Tarneit P-9 College teacher Justin Marks charged with committing sexual offence
Maths and science teacher Justin Marks has been suspended on an interim basis by the teaching regulator, after school officials reported him to police following sexual offence allegations.
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A western suburbs school teacher, who worked with children aged 11 to 15, has been suspended by the teaching regulator after he was charged with committing a sexual offence.
Maths and science teacher Justin Marks was suspended on an interim basis on December 24 by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT), after his employer Tarneit P-9 College became aware of a child safety allegation.
The school immediately reported the allegation to police and removed Mr Marks, who was later charged with committing a sexual offence and appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for a filing hearing on December 20.
Families at the school were informed about Mr Marks’ charges just before Christmas Day last year.
“Dear parents and carers, I am writing to let you know that Justin Marks, a teacher of our school, was charged with serious child sexual offences late Wednesday evening,” a letter to parents said.
“Justin Marks has worked at our school since January 2017 as a teacher for Year 7 to Year 9 classes.
“Given the nature of these charges, I believe it is important to inform you of this matter as soon as possible, rather than waiting until after school holidays.
“I am sorry to be sending such concerning news just before the term break.”
In addition to teaching maths and science, Mr Marks was promoted to the role of Year 8 science professional learning team leader in 2022, according to his LinkedIn profile which has since been modified to have all teaching history removed.
He was also a “mathematics reSolve Champion” – an initiative managed by the Australian Academy of Science in collaboration with the Australian Association of mathematics Teachers, which is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education.
More than 300 teachers are reSolve Champions across Australia and are committed to providing “better mathematics outcomes for their students”.
Outside of maths and science, Mr Marks also specialised in physical education and outdoor education, and previously taught at Melton Secondary College, including VCAL – now called VCE Vocational Major – classes.
“I take pride in educating young minds, providing a positive learning atmosphere for every student and aiding disengaged students by building the skills they need for living,” he said in his LinkedIn “about” section.
Prior to his teaching career, Mr Marks was a bartender and gaming attendant at Bacchus Marsh Golf Club and The Red Lion Hotel in Ballarat.
A Department of Education spokeswoman said Mr Marks’ charges were “deeply distressing to the school and community concerned, and to the Department of Education”.
“Our current priority is to ensure full support is available to any impacted student and their family,” she said.
Given the matter was before the courts, the department was unable to comment further.
The Herald Sun has contacted Mr Marks for comment.
He will reappear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on April 11.
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