Will DUI hurt my chances of being employed as a teacher?

Depending upon how in depth their background check is they can find it. It is already hard enough to get a job these days, so with all else being equal, if you are competing with someone for the same job, if a DUI is on your record, the job is going to the next guy. With that being said, are your charges in both instances expungeable? I would contact an attorney in those areas and get a consultation as to whether an expungement is possible. This would eliminate the charges from your record.

It depends on what they ask. If they ask about "serious traffic offenses" you need to disclose. If they ask only criminal or offenses you can say no because DWI is not criminal and will not appear on a normal CCH lookup. I do not know if DWI is a bar but the counselling efforts should help.

I do not have any insight into the teacher evaluation process. Let me tell you what I do know. A DWI will not show on a criminal history, because it is a traffic offense. I do not know how the MD offense will appear. Because the NJ offense is a traffic offense, it cannot be expunged. It will all come down to what you will be asked and what type of background will be done.

If it came up as a criminal conviction on an application for certification in NJ the education board would want to investigate it. But the board has held (see their minutes online) in numerous administrative matters to not hold it (revealed DUI) against an applicant. Like wise an employer may inquire about criminal convictions but generally not hold them against you LEGALLY. Whether they decide to hire or not hire may based upon any random (subjective) criteria. As for the assertion, it's "just" a traffic offense, Jersey is an anomaly, it is a "crime" in 48 states. Most states and people will see it as such. In NYS your second would have been a felony level offense. I think that in the majority of states (I've practiced in NJ, PA, FL, and NY) the standard is to prove stability post DUI/DWIs. Many future potential employers will want you to show a "recent" alcohol/drug assessment/evaluation. The determination of a diagnosis if any, and a treatment protocol to comply with. Risk management is always the name of the game in hiring, certifying, and licensing. No employer wants to assume risk. They do their diligence by knowing your current mental/chemical state and minimize any future actions and/or issues.