Q: Will an expired PFA order affect my background check for a NJ teaching job?

A: The background check will show that, but it is not possible to know what the institution offering you the teaching job will treat it. Every school is different. Any of us speculating will not help you. Good luck.

A: Your expired Pennsylvania Protection from Abuse (PFA) order is unlikely to affect your New Jersey teaching position background check, but this depends on several factors. Most education background checks focus primarily on criminal convictions, and since your situation involved no criminal charges or convictions, it may not appear in standard screening processes. However, comprehensive national background checks sometimes include civil court records, which might reveal the expired PFA even though it was temporary.

The fact that your order expired in May 2023 and was finalized as a PSV order without further legal implications works in your favor. New Jersey's education hiring protocols typically prioritize identifying patterns of behavior that could impact student safety rather than isolated civil matters without criminal components. Many states also have "lookback" periods that limit how far background checks can extend, though these vary widely by jurisdiction.

I recommend taking three proactive steps to prepare yourself. First, obtain copies of your complete court records to understand exactly what might appear on your background check. Second, consider consulting with an employment attorney familiar with New Jersey education hiring practices who can provide guidance specific to your situation. Third, be prepared to explain the circumstances truthfully if asked during the hiring process, as honesty about past situations often carries more weight than the incidents themselves. Best wishes with your teaching position – your preparation on this matter demonstrates your commitment to your new role.