Teacher’s registration cancelled after more than 11 counts of misconduct...

The Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal has recently cancelled a teacher’s registration after a finding of multiple counts of serious misconduct.

The teacher’s conduct occurred over a period of eight years. Evidence was given to the Tribunal by multiple different teachers and staff that had worked with the teacher that provided insights into more than 11 incidents.

The incidents included the teacher’s inappropriate use of force, including grabbing children by the wrist and dragging them behind the teacher; force-feeding children, including to the point they were coughing up food; and inappropriate comments towards and about children, including racist remarks.

The teacher made children upset on multiple occasions and often used a harsh and loud voice, sometimes yelling at the children. Given the amount of evidence provided to the Tribunal by multiple different teachers, the Tribunal accepted that the incidents had occurred.

The Tribunal had to determine whether the teacher’s conduct amounted to professional misconduct.

The Tribunal accepted that the conduct amounted to serious misconduct, given the seriousness of the conduct, the amount of offences and the time period over which they had occurred. The Tribunal also decided that the teacher’s conduct had breached rules requiring the reporting of physical abuse, psychological abuse, neglect or ill-treatments, and conduct that was likely to bring the teaching profession into disrepute.

Given the number of incidents and the seriousness of the teacher’s conduct, the Tribunal decided it was appropriate to cancel the teacher’s registration. The teacher was also ordered to pay over $7,000 in costs.

It is important to be aware of your professional obligations as a teacher. If you are confused about these obligations, it pays to seek advice from a professional with experience in the area.

Leading law firms committed to helping clients cost-effectively will have a range of fixed-price Initial Consultations to suit most people’s needs in quickly learning what their options are.  At Rainey Collins we have an experienced team who can answer your questions and put you on the right track.

Alan Knowsley and Hunter Flanagan-Connors