* The specifics of the conviction: The circumstances surrounding the assault are crucial. Was it a minor altercation? Was there injury? Was it a first offense? A more serious assault with significant injury or a history of violence will drastically reduce your chances.
* The state and school district's policies: Each state and even individual school districts have their own policies regarding hiring individuals with criminal records. Some may have automatic disqualifications for any assault conviction, while others may conduct a thorough background check and consider the circumstances on a case-by-case basis. They may also consider the time elapsed since the conviction.
* The type of job: A conviction may be more easily overlooked for a non-teaching position (like a custodian) than for a teaching position where you would be directly supervising children.
* The rehabilitation process: Have you completed any counseling, anger management, or other programs to address the underlying issues that led to the conviction? Demonstrating a commitment to rehabilitation can significantly improve your chances.
In short: You need to research the specific policies of the school district(s) you're interested in working for and possibly consult with an employment lawyer. Simply having a simple assault conviction doesn't automatically disqualify you, but it significantly complicates your application and requires you to be proactive in addressing the issue. Transparency and a strong explanation of the circumstances and any rehabilitation efforts are vital.