The Teacher’s Disciplinary Tribunal had disciplined a teacher after it emerged he had been completing student’s work and awarding grades that had not been achieved.

The teacher was diagnosed with an illness and left teaching for a brief period during treatment.

A few days after returning, he updated the students’ grades. One student told another teacher that he had been awarded credits for an assessment that he had not done.

An audit was conducted on the class and the grades awarded. When the work was moderated, it was discovered the teacher had written answers for several students. The work that had been completed was not of a standard that should have been awarded credits.

The Tribunal held that the breaches amounted to serious misconduct and reflected adversely on the teacher’s fitness to teach.

The Tribunal ordered that the teacher be censured, the register annotated, the teacher to complete training on assessment of students, and be mentored by a senior colleague. Additionally, the teacher must show a copy of the decision to any future employer for the next two years.

It is important to remember that national standards are in place to maintain the levels of education in New Zealand. Breaching these standards may lead to significant consequences.

If you are concerned about a teacher’s conduct it is wise to speak with a professional experienced in the area.




Leading law firms committed to helping clients cost-effectively will have a range of fixed-priced 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
Education Lawyer
Wellington