Teacher found guilty of misconduct after kissing and hugging student, committee rules

A fitness-to-teach committee chaired by Fergal McCarthy found a teacher at a special school guilty of professional misconduct after confirming five allegations of inappropriate conduct. The teacher hugged the 19-year-old student, placed his arms around her waist, lifted her, and later kissed her on the cheek and lips while also stroking her cheek. Instagram exchanges between May 17 and May 19, 2025, contained innuendo and instructions not to disclose the incidents.

Testimony came from the student, her mother and the deputy principal, who noted the school’s prior inquiry. The teacher argued the student initiated the contact, but the committee dismissed that argument, citing a breach of the Code of Professional Conduct. A sanction hearing is scheduled for a later date.