Would you want me as a teacher?

[user1494615613]

Hi,
I have posted this on AIBU yesterday but I was advised to post here (i didnt know about this section) so apologies if you have already read this post.

I will try to keep this as brief as possible but hopefully share everything to prevent drip feeding.
I am seriously considering applying for a pgce in primary school education. I meet all of the academic qualifications, i am a good parent and have been told I would be a good teacher.
The stumbling block is that I don't have a clear crb check. 19 years ago I was involved in an abusive relationship and unknown to me they were taking things from work ( we worked together) and they were using my id. I have a conviction for theft which will show on their checks. I have an 8 year old enhanced crb check and it's there. On the form it is split into theft and theft of employer even though it's for the same incident, I am unable to check myself so I can't obtain a more current version.
It has taken me years to rebuild my life and at the grand old age of 42 I think im finally brave enough to try and follow my dream.
If you worked in a school; would you consider me or am I forever screwed?

[AppleKatie]

If I’m honest I think you’ll find it difficult. I don’t necessarily think that’s right, however a ‘theft from employer’ conviction is unlikely to be looked upon favourably.

[user1494615613]

I appreciate your honesty. I would rather know than delude myself that it's a possibility and go through the expense of training

[SheilaHammond]

Not everyone in teaching has a totally clear DBS. I've employed people with a past offence (primary headteacher). Be prepared to explain very fully how and why it happened at your interview. Be extremely honest and take responsibility. Say what you've learned and how you've got your life back on track. Good luck. We need more good teachers!

[pfrench]

Yes, what Sheila said. We've employed people with past offences. One ended up as my boss.

[GreenTulips]

Woman in DDs school stabbed her husband.
I know of another convicted of fraud.

We need teachers. Why not pop into your local school or phone their HR department and ask for an honest opinion

[hashtagthathappened]

One school is one school though green.

Schools aren’t supposed to show any prejudice but tbh it may prove difficult on a practical level. Not impossible though.

[caughtinanet]

As a parent I wouldn't know what was on a teacher's DBS check would I?

Parents have to trust the judgement of the HT in the school and I'd imagine different schools might make different decisions.

Not much help,I don't know how you'd find out in advance, might the place you'd do the training be able to advise you?

[crisscrosscranky]

I work in HR and Education sector; it's not automatically prohibitive but you will be asked to provide details of the conviction when you apply for roles and some head teachers may rule you out at that stage (rightly or wrongly- that's not the discussion point).

You would find it easier to get work in FE or adult education that the schools sector.

[crisscrosscranky]

@GreenTulips I wouldn't bother asking HR; if someone phoned me and asked me they'd get the answer according to our Rehabilitation of Offenders policy. The reality would be that we see all convictions and would only appoint someone with a serious criminal conviction (theft from employer is significant) if they were head and shoulders better than everyone else.

[user1494615613]

Thank you for your replies. They have given me a lot to think about

[wasgoingmadinthecountry]

I was given to understand that you can no longer be blamed for something a partner did. From last year or so? Worth checking out. Teaching kills your soul though. I say that as someone who loves it.

[user1494615613]

I have heard some stories about teaching and how hard mentally and physically challenging it can be.
My ex used my account and denied everything on me. I didn't stand much of a chance really

[timeforakinderworld]

I think it would also depend on the amount/ type of goods stolen and how long it went on for / whether they were recovered.