A drama teacher has been permanently banned from working in education after sending explicit photographs to a student, following inappropriate feelings towards the pupil. Megan Lanning, 36, previously employed at Ripplevale School in Rochester, Kent, engaged in this misconduct when she transmitted two sexual images to a student.
Details presented during a misconduct hearing revealed that one of the images depicted Ms Lanning "half naked showing her boobs," while another portrayed her "bottom half area covered with her hand." The actions came to light when Ms Lanning reported herself to the school's safeguarding team, admitting to the development of these inappropriate feelings.
In her statement, Ms Lanning expressed confusion over her actions, stating, "I remember at the time I just wanted to give [them] all of me and wanted [them] to think I was amazing." However, she later expressed deep regret, describing herself as “disgusted and repulsed” by her actions and expressing concern over the potential media exposure. "The whole thing truly feels like such lunacy to me now," she said.
The hearing panel, chaired by Alan Wells from the Teaching Regulation Agency, described Ms Lanning's conduct as clearly indicative of her pursuit of a relationship or sexual gratification with a student over whom she held a position of authority. "The conduct of Ms Lanning amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession," he stated.
Wells concluded that a prohibition order was necessary in this case, asserting that it served both the public interest and the integrity of the teaching profession. The panel recommended that there should be no review period for her ban, indicating the severity of the misconduct.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns surrounding the safeguarding of students and the ethical responsibilities of educators within the school environment.
Source: Noah Wire Services