Two more Queensland teachers who posed “an unacceptable risk of harm to children” have been banned from the classroom after rulings by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
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The number of Queensland teachers who have had their registration suspended or cancelled this year is 24.
The behaviours teachers have been struck off or disciplined for in 2018 by teacher registration body the Queensland College of Teachers include having sexual relationships with students, having sleepovers and sexting.
Last month, a female teacher identified only as OHS had her teaching suspension continued after the college alleged she had a sexual relationship with a student.
In evidence, the college said the woman had inappropriate relationships with students, sent text messages and made phone calls that were overly familiar, and gave preferential and inappropriate treatment to a student.
The QCT lodged copies of emails, a character reference and an “observations” document prepared by one of OHS colleagues to support its case.
No submissions were made by the teacher.
In another case a male teacher known as NVS, who had an alleged history of amphetamine abuse, was sectioned after displaying psychotic and paranoid behaviour, the tribunal heard.
QCT argued NVS was resistant to being treated in hospital and discharged himself against medical advice, and had prior admissions to health services because of substance abuse.
“Given the frequency and recency of substance abuse, there is a risk of harm to children in the classroom, particularly given that NVS has recently engaged in casual teaching, which engagements can arise at very short notice,” the College said in the filings.
The man made no submissions and provided no information to clarify or explain the content of the medical report and records lodged by the College.
In continuing the man's suspension, QCAT senior member Ned Aughterson said: “On the basis of the medical reports and records, and in the absence of any submissions or information from teacher NVS qualifying the report and records, I am not satisfied NVS does not pose an unacceptable risk of harm to children.”
Mr Aughterson issued orders banning the media from identifying the teachers, their schools or any relevant students.
