Teacher censured after bullying students…

A high school teacher has resigned following a number of bullying incidents that included her showing a vindictive attitude towards students.

The teacher’s conduct was brought to the attention of the school after a number of Year 13 students complained to their dean about the teacher’s behaviour. The students referred to the teacher as a bully, and noted that the teacher used put-downs and sarcasm, and on one occasion made a student cry after tearing up his work.

The Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal found the teacher guilty of serious misconduct.

The Tribunal noted that the teacher had, for a sustained period of time, failed to address inappropriate and/or deficit relationships with her students, and had acted in a less than professional manner towards them.

The Tribunal censured the teacher and placed a number of conditions on her practising certificate, including that the teacher be mentored in developing relationships with students.