Teacher sacked over 'racy' novel

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/west_yorkshire/8071857.stm

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An English teacher at a West Yorkshire school has been dismissed for writing a book involving underage drinking, hints of drug use and "pupil fantasies".

Leonora Rustamova was suspended from Calder High School in Mytholmroyd in January after publishing her novel Stop! Don't Read This! on the internet.

The book featured some of the actual names of pupils and fellow staff including headteacher Stephen Ball.

A council spokesman said governors had informed Ms Rustamova of the decision.

The teacher, known by pupils at the school as Miss Rusty, was told the outcome of the disciplinary case on Wednesday, Calderdale Council said. She was not available for comment.

'Amazing teacher'

The spokesman added: "At the moment it would be inappropriate to say anything because that particular case may be subject to an appeal."

Ms Rustamova's dismissal comes despite massive support from pupils at the school calling for her to be reinstated.

In March, police were called to the school after more than 250 students held a mass demonstration in support of her.

More than 900 people have also joined a social networking group on Facebook called Save Miss Rusty's Job.

One post read: "Well thanks to whoever is responsible for this. My son has now lost an amazing English teacher and a lovely mentor."