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Ex-teacher banned for 'low-cut crop top' comment
21 Oct
Summary
- Former teacher made inappropriate comments about pupil's attire.
- He also shouted at, spat on, and pushed another student.
- Teacher removed from register for one year due to serious conduct.
A former history and modern studies teacher, John Kerr, has been struck off the teaching register for a year due to serious misconduct. The General Teaching Council Scotland panel found that over seven years ago, while employed at Berwickshire High School, Kerr made an inappropriate comment to a pupil about her attire for a school production. He allegedly said he would attend if she wore a "low-cut crop top and tight trousers."
Further allegations proved include shouting at a student, spitting on his hand and wiping it on the pupil, and pushing the student. The panel also upheld claims that Kerr told a student, "You'll never be as smart as me ... I have written over 50 books," and "You are thick and stupid ... you will never make anything of your life."
While Kerr, now 75, denied some claims and was away at the time of the alleged costume comment, the panel found the conduct was "very serious" and involved multiple pupils. They concluded that removal from the register was the appropriate sanction, deeming him unfit to teach.
