If you 've been convicted of fraud could you still work as a teacher?

[Curiousmama]

A very intelligent friend of mine was convicted of fraud (caused by lack of organisation more than anything) They didn't go to prison but it's on obviously on record. They can't work in their former employment because of this. Is it impossible for them to work in teaching? I've always said they'd make an excellent teacher but they say there's no way they'd be allowed even if they get the qualifications.

I can't imagine they would be able to work as a teacher with a conviction.

it will show up on a CRB check. that doesn't rule out most jobs but it will need to be something that they are honest about.

it will be up to the employer to decide whether they want to employ them or not.

I'm fairly sure the answer is no.

I'm curious as to how someone 'very intelligent' gets accidentally convicted of fraud

Yes thought so never mind.

You can't have a teacher with a conviction for dishonesty. And they are bullshitting you about being disorganised and being accidently convicted. You need some intent to get convicted -not sloppy book keeping.

Yes you're probably right.

Yes you can, if the employer wants you to. It's not an automatic no.

Can't imagine a decent school employing a fraudster though a private school is not so choosy about qualifications and integrity.

The job Market for teachers is tough right now. I wouldn't advise your friend to go through all the time and expense of training (if they could get on a course even) when the likelihood of being selected is so slim. They might not even be able to get a placement to qualify

Yes that'a a point. I'm looking for work myself and don't know why I worry so much for them tbh? It's in my nature though I suppose? I'm sure they'll find something soon? I just find it such a shame that someone with a huge brain fucked up! And the awful thing is they're a really good person, always looking out for the rights of others. Baffling really.

The problem with teaching is that it is profession to which the Rehabilitation of Offenders ACt does not apply. You have to have an enhanced CRB check completed too. Basically no matter how old any conviction or caution is, it can never be treated as "spent" if you want to teach. I have come aware of a couple of teachers, who in the days before enhanced CRB checks, stated on job applications that they had no previous convictions (when they had) and then ended up with an addtional conviction for the old offence of obtaining a pecuniary advantge by deception and also lost their job to boot.

The answer is that you friend may be able to teach, but they would have to be upfront about the conviction and the facts of the conviction when they apply for jobs. They would also have to appreciate that a number of schools would be reluctant to employ them. If your frined is keen to teach I would suggest making preliminary enquiries with the admissions department at a Uni.

You seem like a lovely person to be concerned for your friend, but she got herself into this situation and she's a big girl. You can be there to support her and she will be fine

Ps I know you know that curious, but perhaps it will help to have someone else tell you that it's not your responsibility.

It's a he, a woman wouldn't be so foolish surely? And yes to all of the above I should just let him get on with it and think I'll have to as have my own career to think about.

it is up to the employer whom they employ. In response to previous poster no private schools are not less choosy in general it is the oposite as parents expect the best.

Your friend could try further education as there is not the same high moral standard required when teaching adults.

There may be a small amount of truth in your friends claim. I know somebody who was convicted through temporary stupidity and who is now most trustworthy

You really think private schools are less choosy?

Would be interested in your evidence base, as I believe the incidence of offences (certainly against children) are higher, proportionately, among private school employees. Of course, these may well be first offences, so the CRB check would have been clear on appointment, but it begs the question of whether private schools are more 'choosy' in their judgements

Sorry - I meant more choosy!

It does depend on your state guidelines and the school. Also, when the crime occurred and the details might be important to some.

In my state, the guidelines say, "if the applicant was ever convicted of a "qualifying" crime. If all crimes were included, it wouldn't be phrased that way.

One way to find out is to apply to be a substitute teacher and see if you get by. Much easier, quicker & cheaper to find out this way.

They will do a background check on substitutes also.

Good luck to your friend. People make mistakes.

I know the answer to this, because I served 13 months of 3 years for consipiracy to defraud ( no name change, everyone I know knows) I was a solicitor before my conviction and decided I wanted to retrain as a history teacher. I contacted the teachers misconduct body and they asked for full details, then agreed that I could teach. In the end I realised there were insufficient jobs teaching history for an older re-trained person to stand a good chance so I taught Law at an FE college for a couple of terms before moving into another sector. I've always found that as long as you are 100% honest about your background when applying for jobs people don't mind nearly as much as you might expect.

You don’t know this person so don’t judge.

Zombie 10 year old thread so the only person I judge is the one reviving it for no apparent reason.

You don't get convicted of fraud by accident, because you're "disorganised". Even people without huge brains know this
They are dishonest enough to commit fraud, I would hope it counts against a teaching career.

What dickhead resumed a 10 year old zombie? Ffs

Whether a zombie thread or not its an important subject that needs to be addressed. Having a conviction for fraud need not ruin your life. Nor should it.

One of my students when I taught at an FE college was on an access course (these are designed to provide a route to uni for older students without A levels) She did well on the course and applied for a RG university. She made a good showing at interview (I was one of her referees) and eventually graduated with a 1st.

In a private conversation she had told me that years before she had served 6 months for benefit fraud. Since then she had been temping as an admin/data entry clerk but wanted to go further and felt she could do better. When she was convicted it was somehow under a "wrong" spelling of her maiden name which can be spelled several ways. So (for example and this is only an example) she was convicted as Hague but her name is actually spelled Haigh. She registered at uni as Ms Haigh and her degree is in that name.

Subsequently she re-trained as a paralegal, moved back to her native Ireland, and built a good career with a major firm of solicitors. No employer was ever really interested in what she did before her degree. Nor did they uncover her past mistake. Her CV presented her as a temp who decided in mid life to go back into education.

Ironically you do not need teaching qualifications to teach adults in either further or higher education! I taught in both before retirement and no one ever asked me to undergo one of these checks. Perhaps your friend should look at FE teaching or private tutoring.

@memberofthewedding the thread is ELEVEN years old. I suspect the friend has found out by now whether she is employable as a teacher