Teachers booted out of the class

TWENTY Queensland school teachers have been kicked out of the classroom this year for offences ranging from possessing child pornography to being overfamiliar with students.

Data released to News Corp shows 11 teachers had their registration suspended this year, nine for being charged with serious offences including child sex offences and the alleged rape of an adult. Two were suspended for having unprofessional or overfamiliar relationships with students or former students.

Queensland College of Teachers director John Ryan said the overwhelming majority of the 103,500 teachers in Queensland did an excellent job in the classroom.

“The number of people who have had their teacher registration suspended or cancelled is very small in comparison with the number currently on the register,” he said.

“There is no place in the Queensland teaching profession for any person whose inappropriate behaviour presents a risk to the safety and wellbeing of students and others, or places the integrity and good standing of the profession in jeopardy.”

Nine teachers had their registration cancelled in Queensland this year, seven for overfamiliar relationships with students or former students while another two cases involved other serious offences.

In July News Corp revealed the case of a high school teacher who had shown sexual interest in several female students, made sexual advances to one and even tipped her off to exam questions.

The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal found the teacher had tried to gain sexual gratification from his students. His registration was cancelled.

Mr Ryan said QCT had received 155 notifications concerned with the conduct and competence of teachers.