Thank you! This was just the information I was interested in!

Thanks for you reply and the information. I am aware that LS programs are at schools of all sizes (I am at a small school) I just think an actual coordinator position is more common at larger schools. I technically "coordinate" our program but I am just coordinating myself and my TA's. I was just curious about this role in larger schools where there are multiple LS teachers working and more coordination needed across the school

I am interested in pursuing SEN/Learning Support coordinator positions. I know that typically only larger schools have such positions. I currently work internationally as a learning support teacher for grades k-12 and have about 10 years experience between schools in my home country/international. I was wondering if there is anyone on the forum who holds this position that could talk a little about what their duties entail, how it effects their teaching load, required/beneficial experience etc. Thank you!!

I have done some more research and recently found out that in my home state, there is now an option to have deferred judgement cases involving narcotics (only if it is a certain one time offense) expunged and sealed if you meet certain requirements. If approved, the state must update their records and seal the file and it will not show on a background check. Often you need to follow up on this and make sure it is done. The difference with the FBI is they are a federal agency and not bound by state regulations. However, I have found that we can "petition" or apply to the FBI to update their file to reflect the expungement and sealing of the record. There is an actual process the FBI lists of how to go about this. My understanding is they do not necessarily have to do it, but technically they say the will honour the expungement and remove it. My understanding is this also includes the record of the arrest. Basically this seems like our best shot to a clean record and could work for others if they meet the eligibility requirements....however its not a guarantee.

Thanks for your response. I guess we lucked out at our current school which isn't a "tier 1" but still a really good school/package that it didn't come up. So frustrating as by the time we leave it would be close to 15 years in the past but I understand of course that countries have the right to decide who they will let in. I guess we will just need to research very carefully before interviewing.

Kind of a scary thought what you mentioned about Latin America but I guess if just an accusation can get you in trouble then anyone can be at risk (such as the recent situation in Indonesia).

Would love to hear from others regarding what the background check was like for there schools/countries. Thanks again!

Hello! I need some advice regarding police checks for work visas. First I will give a little background of my situation. My husband and I have been teaching at our current international school for 6 years. We have had a great experience but very much want to move on. There is just one problem....my husband has an arrest on his record for possession of a narcotic substance for personal use from 13 years ago when he was in his early 20's. As it was his only offence ever he was able to receive a "deferred judgement" which technically means no conviction. If he is asked if he has ever been convicted of a crime he can truthfully say "no". The charges are essentially "dismissed" which is as close to an expungement as we can get in out home state. He was still able to get his teaching license after this and it was not a problem at our current school which only asked if there had been a conviction of a crime and asked for a local police check. The arrest doesn't seem to come up on local police checks but will on an FBI check. I know more and more schools are requiring FBI checks and we are so worried. My questions are:
1. Does anyone have or know someone who has had a similar experience and what was the outcome?
2. Should we disclose this information no matter what and at what point in the hiring/interview process (we would never lie of course but don't necessarily want to bring it up if we don't have to)
3. Does anyone know which countries are more and less strict about background checks?
4. What was the background check process for your school and which country was it?
Thank you so much for any information. Please no comments that he shouldn't be teaching anyway with something on his record...he is an exceptional and devoted teacher. We are really worried about our future prospects.