Teacher faces being banned from class

Dec 19 2007 by Urmee Khan, The Journal

A TEACHER could be banned from the classroom after being accused of acting inappropriately with students at two North schools.

Ian Graham, who worked at Durham Gilesgate Sports College and Sixth Form and Houghton Kepier Sports College, appeared before the professional conduct committee of the General Teaching Council for England yesterday accused of a number of offences. The panel has the power to ban teachers from the classroom, and can also impose restrictions on their work or order them to undergo training.

Mr Graham faces allegations of using language of a sexual nature, making comments about students and being over familiar with students at both schools.

He is also accused of walking out of a lesson at Durham Gilesgate without taking any action to ensure the health and safety of students.

Other allegations relating to his time at the Durham school between September 2005 and March 2006 include showing a lack of punctuality, failing to send in work when absent and failing to adequately manage pupil behaviour.

Witnesses giving evidence at the tribunal include Mike Brett, headteacher at Durham Gilesgate, and Sue Hyland, head at Houghton Kepier.

Nobody at the two schools was available for comment on the tribunal last night.

A spokeswoman from Durham County Council said: “We can confirm that Ian Graham was employed as an English teacher from September 2005 to June 2006 when he resigned from his post”.

Sunderland City Council declined to comment. The hearing has been adjourned.