NH state law [RSA 189:13-a(IX)(b)] requires criminal history record checks for students who declare candidacy in an educator preparation program at an institution of higher education. There are many crimes which bar employment in education in New Hampshire.
The State of NH Department of Education requires a criminal history record check upon acceptance to the program (Decision Point II). Individuals enrolled in PSU programs leading to educator licensure (aka teacher prep) must set up a myNHDOE – Educator Info System (EIS) account and complete a criminal history record check. This includes:
- Fingerprinting,
- Applying to the Department of Safety (with payment), and
- Applying to the NH DOE for clearance (with payment).
NOTE: Any other background check previously completed (e.g., for employment, field work or volunteer work, including summer camps, after school programs, substitute teaching, childcare centers, etc.) will not be accepted or exclude you from this NH DOE requirement.
Detailed Criminal Record Check Instructions
Placement School Background Check
Once an intern's placement has been arranged and confirmed with the mentor and an administrator (see Placement Confirmation Sheet), the intern must contact the school's district (SAU) office to complete the FBI criminal record check. New Hampshire state law requires the SAU to have the criminal record check results in their office before the internship begins.
Additional Background Checks
School districts may also require a criminal records check prior to the start of any early or mid-level field experience. Students must comply with local school policies and pay for all criminal record checks.
