Teacher deregistered over student sex

A teacher who developed a sexual relationship with a depressed 16-year-old pupil has been deregistered.

The relationship began last year after the man started tutoring the year 12 girl after school, a Teachers Council Disciplinary Tribunal decision said.

During tutoring sessions the teacher became aware the girl was depressed and referred her for counselling.

The statement of facts, dated June 25 this year, said the pair were now living together, and the man was a university student with no plans to teach again.

Names and locations of teachers, pupils and schools are always removed from decision documents.

The tribunal said the man had "undoubtedly acted in a way which involves serious misconduct".

"A teacher who enters into a sexual relationship with a student with whom he or she has come into contact in his or her capacity as a teacher must expect that the behaviour will be regarded as serious misconduct of the highest order," it said.

The teacher pleaded guilty to the serious misconduct charge and agreed to the statement of facts.

It said the school principal heard a rumour in August 2009 that the teacher and the pupil were meeting out of school hours for sex.

On three occasions the man, an assistant general science and chemistry teacher, denied the rumours to the principal, assistant principal and year 12 dean.

The assistant principal reminded the man it was a counsellor's role to discuss depression and bullying with pupils and cautioned him about tutoring the girl behind closed doors.

At a meeting between the teacher, the pupil's parents and the principal, the man confirmed the sexual relationship and resigned. He falsely assured the girl's parents the relationship had ended.

In another disciplinary decision, a teacher's registration was noted for seven years after she was convicted of stealing a laptop from a pupil and a laptop case from the school.

The woman must notify any prospective teaching employers of the convictions.

- © Fairfax NZ News