Making a complaint about a teacher

If you have concerns about a teacher's professional conduct, competence, or physical or mental fitness to teach, you should first discuss these with the principal of the teacher's school, or head teacher/person responsible of the teacher's early childhood setting. Most complaints can be dealt with appropriately within the learning centre and the Teachers Council does not need to be informed. If the matter is not resolved, you can lodge a complaint with the employer (eg the Board of Trustees).

You can only make a complaint about a teacher directly to the NZ Teachers Council:

• If the teacher is not currently working as a teacher;
  
• If you think the employer will not be able to deal with the complaint effectively because of a conflict of interest;
  
• If you are not satisfied with the way in which the employer is dealing or has already dealt with the complaint; or
  
• In any other exceptional circumstance.

You must make your complaint in writing, and clearly set out the details of the allegations. You should also specify what action, if any, you have already taken, and what outcome you would like to see from the NZ Teachers Council's investigation. You should attach all relevant documentation to your letter. This allows the teacher to respond fully to your allegations, and assists the NZ Teachers Council to investigate the matter appropriately.

Please note that all documentation you send to the NZ Teachers Council will be copied to the teacher for comment. The NZ Teachers Council and the Complaints Assessment Committee cannot take into account any information which the teacher has not had an opportunity to comment on.

To print a complaint form, click here.

Complaints received before 1 September 2004 are dealt with when the teachers apply to renew their practising certificates, unless they agree to have the complaints investigated sooner. Complaints received after 1 September 2004 are dealt with in accordance with the procedures in the NZ Teachers Council Rules.

For further information on how complaints are dealt with, click here.

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