Non-publication of name following teacher’s death…

The Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal has decided not to publish a teacher‘s name, following findings of serious misconduct and striking the teacher off the roll of teachers because between making the finding and deciding on non-publication the teacher committed suicide. 

The teacher had been dismissed from his Employment because he turned up to work smelling of alcohol and under the influence of alcohol on more than one occasion. On the first occasion, he was given the benefit of the doubt by his employer and maintained his sobriety for a period. He then attended work under the influence again and was dismissed following a disciplinary investigation. 

The teacher failed to take any part in the disciplinary process before the Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal, so the Tribunal was left with no choice, but to strike him off the roll of teachers. If he had taken part in the process and had shown that he was making steps to deal with his alcohol issues, it might have decided not to strike him off the roll. 

Shortly after the decision was made to remove the teacher from the roll he committed suicide. 

In light of the tragic circumstances and the impact on his family, the Tribunal decided that publication of his name should be suppressed. 

It appears that a failure to deal with the underlying issues, giving rise to his alcohol abuse, and the failure to get help has resulted in him losing not only his employment and profession, but also his life. 

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