QCAT bans teacher over sexual messages to former student

A Queensland teacher who sent explicit messages and images to a former student has been banned from reapplying for registration until 2026 after a tribunal ruling.

A Queensland teacher has been prohibited from reapplying for registration until 2026, after a Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal decision concerning inappropriate communications with a former student. Picture: File

A Queensland teacher has been prohibited from reapplying for registration until 2026, after a Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal decision concerning inappropriate communications with a former student.

The teacher, identified only as MKR, admitted to sending sexually explicit images and messages to a former student via Snapchat in 2019, after the student had graduated.

At the time, MKR was 36 years old and had previously taught the student during Years 10 to 12 at a Queensland high school.

The tribunal found that MKR’s conduct did not meet the standards expected of a teacher under Queensland law.

The messages included explicit photographs and comments related to sexual acts and illicit drug use, as well as remarks about the student’s appearance.

Some messages were sent while the student was 17 years old.

Additionally, the tribunal noted that MKR had engaged in inappropriate classroom discussions in 2018, including topics such as pornography and marijuana.

MKR requested the student not to disclose the communications and later expressed concern upon receiving a threat that the messages would be reported to the teaching authority.

The Queensland College of Teachers suspended MKR’s registration on January 5, 2021, after receiving a notification about the conduct.

This suspension was later continued by QCAT.

MKR’s registration was eventually cancelled in July 2021 due to non-payment of renewal fees.

The tribunal considered MKR’s admission of wrongdoing, expressions of remorse, and the absence of physical contact with the student. Picture: File

Following an investigation, the QCT referred the matter for disciplinary action.

MKR admitted to the conduct and acknowledged that disciplinary grounds under the Education (Queensland College of Teachers) Act 2005 were established.

However, there was disagreement between the QCT and MKR regarding the appropriate sanction.

QCAT ultimately ordered that MKR be prohibited from reapplying for registration or permission to teach for three years, backdated to the date of suspension.

Should MKR seek registration again, the application must include a detailed independent psychological report addressing issues such as professional boundaries, appropriate communication with students, risk management, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of teachers.

A second psychological report must assess MKR’s fitness to return to teaching and whether any conditions should apply to their registration.

MKR is responsible for the cost of obtaining both reports.

In its decision, the tribunal emphasised that the purpose of disciplinary action was to uphold public confidence in the teaching profession and protect students, rather than to punish the individual.

The tribunal considered MKR’s admission of wrongdoing, expressions of remorse, and the absence of physical contact with the student.

However, the conduct was deemed serious and was aggravated by prior disciplinary history and efforts to conceal the behaviour.

A non-publication order remains in place to protect the identities of MKR, the former student, and the school involved, except where disclosure is necessary for regulatory or legal purposes.

Originally published as QCAT bans teacher over sexual messages to former student