A teacher’s lunchtime drinking session in a Morrisons car park has been brought to light after a colleague noticed her peculiar behaviour. Rhian Williams, aged 61, has been barred from teaching following an incident where she drank half a bottle of wine during her lunch break before returning to school to teach a class for year eight students with additional learning needs.
The incident took place at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin in Carmarthenshire, Wales, when Williams went to Morrisons on May 9, 2023, to buy flowers for a co-worker but ended up purchasing a bottle of white wine. She then proceeded to consume half of the wine in her car before returning to school and parking erratically. Despite her alcohol consumption, Williams went on to teach a class that afternoon, where her behaviour was noticed by colleagues.
Assistant Head Rhian Carruthers raised concerns after observing Williams’ unusually cheerful demeanor and receiving an unexpected hug from her. Subsequently, a report was made to the assistant head teacher, leading to an investigation. Mrs. Carruthers, who had worked alongside Williams for two decades, described her as an exceptional individual with a previously spotless teaching record.
During the Education Workforce Council (EWC) fitness to practise hearing, Williams admitted to her actions. Mrs. Carruthers reported finding a half-empty wine bottle in Williams’ car, corroborating the suspicions about her behaviour. Williams, who had been struggling to adjust to blended learning during the pandemic, had taken a step back from her role as head of chemistry due to dwindling confidence, resulting in periods of absence.
Despite her remorse and acknowledgment of wrongdoing, Williams has decided not to pursue her teaching career further. Following the EWC committee’s ruling, she has been slapped with a prohibition order of at least two years, effectively terminating her teaching career indefinitely.
Williams’ case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding professional conduct in educational settings and the potential repercussions of irresponsible behaviour. It highlights the need for teachers to seek support and guidance during challenging times to ensure the safety and well-being of students and colleagues.