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August 21, 2007
REQUIRED BACKGROUND
CHECKS
Effective Fall 2007, students enrolled in EDUC 201, Education Practicum,
are required to authorize an electronic background check (Michigan State
Police ICHAT) to be completed prior to placement in area
schools. Instructors of other teacher preparation courses involving
field experiences may also wish to require a background check. ICHAT is
also recommended for students expecting to volunteer in a school
setting.
Process:
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Criminal
Background Check Authorization forms are available in the Office of
Teacher Preparation (OTP), A&S 110, 483-1015.
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Submit
completed form to Dr. Sophie Jeffries (OTP, A&S 110) at least two weeks
prior to field placement.
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OTP will
forward to Police & Public Safety for ICHAT electronic background check
with the Michigan State Police.
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A
confidential, yes/no report will be returned to the OTP.
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If criminal
charges are indicated, the student will be administratively dropped from
EDUC 201. For other classes, the student may complete the course
without field placement.
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If no criminal charges are reported, the student will receive
a clearance letter from LCC to be presented to the school when reporting
for the field experience. Students should retain a copy for their
records.
FYI: All new teachers must have a criminal background check.
The
State of Michigan requires that all new teachers, administrators,
substitutes, etc., have a federal criminal records (fingerprint)
check. There is a fee paid by the candidate. All university Teacher
Education programs require that this check be completed prior to student
teaching. The University is required to report persons with felony
convictions and/or such misdemeanors as sexual misconduct, child abuse,
assault or providing alcohol or drugs to a minor. Students are under
obligation to report any convictions which would show up in a criminal
records check. Failure to report a conviction may result in denial or
revocation of teaching certification. Students who have concerns about
the possibility of being denied teacher certification should consult
with the certification officer of their transfer university.
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