A science teacher has been prohibited from teaching after she consumed half a bottle of wine during her lunch break and then returned to conduct a lesson.
Rhian Williams, the former head of chemistry at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin in Carmarthenshire, Wales ventured to Morrisons on May 9, 2023, to pick up flowers for a co-worker and ended up purchasing a bottle of white wine, as explained in an Education Workforce Council (EWC) fitness to practise hearing.
Overcome by an impulse, Williams drank half of the wine in her car before driving back to school and parking irregularly. She proceeded to lead a class for year eight students with additional learning needs that afternoon.
However, her unusual behaviour sparked concern among fellow educators, leading to a report to the assistant head teacher. When Assistant Head Rhian Carruthers joined Williams in the classroom, she found her to be “overly happy” and received an unexpected hug, prompting further suspicion.
READ MORE: Prince William pictured enjoying a cheeky pint at Wetherspoons as he lives up to hilarious nickname
Williams later admitted her actions to Carruthers, and upon inspection, a half-empty wine bottle was discovered in her vehicle.
Mrs Carruthers, who has served as one of the assistant head teachers at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin since 2017, gave her statement during the hearing and mentioned she’s been a colleague of Williams for two decades and considered her a close friend. She spoke highly of Williams, characterising her as an outstanding individual and an astute and informed educator who maintained good relations with her peers, reports Wales Online.
Up until this point, Williams had an unblemished record in her teaching career. Mrs Carruthers detailed that Williams found it challenging to adjust to blended learning since the lockdowns began and consequently lost confidence, leading her to step down from her position as head of chemistry.
Owing to these struggles, Williams had two spells of absence, with the latter lasting half a year. She resumed her duties at the end of March 2023.
Williams didn’t attend the hearing, but in her submitted statement, she expressed regret over the incident. Apologising for her actions, she stated they were uncharacteristic: “I’m deeply ashamed about what happened on that day. I’m not proud of what I did but I take full responsibility for what I did.”
She has decided not to pursue her teaching career again Having taught at the institution since September 1999 and led the chemistry department from 2013 to 2020, Williams withdrew from the role post-pandemic. Post-departure from the school, she has dedicated time to volunteering and supporting others.
Mrs Carruthers observed, “She’s in a much better place now.”
The EWC committee determined that Williams’ actions constituted unacceptable professional conduct as she attended the school and began teaching a class while under the influence of alcohol and/or having consumed alcohol. As a result, they issued Williams with a prohibition order of no less than two years, effectively banning her from teaching indefinitely.