A former English teacher at Tonbridge School in Kent has avoided a teaching ban after a professional conduct panel heard he blamed his Italian heritage for being 'tactile' with pupils. James Coltella instructed students to sing inappropriate song lyrics and touched their legs and shoulders during one-to-one meetings.
The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel heard that Coltella had directed pupils to sing sections of the song 'Marvin Gaye' by Charlie Puth, which includes lyrics such as 'king size to ourselves' and 'it's a Karma Sutra show and tell'. One pupil recalled that Coltella would 'walk up and down the line, searching for eye contact'.
Coltella also touched two pupils on their shoulders, knees and legs. Pupil A said the touching 'would happen when he would laugh' and compared it to how a grandmother might rub a thumb to comfort. The pupil also said Coltella asked for hugs several times, leading them to avoid him.
In a statement, Coltella said: 'My Italian heritage and upbringing fostered a demonstrative manner; however, the need to think about how your actions are received by others has now been acutely understood.' He added that there was 'never any malicious intent' and expressed remorse for any emotional harm caused.
The panel found nine of 25 allegations proven, concluding that Coltella's behaviour amounted to serious misconduct and fell 'significantly short of the standards expected of the profession'. However, citing positive character references describing him as 'outstanding' and 'inspirational', the panel ruled not to ban him from teaching.
