Date of Publication: March 04, 2024
Seven allegations were proven in relation to the following:
That the registered teacher, having worked as a student teacher at a secondary school for the period in or around September 2019 to in or around November 2019, and as a substitute teacher at the same school for the period in or around November 2019 to in or around December 2019 did the following:
1. On dates unknown between, in or around September 2019 and July 2020, added three female students (Students 1, 2, & 3) on Snapchat, a social media application, when those students were in their early teens and were students at the school, which was inappropriate; and/or proceeded to send one or more inappropriate messages to each of them; and/or
2. In or around June 2020, added a student (Student 4) on Snapchat, a social media application when that student was in her early teens, which was inappropriate; and/or proceeded to send one or more inappropriate messages to her; and/or
3. On a date between, in or around September 2019 and March 2020, added or attempted to add a student (Student 5) on Snapchat, a social media application, when that student was in her early teens and was a student at the school, which was inappropriate; and/or
4. On dates unknown between in or around September 2019 and July 2020, added or attempted to add two female students (Students 6 & 7) on Snapchat, a social media application, when those students were in their early teens and were students at the school, which was inappropriate.
The Panel found that each of the above proven allegations amount to professional misconduct.
The Panel also made findings in relation to breaches of the Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers updated 2nd edition, 2016 (“the Code”) as follows:
· All proven allegations constitute a breach of section 3.1 of the Code which states that teachers should “uphold the reputation and standing of the profession”.
· All proven allegations constitute a breach of section 3.7 of the Code which states that teachers should “ensure that any communication with pupils/students, colleagues, parents, school management and others is appropriate, including communication via electronic media such as email, texting, and social media websites”.
Following the inquiry, the Panel of the Disciplinary Committee decided to remove the registered teacher’s name from the register of teachers and decided the registered teacher would not be eligible to apply to be restored to the register for a period of fifteen years, beginning with the date of removal from the Register.
The Disciplinary Committee Panel’s decision was confirmed by the High Court on 6 November 2023 and the sanction took effect.