Date of Publication: May 26, 2025
The following was proven:
That the registered teacher, while employed as a teacher at a school during the period of in or around September 2022 to in or around May 2023, engaged via Microsoft Teams in communications with three students in the School, that was inappropriate in its content and/or frequency and/or timing.
The Panel found that this conduct amounted to professional misconduct.
The Panel also found that the conduct of the teacher amounted to breaches of the Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers updated 2nd edition, 2016 (the “Code”) as follows:
- The allegations constitute a breach of paragraph 1.4 of the Code which states that teachers should “seek to develop positive relationships with pupils/students, colleagues, parents, school management and others in the school community, that are characterised by professional integrity and judgement”
- The allegations constitute a breach of paragraph 3.1 of the Code which states that teachers should “uphold the reputation and standing of the profession”.
- The allegations constitute a breach of paragraph 3.2 of the Code which states that teacher should “take all reasonable steps in relation to the care of pupils/students under their supervision, so as to ensure their safety and welfare”
- The allegations constitute a breach of paragraph 3.6 of the Code which states that teacher should “communicate effectively with pupils/students, colleagues, parents, school management and others in the school community in a manner that is professional, collaborative and supportive, and based on trust and respect”
- The allegations constitute a breach of paragraph 3.7 of the Code which states that teacher should ” ensure that any communication with pupils/ students, colleagues, parents, school management and others is appropriate, including communication via electronic media, such as e-mail, texting and social networking sites”
Following the Inquiry, the Panel of the Disciplinary Committee decided to remove the registered teacher 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 three years, beginning with the date of removal from the Register.
The Disciplinary Committee Panel’s decision was confirmed by the High Court on 27 January 2025 and the sanction took effect.