't give up hope.  In the state of New York, you may be eligible for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or Certificate of Good Conduct.  These certificates serve as proof to the state that ex-offenders and felons have been rehabilitated and may help you to be licensed.

 Take a few minutes and look at the videos below.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: What Are Certificates, and Who Should Apply?

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: How to Apply for a Certificate of Relief

 

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: How to Apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct

 I hope this helps and best of luck to you.

Eric Mayo

 

Jobs for Felons: The Facts about Companies that Hire Ex offenders and Felons (2018)

  Can Expungement help Me get a Job as a Nurse?

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Jobs for Felons: Can I teach with an old Felony?

Jobs for Felons:  Can I teach with an old Felony?

I am a Black Man in America in 2018. I am having difficulty getting any employment because of a 1977 felony conviction. Since I got out in 1979, I got my college degree and two teaching licenses in two states-Indiana and Illinois. My “inability” to get employment seems as if this is nothing but a higher form of Jim Crow.

I realize that I am not by myself but this appears so unfair to people that are trying to live a totally new life.  So many people talk about “rehabilitation” but it seems as if it is just talk. I have also been a member of NA and AA for 32 years. I had a drug problem and I knew that if I resumed my habit, I would have returned to the penitentiary. I took care of that first because it was so important to do that.

I taught school for the public schools system for 13 years. I disclosed my felony conviction to the school system and it didn’t pose a problem to the system. Why is it posing a problem now?

I served my time and I have totally changed my life. Will I have to pay for this the rest of my life.  I was 26 years old when this happened and I am now 64 years old.

The law needs to be changed. Once a person serves his/her time that should be the end of it.
I don’t understand how I taught for the school system for 13 years and my background was disclosed.
There also has been no recidivism in my case. I can understand people going back to the penitentiary but I have only gone once. What I have done with my life should matter but it does not.  I always thought that the goal of incarceration was rehabilitation. Is it really?? Incarceration has become a viable business.

People can change their lives. By not allowing someone to change their life is such a grave mistake.
Why shouldn’t I be bitter? I will never give up in what seems as if an uphill battle. Racism is still here. I could care less about having a Black president.

 Jobs for Felons:  Can I teach with an old Felony?

Hello,

That's quite a story.  I'm not sure why you were let go after so many years even though you disclosed the conviction at the time of your hire.  As for having a Black President, the food he eats doesn't fill my belly.

It's easy to be discouraged and start doubting yourself and society as a whole.  Instead, lets concentrate on some things that perhaps we haven't though about before as alternatives.  Don't give up hope of being a teacher.  In fact, you have already done the hard part.  You have a degree and you are already certified.  You have another very important quality.  You have experience and the wisdom and maturity of an older person.  All you will need now is to find teaching opportunities where your conviction will matter a lot less than it does to the public school system.  There are many alternatives to teaching in the public school system.  In fact I encourage many of my students who are ex-offenders and felons and also have college degrees to pursue teaching as a career.  Let's look at a few options.

Private Schools  - These schools are supported by a private organization or private individuals rather than by the government and therefore may have quite different eligibility requirements.

Career Schools - A career or vocational school is different from a four year college.  Instead of taking four years to get a degree, a vocational school allows students to get specialized training in specific career fields in two years or less.  These schools also require courses in general subjects like math, English and science just like traditional colleges.

Community Colleges - Community colleges, sometimes called junior colleges, are two-year schools that provide affordable education as a pathway to a four-year degree or a particular career.
Community colleges prepare students for jobs that require higher education or workforce training.  Typically community colleges work with employers to develop flexible, affordable and relevant training programs and partner with businesses which meet local commercial and regional economic needs. These colleges also have traditional degree programs.

Charter Schools - Charter schools are independent schools that have received a charter, which is a set of self-written rules and goals which determine how the school will be structured and run. Generally, they are able to organize a school that operates outside the control of the local school district but still funded by local, state, and federal tax money.  Essentially charter schools are free public schools that don't have to follow the same regulations as the local school district.

These are just a few options I can think of just off the top of my head. There maybe a lot more but this is a start.  If you are fortunate enough to get interviews, be prepared to talk about your conviction.  As I tell all of my students in your position, when asked about the conviction, briefly speak about it and how it has changed your thinking and your approach to life.  Focus the conversation on the time that has passed and what you have done since then to improve yourself and how you have used your own experiences to encourage young people not to make the same mistakes that you have.

Just don't let your recent stumble keep you from moving forward.

Best of luck to you.

 

Jobs for Felons: The Facts about Companies that Hire Ex offenders and Felons (2018)

Jobs for Felons:  Can I teach with an old Felony?

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Eric Mayo