71 teacher registrations canceled by EDB in 2024

The Education Bureau (EDB) canceled 71 teacher registrations last year, marking an increase of nearly 60 percent from the 47 cases in 2023. The figure also stands as the highest number recorded in three years.

The cancellations involved offenses such as theft, child abuse, fraud, as well as serious violations of professional conduct including inappropriate relationships with students and physical contact.

The EDB stated that the majority of the affected teachers have already left the education profession. Those involved in serious violations or illegal activities are forbidden to work in schools. 

The EDB emphasized that professional conduct violations will be handled rigorously, with reprimand letters, warning letters or written advice issued to teachers depending on the nature and severity of each incident.

In severe cases, the Bureau will cancel the teachers' registration under the Education Ordinance, strictly enforcing a "zero tolerance" policy for breaches of professional ethics.

A substantial rise in the issuance of reprimands and warning letters has also been reported over the past three years. 

In 2024, 38 reprimands were issued, nearly tripling the 13 in 2023; while there were 149 written warnings last year compared to 69 in 2023.

In addition, the EDB has enhanced training for teachers regarding the Hong Kong National Security Law in recent years, with core training programs including content from the Basic Law and the National Security Law. 

Starting from the 2023/24 school year, all public school teachers promoted to higher positions must complete a Mainland Study Tours for Promoted Teachers organized by the EDB.