Teacher disciplined for using excessive force…

The Teacher’s Disciplinary Tribunal has disciplined a teacher after she physically removed a child from the room.

The child had been screaming and lashing out. The teacher picked the child up, gripping tightly around its arm and shoulder. She removed the child to a different part of the education centre to calm down. The grip was strong enough that it left marks and bruising in the area.

The Tribunal noted that this was not a case of a child being struck, but excessive force being used.

However, since the child had complained of being hurt, the teacher’s conduct reflected adversely on her ability to teach, and amounted to serious misconduct.

The Tribunal emphasised the importance of maintaining self-control in the profession.

It is important to note that the Tribunal takes any contact between a student and teacher seriously regardless of the situation. If you are concerned about the conduct of a teacher toward children in their care, it is wise to speak with a professional in the area.




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Alan Knowsley
Education Lawyer
Wellington