Disciplinary committee
The Board is required to establish at least one disciplinary committee with three members.
Membership
Each disciplinary committee must include:
- a lawyer
- a registered teacher
- a Board member.
One person may satisfy two criteria.
Disciplinary matters are described here.
Powers and procedures
A disciplinary committee is required to consider complaints referred to it by the Board. Referrals must be accompanied by a report on the Board's investigation. A disciplinary committee, having undertaken a preliminary assessment, can:
- dismiss the complaint
- make an interim disciplinary order
- conduct an inquiry, with the teacher's consent
- request the Board to undertake additional investigations
- postpone its consideration pending the outcome of other proceedings
- refer the complaint to a more appropriate agency
- recommend that the Board refer the matter directly to the State Administrative Tribunal.
If a disciplinary committee conducts an inquiry, the teacher may be entitled to:
- call and give evidence
- examine and cross-examine witnesses
- make submissions and
- be represented.
If a disciplinary committee conducts an inquiry, it:
- must do so with as little formality and technicality as possible
- may order the teacher to pay costs and expenses to the Board.
After inquiry
If the complaint is substantiated, the committee has a number of orders available to it ranging from a caution or reprimand to suspension of registration for up to 2 years. The committee cannot cancel the teacher's registration. A teacher dissatisfied with the process or outcome of a disciplinary committee inquiry may apply for a review of the matter by the State Administrative Tribunal. Alternatively, the complaint may be dismissed.