Dorothy Brown An Ashburton primary school teacher has been permanently banned from teaching after the Teachers’ Disciplinary Tribunal found she repeatedly swore at pupils, gave them the middle finger, and mocked children with learning disabilities. The teacher, Wendy Hopwood, was found to have engaged in a sustained pattern of serious misconduct while working at Tinwald School between 2019 and 2021.
Pattern of Inappropriate Behaviour
The Tribunal’s decision, released this week, details a litany of unacceptable actions by Hopwood:
- She swore at or around students and was seen raising her middle finger at them.
- Hopwood ripped up students’ work in front of them, leaving some children in tears and afraid to participate in class.
- She called one child a “crybaby,” told another he did not “have the balls” to look at her after losing his pencil, and referred to pupils as “dummies” or “thick” on multiple occasions.
- Children with learning disabilities were mocked for their abilities, with one boy told he “can’t read,” hadn’t had his medication, and was questioned about what food he had at home.
- Hopwood also made inappropriate comments about students’ weight, telling one girl to lose weight and another to stop eating.
Teacher aides and pupils reported that Hopwood often refused to let aides assist children who needed extra help, further isolating vulnerable students.
Tribunal’s Findings
The Teachers’ Disciplinary Tribunal found Hopwood’s conduct created an environment where children were “afraid to share their work or make mistakes” and left many “visibly upset, scared, embarrassed or emotionally distressed.” The Tribunal concluded the behaviour was not only highly inappropriate but also demonstrated a total lack of regard for the emotional wellbeing and specific learning needs of her students.
Despite Hopwood providing medical evidence in explanation, the Tribunal determined that cancellation of her registration was the only proportionate penalty, given the gravity and duration of her misconduct. There was no evidence she had apologised to students, colleagues, or whānau.
Hopwood was also ordered to pay $4,000 in legal costs. Her annual practising certificate expired in September 2024 and has not been renewed.
School and Community Response
Tinwald School, where Hopwood was employed until December 2021, said it supported the Tribunal’s ruling and had contacted affected families to offer support and transparency. A spokesperson emphasised the school’s commitment to ensuring students and their families feel safe and respected, and noted Hopwood was not employed by the school at the time of the Tribunal’s decision.
Professional Standards and Consequences
This case highlights the strict professional standards expected of teachers in New Zealand. The Tribunal noted that such behaviour “perpetuated an environment where children were afraid to share their work or make mistakes,” and that protecting students’ health and wellbeing must be paramount. The outcome serves as a clear warning that serious breaches of conduct, especially those targeting vulnerable children, will result in the most severe penalties, including permanent loss of registration.
