Joanna Broad-Reeder, a 58-year-old former teacher, has been banned indefinitely from the teaching profession after allegations surfaced regarding her inappropriate relationship with a pupil under the age of 18. The teacher, who previously worked at St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy in Stoke-on-Trent, first encountered the student while serving as a supply teacher at Crewe's St Thomas More School in January 2022.
Documents presented at a recent professional conduct panel revealed that Ms Broad-Reeder maintained contact with the student even after she had transitioned to a new school in September 2022. Throughout this period, she admitted to arranging and attending multiple outings with the pupil, which included meals, trips to an art gallery, and visits to the cinema.
Communication between the two included several intimate messages, with Ms Broad-Reeder expressing sentiments that raised concerns about the nature of their relationship. She reportedly described the pupil as her "soul mate," stating that those around her believed she was "in love" with him. In one notable WhatsApp exchange, she conveyed her feelings, saying, "Just this very moment, I realise what it is I feel for you. It is love – a love of who I used to be and who I longed for when I was young – which was you."
The Teaching Regulation Agency's report highlighted that Ms Broad-Reeder professed to be "in awe" of the pupil's intellect and maturity, asserting that her feelings were not sexual. "She stated that when she first met Pupil A, she was astounded by his intellect, maturity and love of the arts," the report indicated. However, the panel dismissed the notion that her sentiments could be excused based on a perceived intellectual connection, stating that they deemed her messages inappropriate in tone and content.
Following the investigation, Ms Broad-Reeder acknowledged that her actions constituted unacceptable professional conduct. In correspondence with her legal representatives, she expressed regret and acknowledged the negative impact of her behaviour on her professional standing. She stated, "I totally understand that I may have exceeded the parameters. I am only guilty of emotionally caring for and enjoying sharing the arts with the pupil."
Despite her apologies, the panel noted that her expressions of remorse were framed in a way that focused more on her own circumstances rather than the implications of her actions on the pupil involved. Consequently, Ms Broad-Reeder was struck off the teaching register indefinitely, prohibiting her from teaching in any educational settings in England. She will not be eligible to apply for the prohibition order to be lifted before March 2029, at which point her case will be reviewed by a panel to determine if the order should be rescinded.
Photos surfaced of Ms Broad-Reeder, including images from her recent wedding day, suggesting a stark contrast between her personal life and the professional issues she faces.
Source: Noah Wire Services