What Happens to a Teacher Who Gets a DUI?

Teachers are people who have a great impact on children’s lives. Because of this, teachers are held to very high standards in order to keep their jobs. – And keeping a clean record is a part of this. A DUI is something that can ruin a teacher’s clean record and the penalties of a DUI as a teacher can be more than just a legal nightmare riddled with fines, community service, counseling and DUI school.

The Potential for Job Loss

In some cases a teacher who gets a DUI can lose their job immediately. However, in other situations teachers will be able to continue working, but their contract may not be renewed at the end of its term. Ultimately the decision depends on the school, the circumstances of the DUI and the state. If the DUI is a misdemeanor then an employer may be a little more lenient. However, if the DUI conviction is a felony, then of course the risk of a teacher losing their job is much higher.

Job Suspension

Some school districts will choose an alternative form of punishment for a teacher who is convicted of a DUI, such as a suspension without pay or requiring the teacher to take a year off. The amount of time the suspension lasts will be up to the school and may include other requirements, such as completing an alcohol rehabilitation program. Either way, these options will still mean a loss of wages for the teacher. Which financially speaking is just one more impact as a result of a DUI conviction.

Loss of Teaching License or Certification

Depending on the state where a teacher is arrested and convicted of drunk driving, he or she may automatically lose their teaching license or certification. Unfortunately if this happens, it will leave a teacher with the responsibility of having to find a completely new career, as they likely won’t be able to find employment working in education. This can obviously be a major blow for anyone in the teaching profession.

Being a teacher is a tough job. It’s a career that most people choose because they thoroughly enjoy helping people and having an impact on young people. This is why every teacher should remember the severe punishment for a DUI conviction in the education field. Heck, if you drink, just call a cab. It’s a lot cheaper and could save your life and your career.