Pubdate: Thu, 13 May 1999 Date: 05/13/1999 Source: New York Times (NY) Author: Howard Josepher Note: Subj: line and title by MAP editor To the Editor: In denying a teaching certificate to Jose Luis Arrocha, a man with a 12-year-old minor drug sale on his record, the New York State Court of Appeals and the New York City Board of Education are failing both Mr. Arrocha and our children (news article, May 7). Mr. Arrocha did his time and recovered from the drug problem that nearly claimed his life. What message does it send to children to deny someone who has worked hard to rehabilitate himself a chance to share his wisdom with others? HOWARD JOSEPHER New York May 11, 1999