Fiona Forster. Photo / Supplied
The Teachers Council is investigating legal options after a British teacher allegedly lied about her past in an application to teach in New Zealand.
Fiona Forster resigned from her post at an Auckland school after information emerged about her unethical behaviour while teaching in England.
She was struck
off after asking 13-year-old pupils which of them was most likely to be raped, and had also been censured for buying cigarettes for pupils.
The Teachers Council copped criticism over Ms Forster's ability to get work here.
National Party education spokeswoman Anne Tolley said the most basic of checks would have revealed her past.
She said a simple internet search would have picked up a newspaper headline in Britain about her behaviour and striking off.
Council director Peter Lind told NZPA the council was reviewing the way it ran its checks, and also how Ms Forster's name apparently wasn't on a British website the New Zealand agency checks when vetting incoming teachers for suspensions or other concerning conduct.
"In this particular case Fiona Forster's name does not appear on that list and we are inquiring as to why that might be," Mr Lind said.
He said the council had done a police check and Ms Forster had signed a document stating she had no disciplinary issues.
"This one did fall through the cracks, but having said that, we did over 1000 applications in that particular year (2006) and this is the only one that has caused concern."
Mr Lind said individual schools also needed to follow good practice by checking with the previous employer of job applicants as to their suitability.
"That's an employment issue and we're not going down that particular track."
The council was, however, investigating the legal aspect of teachers making false statements.
"We are exploring what actions we can take about fraudulent activity and are seeking legal advice around that."
Mr Lind said the council had started the process seeking to deregister Ms Forster.
- NZPA
