Conviction

[Malibooo]

Hi everyone. This is my first time posting. I will try and summarise as clearly as I can. I would value your advice.
I left home at 16. I slept in bus stops, empty flats and on people's couches. Some of these people weren't very nice to me.

I eventually got a flat of my own. Again, I was vulnerable to certain people. One night I burnt some letters and photos in my flat. (1985 I was 18) Causing some damage. I don't know what the police gleaned from the people around me but they did not want to prosecute. However, the CPS decided to prosecute. I was given two years probation.

I moved on. When I was 21 my husband died. I was 7 months pregnant. It was a very difficult time.

I remarried and was a victim of domestic abuse. I got divorced and then married my current husband. We have been together for 27 years. We have five children and 13cgrandchildren.

When I was 40 I went to university. Over the years I secured two degrees and a PGCE.
During this period of 24cyears. I worked in 2 schools successfully. Both schools knew of my conviction as did university as I had to explain the circumstances of conviction in front of a panel.

I was offered a job last year at my old school. I had worked there for 11 years. Three of those years with the current head. I only left to complete my PGCE (Biology) in 2018. I also did one of my placements there. I was so happy to be offered the job as a Science teacher.

I took my DBS and identification documents to the school. They were happy to see me. The head was isolating so I didn't get a chance to see him. The next day I received an email to inform me that the job was not going ahead. Too cut a long story short, he said he did not know about my conviction and would feel 'uncomfortable' employing me.
I was devastated. I am 56. I had finally come to terms with my past and had worked really hard. I very stupidly let this affect me and have been depressed and anxious. I barely leave the house. and have lost a lot of weight. His response made me feel so ashamed.
Should I be punished for the rest of my life?

There is a lot more to this in regards to how I was treated during my teenage years. I can't tell you how proud I was at the changes I made and in all I had achieved. I battled dyslexia and my own demons to make a success of my life. I now feel rubbish.
I don't want sympathy. I'm just curious, as to what other people think. Should I continue to have consequences for something that happened 36 years ago?

You were convicted but saw out your probation period and repaid your debt to society.
Since your conviction bares no danger to children then you should be able to be employed as a teacher. You have some life experiences that will enable you to empathise students.
It's unfair to be tarnished for life for previous misdemeanours, you have plenty to offer, hopefully another school will see your talent amd appreciate the value you can add to the teaching staff.

@lunamoonllc Thank you.

@saleorbouy Thank you for your reply. I just want to make a difference and to show young people that they can change their lives around.

@Ridingonthewaves Thank you for your reply. I hope someone gives me a chance. I love teaching and I want to make a difference.

Good luck. You sound like a great person. Someone else with the power to give you another shot will see that, I hope.

Wow, I’m in utter awe of you. How inspiring.
I feel gutted for you that the HT will not even meet with you to give you an opportunity to explain your story. He seems very stubborn and narrow minded. You seem so understanding, dignified and level headed.

I already know though that you are going to achieve something amazing and change lives of young people. Please don’t give up, there’s little people who are going to need your guidance.

I thought so too. Surely the conviction was spent long ago?

@grapewines Thank you. I hope so.

@Usernameinsponeeded Thank you. I always got on well with him and thought he was the type of person who would listen and give people a chance.