Can you become a teacher with a misdemeanor charge of Marijuana possesion in Texas?

The following is from the Texas certification site (I've put a direct link in sources):

2. Will a criminal conviction prevent me from getting certified?

That depends. TEA reviews each individual’s criminal history once an application is received, on a case by case basis. Staff will not give an advisory opinion to individual applicants with regards to eligibility for certification based on their self reported criminal history. Once staff has reviewed the applicant’s criminal history obtained as a result of the application process, eligibility for certification will be determined based on consideration of the factors in #3 below.

3. What kinds of factors does SBEC take into consideration when making the decision about whether or not they should certify someone with a criminal history?

1) the nature and seriousness of the crime;

2) the relationship of the crime to the purposes that certification is required to become a professional educator;

3) the extent to which certification might offer an opportunity to engage in further criminal activity of the same type as that in which the person previously had been involved;

4) the relationship of the crime to the ability, capacity, or fitness required to perform the duties of a professional educator;

5) the extent of the applicant's past criminal activity;

6) the age of the person when the crime was committed;

7) the amount of time that has elapsed since the person's last criminal activity;

8) the conduct and work activity of the person before and after the criminal activity;

9) whether the person has completed the terms of their probation or deferred adjudication;

10) evidence of rehabilitation; and

11) other evidence, including letters of recommendation.

Call them at: 888-863-5880 for further info.

Personally, I think you should be fine. But I'm an old Berkeley hippie educator... and would never dream of teaching in Texas!

I am looking to substitute teach, which I was doing when this Class A Misdemeanor of Battery took place with a family member. It was just dismissed as I do not have a criminal record,only traffic tickets. If I try and go back to another school district to sub, can the school district keep me from subbing? I don't have the time or money to get it expunged right now as I am homeless.

I truly have no idea but it is a possibility. What a sad world. You had the dried flowers of a herb, so you can't educate children. I would much rather have my child taught by someone who uses marijuana then a spineless douche who "doesn't do drugs". Good luck in your journeys.

I doubt it, they do a a background check prior to letting to into the "department of education" which is who will license you... however, it never hurts to try, if nothing else, major in your content area and see if you can get certified to teach in a private school.

Criminal Records Database : http://criminalrecords.infosearchdetective.com/