Hon Bill English
National Party Education Spokesman

7 November 2006

What is Teachers Council’s bottom line?

The Teachers Council should tell the public if it plans to continue registering former bank robbers as teachers, says National’s Education spokesman, Bill English.

He is commenting on media reports at the weekend that a woman jailed for three years for her part in the robbery of a bank is now teaching in a Christchurch primary school.

Mr English says the Teachers Council must make it very clear what their minimum standard is for teacher registration.

“In most professions, serious convictions such as bank robbery exclude a person from professional registration or recognition.

“Many teachers I have spoken to believe that the Teachers Council’s decision to register this teacher and others who have been convicted of serious assault and importing drugs and one who admitted sexually abusing his 15-year-old niece do not reflect well on the profession.

“Nor do these decisions reflect public expectations of the professionals charged with educating and caring for our young people.”

Mr English says this is not about an individual but about minimum standards in a profession where sound judgment and professionalism is essential.

ENDS

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