Teacher April Nordstrom Stripped of Registration for Misconduct

A teacher from Whangārei Girls’ High School, April Marie Nordstrom, has lost her teaching registration following serious misconduct involving a sexual relationship with a student. The case, which involved an inquiry by the Teachers’ Disciplinary Tribunal, revealed that Nordstrom engaged in inappropriate conduct not only with one student, identified as Student A, but also with three others from Horowhenua College.

The tribunal’s findings, publicly released on October 3, 2023, documented how Nordstrom’s relationship with Student A caused significant distress. The student struggled with her mental health, lying to her parents to conceal the relationship, which ultimately affected her academic performance and family dynamics. The tribunal stated, “Simply on the relationship with Student A, serious misconduct would be proven. Sexual relationships with students are invariably found to be serious misconduct.”

The inquiry confirmed that Nordstrom had already ceased teaching during the investigation, but her registration was formally cancelled. Nordstrom had sought a non-publication order to prevent her name from being disclosed, a request that was denied. The tribunal did allow the public release of the names of the schools where she worked, while redacting student attendance years to protect their identities.

Nordstrom’s Current Employment

According to the New Zealand Planning Institute, Nordstrom is currently employed by the Northland Regional Council as a Kaiawhina Kaupapa Here Māori (Māori Policy Planner). Following the tribunal’s ruling, Whangārei Girls’ High School sent a letter to families, clarifying that Nordstrom had not been employed there for several years and had no contact with current students. The school emphasized its commitment to upholding professional conduct standards.

Details of the Misconduct

The tribunal’s summary detailed the inappropriate relationship that developed between Nordstrom and Student A while she was teaching the student. Communication began through school email and later transitioned to social media, with Nordstrom offering the student extra tuition at her home until late at night. This escalated to intimate meetings outside of school hours, with the student frequently staying overnight at Nordstrom’s residence without her parents’ knowledge.

On two occasions, Nordstrom took Student A off school grounds during school hours for sexual activities. The student’s mental well-being deteriorated, manifesting as panic attacks and strained family relationships. Concerned teachers prompted a meeting between Nordstrom, Student A, and then-principal Anne Cooper, where they downplayed the relationship, claiming mutual support for personal issues. Cooper subsequently advised Nordstrom to maintain appropriate boundaries.

Discovery and Implications

The relationship was exposed when two former students informed Student A’s parents of the inappropriate dynamic. This led to a formal complaint to the school and an investigation initiated by the Teaching Council. Nordstrom resigned from her teaching position amid the inquiry.

The Teaching Council’s investigation uncovered further evidence of inappropriate conduct with past students at Horowhenua College. Former students reported spending the night at Nordstrom’s home, where the teacher engaged in discussions about smoking marijuana and partying. One male student, identified as Student B, reported feeling uncomfortable with Nordstrom’s persistent messaging and eventually distanced himself from her.

The tribunal’s decision not only cancelled Nordstrom’s teaching registration but also imposed costs of $6,600 against her. Whangārei Girls’ High School expressed gratitude to the Teaching Council for addressing the situation promptly, reaffirming its stance against any actions that compromise student safety and well-being.

As this case highlights the critical importance of professional boundaries in education, it serves as a reminder of the significant responsibilities teachers hold in safeguarding their students’ welfare.