A teacher from the Midlands has been officially barred from the profession after being discovered with alcohol at two separate schools where she was employed.
A Pattern of Misconduct
The Teaching Regulation Agency conducted a misconduct hearing into the actions of Michelle Stant. The panel heard that her first incident occurred at Oakwood Community School in Bagworth, near Coalville, Leicestershire, where she began teaching at the end of October 2020.
On Wednesday, November 25, 2020, witnesses reported that Stant drove her car into the school gates and a bollard upon arrival. Colleagues who helped her into the building stated she appeared severely confused and stressed, to the point of being unsure of their identities.
While Stant admitted to feeling lost and lightheaded during her drive and conceded her actions were irresponsible and dangerous, she denied being under the influence of alcohol. The misconduct panel, however, found ample evidence to suggest she was unfit to drive and expressed doubts about her sobriety.
Later that same day, a member of staff discovered a small, unopened bottle of red wine in her coat pocket. Michelle Stant resigned from her position at Oakwood Community School on November 25, 2020.
Repeat Offence at a New School
Stant subsequently began a teaching role at Friars Academy in Wellingborough in January 2024. The pattern of concerning behaviour continued on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, when she was seen colliding with a bollard in the car park and appearing unsteady on her feet.
Later that day, senior leadership raised concerns that she might be consuming alcohol at work. A water bottle believed to belong to her was tested, and staff reported the clear liquid inside had the distinct smell and taste of alcohol.
In her defence, Stant claimed that someone had spiked her drink in an attempt to jeopardise her employment. The panel stated it was presented with no evidence to support this claim.
Deliberate Omission and Professional Consequences
The investigation further revealed that Stant had concealed her previous employment at Oakwood Community School when applying for the position at Friars Academy. The panel labelled this a deliberate attempt to hide her past and deemed it an act of dishonesty.
Considering all the evidence, the panel concluded that Michelle Stant's actions constituted misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standard of behaviour expected of a teacher.
It recommended that she be prohibited from teaching indefinitely. Decision maker Sarah Buxcey agreed with the recommendation, imposing a teaching ban which can be reviewed after a minimum period of three years.
