MEGAN LANNING BANNED FROM TEACHING IN ROCHESTER AFTER SENDING NAKED PICTURES TO STUDENT

A private school teacher at Ripplevale School and College in Rochester has faced a permanent ban from the teaching profession after admitting to inappropriate conduct involving a vulnerable student. Megan Lanning, aged 36, was employed as a performing arts and music instructor at the institution beginning in January 2018. Her employment came under scrutiny when the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) initiated an investigation into her behavior following her own disclosure of inappropriate feelings towards a pupil.

During a professional conduct hearing, Ms. Lanning confessed to engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a student, referred to as Pupil A. She admitted to communicating with the student outside of school hours, which was deemed unprofessional and a breach of the standards expected of teachers. The investigation revealed that she had sent explicit photographs of herself to the pupil, including one where she was 'half naked showing her boobs' and another where her 'bottom half area was covered with her hand but could be seen as performing a sexual act.'

Pupil A reported receiving these images and disclosed that he had developed emotional feelings for Ms. Lanning. She acknowledged this emotional connection during the proceedings. The panel overseeing her case determined that her conduct was of a sexual nature, violating the Teachers' Standards and constituting unacceptable professional behavior.

In her statement, Ms. Lanning expressed deep remorse for her actions. She admitted that sending the photographs was a selfish and impulsive decision, which she now regrets profoundly. She described feeling 'sick' when reflecting on her behavior and revealed that she has been undergoing therapy to address her conduct and prevent future lapses.

The disciplinary panel concluded that her misconduct has damaged the public's trust in the teaching profession. As a result, they recommended a prohibition order, which the TRA has now enforced. This order permanently bans her from teaching in any educational institution across England, with no possibility of reinstatement in the future.

Ripplevale School responded swiftly to the incident, confirming that Ms. Lanning was suspended immediately following the concerns raised and was subsequently dismissed from her position. The school also reported the matter to the relevant authorities. The TRA emphasized the seriousness of the case, highlighting the breach of trust and the vulnerability of the student involved as key reasons for the permanent ban.