Greg Burt, acting for Gillespie, requested she be discharged without conviction, arguing the consequences of conviction on her career would be disproportionate to the seriousness of her offending.
Mr Burt said there was a reasonable chance Gillespie would be deregistered by the Teachers Council if convicted and even if she wasn't, she would have to disclose the conviction to every potential employer. He said Gillespie was not working but had four interviews pending - in Whakatane, Rotoiti and Rotorua.
Mr Burt said Gillespie had taught for 15 years and was a very good teacher held in high regard by colleagues. He said she was a fluent Maori speaker, was involved in kapa haka and sport.
He pointed out she was a first offender, of previously good character whose offending occurred during difficulties after separating from her husband.
Gillespie's 12-year-old child would shortly be returning to live with her and he argued convictions would cause difficulties in supporting the child.
Mr Burt said repayments were being taken from her current benefit, although Work and Income's prosecuting lawyer Liat Cohen said the repayments of $5 a week related to an earlier advance.
Ms Cohen said at $5 a week the repayment would take 50 years to repay. Ms Cohen said Gillespie would not necessarily be deregistered as the Teachers Council looked at each case on its merits.
Judge Phillip Cooper gave Gillespie credit for pleading guilty, noting she was under personal and financial pressure at the time of offending.
Teachers Council spokeswoman Charlotte Brown said if the case was referred to them it would be fully investigated.
