Background Checks for Teachers
Teachers in many states, such as Pennsylvania, must undergo background checks, including a fingerprinting, before they can be hired by the school district. While this seems like an easy-to-understand policy, since teachers are working in direct contact with children each and every day, some teachers find this policy an invasion of their privacy. The tests in Pennsylvania, for example, are quite expensive. On top of the fees for testing and licensing that teachers must pay, they now must pay $70 for their fingerprinting and background check. School officials argue, however, that there are no other options. With the rise in child pedophiles, school districts have a responsibility to protect their children. This requires knowing if the teachers applying at their schools have a criminal history. Pennsylvania is now checking national backgrounds for their new applicants.
What do you think? Is this an invasion of privacy, or is it a necessary precaution. I seem to feel that it is a necessary precaution. However, states should help new teachers pay for these things. As a young teacher, I can testify that just out of college you don’t have an extra $70 to plop down for a background check!
Article: Educators Not Sure about Background Checks
Reference: More Education News
April 27th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
I don’t think that fingerprinting is necessary. But the background checks obviously make snsee.
April 28th, 2007 at 10:26 am
I am definitely in favor of these steps toward protecting our children. I feel that the funding should come from some source other than the applicant.
April 28th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
I’m not sure how you would do a thorough background check without fingerprinting the person, though. . .
April 29th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
I am a teacher in Arizona, and we, too, have to submit to a fingerprint clearance. I think it is a good idea, but agree — it is expensive and tough on teachers (in many instances) to come up with the money for it. But I do think a thorough background check is necessary when we are dealing with children all day.
May 9th, 2007 at 8:30 am
A background check only checks on your background in the state that you are currently living…while the fingerprinting goes nationwide.
If this would have been done while I was growing up my brother would not have been sexually molested in the school we went to! I would want it done!!!