Board Rules and ResolutionsTeacher Support : Minnesota Department of Education

Board Rules and Resolutions

Criminal Background Checks for Student Teachers


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A Resolution in Support of Criminal Background Checks for Student Teachers

WHEREAS, the safety of students is a primary concern of the Minnesota Board of Teaching; and

WHEREAS, student teachers are not licensed by the Board of Teaching; and

WHEREAS, student teachers are not currently required by law to undergo criminal background checks prior to commencing the student teaching portion of teacher preparation training; and

WHEREAS, representatives from Minnesota school districts and colleges and universities that offer teacher preparation programs have indicated to the Board of Teaching their support for criminal background checks prior to placing student teachers in classroom settings; and

WHEREAS, representatives from Minnesota school districts and colleges and universities that offer teacher preparation programs have expressed their intent to work cooperatively to develop policies and procedures for requiring that criminal background checks be conducted for student teachers prior to commencement of their student teaching; and

WHEREAS the term “school districts” includes all Minnesota public schools, including charter schools,

NOW THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED that the Minnesota Board of Teaching supports and encourages efforts between Minnesota school districts and colleges and universities that offer teacher preparation programs to develop and implement policies and procedures for requiring criminal background checks for all student teachers prior to the commencement of their student teaching experience.

Adopted by the Board on April 13, 2007.