Teacher could be sued for telling kids incest stories

The state's teaching watchdog has been ordered to explain why a teacher who told kids incest stories was allowed to keep his registration.

Former Caulfield Junior College teacher Chris Adams admitted to 11 instances of professional misconduct at a Victorian Institute of Teaching disciplinary panel hearing. Picture: Facebook

Education Minister Natalie Hutchins has demanded Victoria’s teaching regulator explain why it upheld the registration of a teacher who told primary school kids stories about murder and incest.

Chris Adams, a teacher who worked at Caulfield Junior College, appeared before a Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) tribunal in May to face almost a dozen claims of inappropriate behaviour – which the body refused to detail at the time.

Parents whose children attended the public school in 2017 – when the allegations surfaced – were this week told Mr Adams would be allowed back in Victorian schools if he undertook “extensive professional development” and was mentored by a more experienced teacher for one year.

The Department of Education and Training terminated Mr Adams’ employment at the public school in the wake of the allegations.

Chris Adams is facing a lawsuit from parents over his ‘concerning’ behaviour with young pupils. Picture: Facebook

Ms Hutchins on Wednesday dug her heels in over Mr Adams’ termination, calling on the VIT to explain the reasons behind its decision to again maintain his registration.

“I am deeply concerned by the outcome and decision made by the panel and understand that my concerns are likely to be shared by the community,” she said.

“I have asked Education Department for further information about this decision and to request the panel demonstrate how it considered community expectations in their decision making.”

“Chris Adams will not teach in a government school again.”

The complaints against Mr Adams related to incidents that took place at Caulfield Junior College in 2014 and 2015.

It is understood he told stories about murder and incest to year 4 students.

Mr Adams has been able to teach in private and Catholic schools since his termination in 2017 because the VIT did not strip him of his registration at the time.

Education Minister Natalie Hutchins has demanded the VIT explain why Mr Adams was allowed to keep his registration. Picture: Gary Ramage

It is unclear whether he has since been employed by any independent schools.

Outraged parents are now considering legal action against Mr Adams.

A mother whose daughter was taught by Mr Adams in 2017 when she was in grade four told the Herald Sun that she would be engaging lawyers over the decision because she “incredibly worried” about him returning to the classroom.

The mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said she has pursued the matter since 2017 after her own daughter detailed inappropriate interactions with Mr Adams.

“I’m absolutely disappointed,” she said.

“His behaviour is extremely concerning.

“I wouldn’t have fought for six years just because I had nothing else to do in my life. I will most likely be seeking further legal action against him.”

Former Education Minister James Merlino has previously criticised the VIT’s decision to uphold Mr Adams’ registration five years ago, saying he understood parents’ anger over the case.

A VIT spokeswoman said: “The VIT acknowledges community interest in this matter and the differing views about this outcome”.

“This matter highlights the importance of VIT’s mandate to promote the safety and wellbeing of children, including by taking into account community expectations.”

The VIT has the power to suspend or cancel teachers’ registrations and conduct investigations into their conduct.

The Department of Education can ban teachers from being re-hired in state schools in any role.