Frequently Asked Questions - Impairment
We have employed a teacher who has engaged in misconduct, but we think this behaviour is triggered by health problems. Should this be reported to New Zealand Teachers Council?
A mandatory report is required from an employer when it has found that a teacher has engaged in serious misconduct. When the New Zealand Teachers Council receives the mandatory report it is investigated by the Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC). If the CAC finds that there are concerns about the teacher's health then the matter will be referred to the Impairment Committee to consider whether or not there is an impairment, and if so, under what conditions the teacher can carry out the functions of a teacher competently and safely.
What is an impairment?
An impairment is defined in the New Zealand Teachers Council (Impairment Process) Rules 2009 as something that affects the teachers ability to practice in a classroom competently and safely.
As a teacher do I have a duty to report an impairment ?
When applying for teacher registration for the first time, or when renewing a practising certificate as a fully registered teacher, an applicant is required to declare an impairment on the application form. A registration officer will ask for details about the impairment and a decision will be made on whether or not to refer the matter to the Impairment Committee.
Any other possible teacher impairments are referred to the Impairment Committee by the Complaints Assessment Committee, the Disciplinary Tribunal or the New Zealand Teachers Council.
What are the benefits of the impairment process?
The teacher benefits from an investigation being carried out by a specialist committee comprised of medical practitioners and registered teachers who make a determination on whether the person suffers from an impairment and what measures can be put in place to help the teacher carry out the functions of a teacher competently and safely.