Arabic version: معلمة من داروين تطعن في تعليق تسجيلها

According to ABC News, Darwin teacher Bindi Isis is seeking a review of a preliminary decision by the Northern Territory Teacher Registration Board to suspend her registration while it investigates allegations concerning child welfare, psychological safety, professional judgement and fitness to teach.

Documents filed with the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal show the board suspended Ms Isis’s registration in May after receiving a complaint from a school principal. Ms Isis, who says she has 25 years of teaching experience, argues the board did not properly assess the reliability and context of the allegations.

In her application, Ms Isis said the notification relied on by the board contained “significant mischaracterisations, exaggerations, subjective opinions and speculative assertions”. She said she had provided a detailed April response, including a timeline of the workplace dispute, evidence of professional competence, letters of support and reports concerning her fitness to teach.

The board said it made no final misconduct findings before using its suspension power and was considering whether interim action was justified while its inquiry continued. It said the complaint included documentary material, a performance-management history, complaints from parents and staff, incident reports, correspondence, a return-to-work assessment and Ms Isis’s written response.

The board said the allegations concerned a pattern of conduct over several years and multiple sources, and argued that allowing Ms Isis to continue teaching could expose children, families and schools to an unacceptable risk if the concerns were established. Ms Isis said the suspension had caused financial hardship and harmed her reputation, while the board said its decision was reasonable, proportionate and consistent with the legislation’s protective purpose. The matter was scheduled for a closed compulsory conference at NTCAT.