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Three-member panels of the Discipline Committee conduct public hearings into cases of alleged incompetence or professional misconduct. Panels are composed of elected and appointed Council members. The certificate of a member found to be incompetent or guilty of professional misconduct may be revoked, suspended, and/or made subject to terms, conditions or limitations. In findings of professional misconduct, the committee may also reprimand, admonish or counsel the member, impose a fine, and order the member to pay costs.
Summaries of recent disciplinary cases are published on the following pages. Copies of the full decisions are available at oct.ca → Members → Complaints and Discipline → Decisions.
The College publishes professional advisories, available at oct-oeeo.ca/ advisories, which are intended to inform members’ professional judgment and practice. For more information about the Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession, please visit oct-oeeo.ca/ethical.
Member: William Joseph Allen
Registration No: 315237
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of teacher and priest William Joseph Allen in relation to criminal convictions for the indecent assault of two students.
Certified to teach in August 1960, Allen did not attend the April 9, 2013, hearing. He was represented by legal counsel.
Allen was a teacher at the victims’ school in the Ottawa Catholic School Board and a Catholic priest at their church. The sexual abuse occurred in Allen’s room in the school, in the church rectory, after choir practice and at his cottage.
The abuse occurred repeatedly over a six-year period, from 1970 to 1976, and had a devastating effect on the victims and their families.
Allen, convicted of two counts of indecent assault, was handed a nine-month conditional sentence followed by 12 months of probation in April 2011. He was also prohibited for 10 years from being in the presence of persons under the age of 16, seeking and maintaining any employment or volunteer opportunities that involved being in a position of trust or authority toward persons under 16, or using a computer to communicate with persons under 16.
The Discipline Committee panel found Allen guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “The Committee considered the power imbalance that exists in favour of the member’s privileged position of trust and authority as a teacher and priest and the vulnerability of students.”
Member: Thomas Collins Auchincloss
Registration No: 228894
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Thomas Collins Auchincloss in connection with a criminal conviction for gross indecency involving his student.
Auchincloss, who taught at a Mississauga high school in the Peel District School Board, was certified to teach in August 1965. He did not attend the July 10, 2013, hearing but was represented by legal counsel.
The member engaged in a sexual relationship with his student for six years from approximately 1971 to April 1977. Auchincloss was convicted of gross indecency in relation to the student on October 6, 2011. He was sentenced to 60 days of house arrest and 18 months of probation.
The Discipline Committee panel found Auchincloss guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “The Committee finds the member’s conduct to be disgraceful and unbecoming a member of the profession. The member abused the authority and trust vested in him in his role as a teacher, without regard for the well-being of the student.”
Member: Isaak Danny Berlin, OCT
Registration No: 512356
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded a former teacher at the Toronto District School Board for inappropriate physical contact.
Berlin, who was certified to teach in July 2007, attended the public hearing on October 6, 2015, and was represented by legal counsel.
The panel heard that in January 2013, Berlin, while accompanying a male student to the bus stop at the end of the school day, made inappropriate physical contact with a student, including:
Berlin’s employment with the board was terminated on June 20, 2013.
The panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and directed that he appear before the Discipline Committee immediately following the hearing to receive a reprimand.
The panel ordered that, prior to engaging in employment requiring a Certificate of Qualification and Registration, he successfully complete, at his own expense, a pre-approved course on classroom management, including appropriate disciplinary measures.
Member: Not identified
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded a Toronto District School Board vice-principal for an inappropriate romantic relationship with a married teacher at his school.
Certified to teach in June 1995, the member attended the April 24, 2014, hearing and was represented by legal counsel.
While a vice-principal at an elementary school, the member was involved in a sexual relationship with a teacher during the 2009–10 school year. They once called in sick to the school so they could spend the day together at his home. He sometimes sought out the teacher during the school day for reasons unrelated to their professional duties. They also kissed and touched in his office.
The member breached the school board’s Code of Online Conduct by using the board’s email account and computer to exchange inappropriate emails with the teacher.
He breached the board’s conflict of interest policy by placing himself in a situation that could affect his ability to exercise skill and good judgment in the performance of his duties and by failing to disclose the relationship to his superintendent in a timely manner.
The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that he appear before the panel immediately after the hearing to be reprimanded.
The member was also directed to successfully complete, at his own expense, a course in appropriate boundaries with colleagues and responsibilities of administrators in relationships with staff.
In its written decision, the panel said, “The Committee accepted that the member’s behaviour was at the lower end of the scale and was a single incident in his teaching career.”
Member: Dean Frederick Buchanan
Registration No: 446546
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Dean Frederick Buchanan for engaging in a sexual relationship with a female student he formerly coached.
Certified to teach in May 2001, Buchanan did not attend the August 11, 2014, hearing, but he was represented by legal counsel.
Buchanan was an elementary school teacher who also coached a high school team in the Thames Valley District School Board. The student attended the high school and was on Buchanan’s team in 2005. He was involved in a sexual relationship, including sexual intercourse, with her in the spring of 2006.
The Discipline Committee panel found Buchanan guilty of professional misconduct and directed that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “Conduct of a sexual nature involving a student represents the most egregious breach of trust from a person in a position of trust and authority over a student.”
Member: Peter James Callaghan
Registration No: 143472
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the teaching certificate of Peter James Callaghan for submitting a forged reference letter as part of his application to teach at a Bermuda school.
Certified to teach in June 1969, Callaghan attended the April 29, 2013, hearing and was represented by legal counsel.
Callaghan taught at Cornwall’s St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School in the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario from September 1, 2003, to November 17, 2009. He applied for a teaching position at Mount Saint Agnes Academy in Bermuda in 2011. He provided a reference letter with the name, motto and address of the Cornwall school that was purportedly signed by the principal.
Mount Saint Agnes Academy hired Callaghan for a three-month temporary contract in September 2011.When the Bermuda school discovered in November 2011 that the reference letter was forged, it cancelled his contract.
The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for two months and that he appear before the committee immediately after the hearing to receive a reprimand. He must also successfully complete a course in ethics at his own expense.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “It is expected that teachers fulfill their duties in an ethical and honest manner.”
Member: Kayla Marie Campbell
Registration No: 528830
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the teaching certificate of Kayla Marie Campbell for unprofessional conduct, including inappropriate electronic communication.
Campbell, a former department head with the York Region District School Board, was certified to teach in July 2008. She attended the November 27, 2014, hearing and represented herself.
During the 2010–11 school year, Campbell befriended two of her students who were dating each other at the time. She spent time with them off school property and outside of school hours.
She took one of the students to lunches, dinners and movies. She allowed him to call her by her first name and regularly exchanged texts with him. Campbell occasionally allowed the other student to stay overnight at her apartment. They watched television, walked and ate dinner together.
During the 2011–12 school year, Campbell visited the students in the city where they attended university. They went out for dinner and drank alcohol.
Subsequently, Campbell’s behaviour, comments and judgment caused a third student to suffer from a lack of self-confidence.
Campbell also conversed with students and former students on Facebook and Twitter making numerous extremely inappropriate comments.
She resigned from the school board on September 11, 2013, while under investigation.
The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that her teaching certificate be suspended for one month.
She was also directed to appear before the panel immediately after the hearing to receive a reprimand. Prior to starting any job that requires a teaching certificate, she must successfully complete a course, at her own expense, in maintaining appropriate professional boundaries in student-teacher relations.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “Members of the profession must be made aware of the College’s expectations regarding professional behaviour.”
Member: Charles Murray Cridland, OCT
Registration No: 266438
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Toronto District School Board teacher Charles Murray Cridland for the “physical mistreatment” of three male students at his school.
Certified to teach in June 1995, Cridland attended the hearing on July 22, 2014, and was represented by legal counsel.
Cridland admitted that he pulled or held the ear of one student, held the arms of another student, and touched or squeezed a third student in his neck area during the 2006–07 school year.
Three criminal charges of assault were withdrawn against Cridland, and on April 29, 2008, he entered into a peace bond in which he agreed to have no contact with the three students.
Cridland received a discipline letter from his school board and a 20-day suspension. He was transferred to another school. He also successfully completed a 20-hour classroom management course and short-term counselling in stress and anger management issues.
The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that he appear before the panel immediately after the hearing to receive a reprimand. Cridland was also directed to successfully complete a course in the handling of contentious situations, at his own expense, within three months of the order.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “This conduct is completely unacceptable and brings the profession into disrepute.”
Member: Paul Jorge Da Rosa
Registration No: 277141
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Paul Jorge Da Rosa for engaging in a sexual relationship with a female student, including sexual intercourse on multiple occasions.
Da Rosa, a former Thames Valley District School Board secondary school teacher, was certified to teach in October 1997. He did not attend the February 3, 2014, hearing but was represented by legal counsel.
During the 2008–09 school year, Da Rosa and the student began working together alone in his classroom. The relationship began to involve physical contact, which escalated to kissing and progressed to sexual intercourse. They engaged in sexual intercourse in Da Rosa’s classroom, in his hotel room and in his car.
The relationship continued after the student graduated and lasted until 2010. She reported the matter to the school principal in 2012. Da Rosa resigned from the school board on December 6, 2012.
The Discipline Committee panel found Da Rosa guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “Revocation is the appropriate penalty for misconduct of this severity … Such acts represent the most egregious breach of trust between a teacher and a student under his care.”
Member: Enoch Edusei
Registration No: 205324
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Enoch Edusei for conduct that was aggressive, unprofessional, insubordinate and uncaring over a span of 11 years.
Edusei, employed by the Toronto District School Board and its predecessor the Scarborough Board of Education, was certified to teach in June 1992. He did not attend the February 13–14, 2013, hearing, nor was he represented by legal counsel.
There were incidents with the member at three schools in the board during an 11-year period: 1995 to 1999, 1999 to 2000 and 2003 to 2006. The member’s behaviour was repeatedly described as aggressive, intimidating, inappropriate and unprofessional. He refused to follow school, board and ministry policies and procedures. He abused students verbally and displayed a lack of judgment and a disregard for his students’ welfare.
At one school, the principal received 31 complaints from parents and students about Edusei’s conduct and 15 requests to be transferred out of his class in a two-year period.
Edusei’s behaviour persisted despite numerous attempts at remediation and deterrence by administrators, including caution, suspension, loss of income and attempts at counselling.
He has not taught since 2007. His teaching certificate was suspended for non-payment of fees in April 2008.
The Discipline Committee panel found Edusei guilty of professional misconduct. The panel ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “The member’s ongoing pattern of professional misconduct, with no evident interest on his part to remediate his practice makes revocation the necessary penalty to prevent his return to the classroom.”
Member: Eleonora Gal, OCT
Registration No: 205648
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Peel District School Board teacher Eleonora Gal for failing to maintain the standards of the profession and to adequately supervise students in her care. Her inappropriate remarks constituted verbal, psychological and emotional abuse.
Certified to teach in June 1993, Gal attended the hearing on May 20, 2014, and was represented by legal counsel.
The school board received complaints from students and staff about Gal’s conduct during the 2011–12 school year. She made numerous inappropriate comments to students and staff. For example, she called students’ work “trash” or “garbage” and stated that other teachers were “idiots.”
Gal left an assigned duty of supervising a physical education class with a teaching assistant. She also defied a directive to have no contact with the school community while she was assigned to home duty with pay.
In June 2012, she received a discipline letter from the school board. Gal notified the board in September 2012 that she would retire at the end of the month.
The Discipline Committee panel found Gal guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that she appear before the panel immediately after the hearing to receive a reprimand.
Gal was also directed to successfully complete courses in classroom management and cultural sensitivity at her own expense.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “Teachers hold a position of trust and authority. It is important for teachers to establish strong, professional relationships with their students and colleagues. It is not acceptable for a teacher to make culturally inappropriate comments that demean students’ ability and potential, which could also be interpreted as racist. It is deplorable for a teacher to embarrass and belittle students and to make comments about colleagues describing them with derogatory terms and criticizing their professional competence.”
Member: John Robert D. Gerwin
Registration No: 264903
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the teaching certificate of John Robert D. Gerwin for an inappropriate relationship with a student despite warnings from colleagues and a request from the student’s mother to stop.
Gerwin, a teacher with the Upper Grand District School Board, was certified to teach in June 1990. He attended the May 30, 2014, hearing and was represented by legal counsel.
During the 2009–10 school year, Gerwin and the female student met often to talk about her personal life at home. They exchanged more than 50 emails and had four outings during the summer in 2010. This transpired despite warnings from a colleague. Gerwin also disregarded the mother’s request that he cease contact with the student outside school activities.
In the fall of 2010, Gerwin continued to spend time with the student both in school and outside school hours. He once kissed her on the cheek, hugged her on numerous occasions and allowed her to give him a shoulder massage.
At least three of Gerwin’s colleagues reported their concerns to his department head, who spoke to the member. The school board suspended Gerwin for two weeks without pay in March 2011.
The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for six months. He was also directed to appear before the panel immediately after the hearing to receive a reprimand and to successfully complete a course in appropriate boundaries at his own expense.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “Even after the student made inappropriate advances to the member, he continued to meet with the student both in the school and outside of the school ... It is a teacher’s duty to protect young persons, who may be physically mature, but who still lack the emotional or intellectual maturity to safeguard their own sexual integrity from being exploited by adults who have unique access and potential influence over them by virtue of being in a position of trust and authority. A teacher is a classic example of such a person.
“This was a serious breach of trust by the member and requires a serious penalty.”
Member: Caroline Anne Graham, OCT
Registration No: 120848
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Caroline Anne Graham, a teacher at the Toronto District School Board, for using inappropriate language and disclosing confidential student information.
Graham, who was certified to teach in June 1964, did not attend the public hearing on September 30, 2015, but was represented by legal counsel.
The panel heard that Graham was involved in five incidents that occurred in the 2010–11 and 2011–12 school years. She used inappropriate language (some of a racist nature) and breached confidentiality about student information.
In one incident, she sent a student back to his seat and said, “he’s Chinese or whatever,” which suggested to a parent volunteer in the class that this was the reason the child did not understand what she was trying to communicate to him. In another, she directed the students to play in a different area as they were blocking other students from entering the playground. According to the students, Graham screamed at them to “shut up” when they protested. Her inappropriate conduct recurred despite disciplinary measures imposed by the board.
The panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct. The panel ordered that, prior to returning to any teaching position requiring a Certificate of Qualification and Registration, she successfully complete, at her own expense, a pre-approved course on classroom management and professional boundaries.
The panel also directed that she appear before the Discipline Committee immediately following the hearing, or on a date to be arranged by the member within 90 days of the date of the order, to receive a reprimand.
Member: Gregory Philip Henry Hamelin
Registration No: 392531
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Gregory Philip Henry Hamelin in connection with criminal convictions for sexual offences involving five students.
Hamelin, certified to teach in June 1996, was employed by the District School Board of Niagara. He did not attend the April 17, 2013, hearing, nor was he represented by legal counsel.
Hamelin engaged in inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature with five female students from 2003 to 2010. This included electronic communication of a sexual nature, games of “truth or dare” and encouraging sexual touching between two students. The activities occurred at Hamelin’s farm, in his car and at a public park.
Hamelin pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual offences and offences tending to corrupt morals under the Criminal Code. In April 2012, he was sentenced to 12 months in jail, in addition to the 19 days of pre-sentence custody he served, and three years of probation. His probation restricted his access to anyone under the age of 16.
The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked.
The committee found Hamelin took advantage of his privileged position of trust and authority as a teacher over a group of vulnerable students.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “The Committee finds the member’s conduct and the resulting criminal convictions to be disgraceful, dishonourable and unbecoming a member of the profession.”
Member: Gregory Horsford
Registration No: 108259
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded a former teacher at the Algoma District School Board for using inappropriate language and yelling at students in his class.
Horsford, who was certified to teach in June 1970, and his legal counsel did not attend the public hearing on September 29, 2015.
The panel heard that, between September and late November 2010, Horsford often yelled at his classes and, at times, berated students generally. He also used inappropriate language in his classes including “shit,” “idiot” and “stupid,” among other things.
He went on medical leave effective December 13, 2010, and retired from the board in June 2011.
The panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct. It ordered that, prior to undertaking any teaching position or any position for which a Certificate of Qualification and Registration is required, he:
Member: Jennifer Ann Hubbs
Registration No: 473265
Decision: Suspension, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the teaching certificate of Jennifer Ann Hubbs for “financial irregularities” regarding her handling of funds for her school’s book fair and yearbook accounts.
Hubbs, a former teacher-librarian with the Peel District School Board, was certified to teach in February 2004. She attended the October 16, 2015, hearing and was represented by legal counsel.
In 2011, Hubbs administered her school’s book fairs where students bought books supplied by Scholastic Canada. Funds collected were to be remitted to the book supplier, except for a portion retained by the school for commission and used for school purposes.
Hubbs failed to remit $271 of total funds received for a book fair in the spring of 2011. She did not transfer any money from the September 2011 book fair to Scholastic or to the school.
She also failed to remit funds from the 2010–11 yearbook sales to the school or the yearbook publisher, and to properly account for and submit money received for yearbooks sold in the 2009–10 school year.
Following the school board’s audit and investigation, the board asked Hubbs to repay $6,220. She repaid the amount and resigned her employment effective June 1, 2012.
The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that her Certificate of Qualification and Registration be suspended for two years and that she receive a reprimand. The committee described her conduct as “dishonest and unprofessional.”
In its decision, the panel wrote, “Members of the teaching profession are expected to respect their professional obligations both inside and outside of the classroom, and face serious consequences when they fail to do so.”
Member: Jeffrey Parmenter Jones, OCT
Registration No: 449187
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Toronto District School Board former teacher Jeffrey Parmenter Jones for using inappropriate course materials, using profanity during instructional periods and co-curricular activities, and posting an inappropriate message on Facebook.
Jones, who was certified to teach in August 2001, attended the public hearing on September 4, 2015, with his legal counsel.
The panel heard that during the 2012–13 school year, Jones used an inappropriate list of jokes in his class including:
In January 2013, Jones posted the following inappropriate message on Facebook: “Dear Ms. Broten, Go fuck yourself. Actually. I understand that I am a teacher and therefor [sic] you get to dictate to me my rights for some reason. But go fuck yourself, hard.”
In May 2014, Jones voluntarily took a three-hour course covering professional boundaries. He resigned from his employment with the board in January 2015.
The panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered him to appear before the panel immediately following the hearing to receive a reprimand. It also directed the member to successfully complete, at his own expense, a pre-approved course(s) on appropriate boundaries and professional ethics. He was directed to do this within 90 days of the hearing date.
In its decision, the panel said, “The coursework will remind the member of his obligations as a teacher and will prompt him to use better judgment in his interactions with students and to use social media responsibly.”
Member: John Wilton Kelley
Registration No: 401648
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of John Wilton Kelley, a former teacher at the Toronto District School Board, for developing an inappropriate relationship with a female student.
Kelley, who was certified to teach in June 1995, attended the hearing on October 19, 2015, with his legal counsel.
During the 2010–11 academic year, he had phone conversations, rode in his vehicle and watched movies at his home with a female student.
In June 2012, Kelley was advised to remain at home pending an investigation into allegations that he engaged in an inappropriate personal relationship with a female student.
In June 2013, his board suspended him because it was concluded that he had engaged in inappropriate activities for the purpose of establishing a personal relationship with a female student.
His employment with the board was subsequently terminated in June 2013.
The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for one month. The committee directed him to appear before the panel, immediately after his hearing, to receive a reprimand.
The panel also directed that, within 90 days of the date of the order, he successfully complete, at his own expense, a course on appropriate boundaries and boundary violation issues.
In its decision, the panel said, “When professional boundaries are crossed, it undermines the public’s confidence in the teaching profession. Accordingly, publication with name is an opportunity for the College to publicly denounce such behaviour.”
Member: Tariq Saeed Khan
Registration No: 469169
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the certificate of former Ottawa-Carleton District School Board teacher Tariq Saeed Khan for pursuing a personal and sexual relationship with a female student.
Certified to teach in July 2003, Khan did not attend the June 24, 2013, hearing, but he was represented by legal counsel.
During the 2009–10 school year, Khan text messaged the student about personal matters and met with her alone on and off school property on several occasions, including having a coffee after class. He spent time with the student alone in his car, and once tried to put his hand down her pants to initiate a sexual encounter.
Khan resigned from the school board on December 14, 2010.
The Discipline Committee panel found Khan guilty of professional misconduct and that he engaged in the sexual abuse of a student. The panel ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “This behaviour constitutes a serious breach of trust.”
Member: Not identified
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded a former teacher at the Peel District School Board for soliciting students in the operation of his multi-level marketing business.
The member, who was certified to teach in September 2009, attended the public hearing on September 4, 2015, with his legal counsel.
The panel heard that, during the 2012–13 school year, he solicited student involvement and membership in the business. In order to participate, students were required to pay a one-time fee of $500. They were then required to make monthly purchases of business-related products.
In the course of operating the business, he contacted students via email, text and by phone, often on a daily basis, during and after school hours, and late on school nights.
In January 2013, he was assigned to home duties and resigned his employment with the board in September 2013.
The panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered him to appear before it to receive a reprimand. It also directed the member to successfully complete, at his own expense and prior to seeking or engaging in employment where a certificate is required, a pre-approved course on professional ethics.
In its decision, the panel said, “The member, by involving students in a business that was not sanctioned by the school, and that he profited from, crossed the professional boundaries of a student/ teacher relationship.”
Member: Eric John Maillard
Registration No: 491930
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Eric John Maillard for accessing and possessing child pornography.
Certified to teach in June 2005, Maillard did not attend the February 25, 2013, hearing, nor was he represented by legal counsel.
Based on police evidence and testimony, the committee found Maillard accessed and possessed child pornography from August 1, 2007, to October 23, 2009. A detective testified at the hearing that police were contacted after a computer with suspected child pornography images was brought into a repair shop in Winnipeg. A work order identified Maillard as the computer’s owner.
Maillard admitted in a police video interview that he was addicted to pornography. Police found 197 images on his computer that met the Criminal Code definition of child pornography. He also used Google to search terms such as “Child Porn Law Canada.”
The detective testified that the Crown attorney assigned to the criminal proceedings advised that the charges against Maillard were stayed due to late disclosure of the forensic tech crime report. As a result, there was never a criminal trial.
Maillard resigned from the College in September 2011. Even though his status was Cancelled-Resigned, he was a member of the College during the time of the allegations.
The Discipline Committee panel found Maillard guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “Society abhors child exploitation and the Committee is resolute that no member of the profession should engage in this type of egregious conduct.”
Member: Maria Margus, OCT
Registration No: 214754
Decision: Reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Toronto District School Board teacher Maria Margus for mistreating students, including frequently shouting at them in an angry voice and making some students afraid to attend class.
Certified to teach in April 1996, Margus attended the September 28, 2015, hearing and was represented by legal counsel.
In 2010, the school board disciplined Margus for the mistreatment of students. The board verified that she acted inappropriately and intimidated students on two occasions. The board cautioned Margus to moderate her language, body language and tone of voice, and she was given a 15-day suspension without pay. She was offered another school assignment when she returned.
The member completed a course on anger management and worked with a mentor on effective instructional strategies for students and classroom management.
The Discipline Committee panel found Margus committed acts of professional misconduct and ordered that she appear before the panel immediately after the hearing to be reprimanded.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “The Committee finds that the member failed to provide a safe learning environment and foster a culture of caring. The member failed to serve as a role model for her students and she did not act in their best interests.”
Member: Joseph Robert Millward
Registration No: 388422
Decision: Reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel directed that teacher Joseph Robert Millward be reprimanded before he starts teaching in Ontario after his behaviour with two female students led to a finding of professional misconduct in British Columbia.
Certified to teach in June 1978, Millward did not attend the November 11, 2015, hearing nor did his legal counsel.
Millward is member of the Ontario College of Teachers and the British Columbia College of Teachers. The B.C. Teacher Regulation Branch found him guilty of professional misconduct on November 28, 2013, for his conduct with two students he was mentoring.
While tutoring one student, he sat very close to her, brushed his hand against her thigh and periodically patted her on the back. He also sat very close to another student, placed his hand on her thigh and brushed her hair away from her face. The two students felt uncomfortable.
Millward resigned from his teaching position in 2013.
The Discipline Committee panel found Millward guilty of professional misconduct and directed that he appear before the committee to receive a reprimand prior to commencing any teaching position that requires a Certificate of Qualification and Registration in Ontario.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “The reprimand will serve as a specific deterrent and will allow the College to address its concerns with the member, should he decide to commence a teaching position in Ontario.”
Member: Peter John Nelson
Registration No: 492036
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of Peter John Nelson, a former teacher at the Rainbow District School Board, in connection with multiple criminal offences.
Licensed to teach in June 2005, Nelson did not attend the hearing on October 5, 2015. He was not represented by legal counsel.
College counsel described Nelson’s criminal activity, as noted in the Brief of Court Documents in detail, as an egregious case of sexual abuse involving the premeditated sexual touching of two young females for whom he was in a position of trust.
The Discipline Committee panel found Nelson guilty of professional misconduct and directed the Registrar to revoke his Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
In its written decision, the panel said, “Not only has the member’s conduct had a grave impact on his victims, but it has also jeopardized the public’s trust in the teaching profession. Accordingly, the member is no longer entitled to be a member of the teaching profession.”
Member: Robert Charles Palmateer
Registration No: 240295
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Robert Charles Palmateer for repeated professional misconduct after he posted photos of two male students on his social networking site without parental permission and inappropriately gave gifts to these students.
Certified to teach in June 1978, Palmateer did not attend the October 15, 2015, hearing, nor was he represented by legal counsel.
Palmateer has a prior discipline history with the College.
The member was employed by the Thames Valley District School Board as a contract teacher in London. Witnesses testified that Palmateer posted photos of two of his male students on his personal website without parental permission and gave them gifts, such as a hat and gemstone, during the 2009–10 school year. He also gave his personal email address and personal notes to one of the students.
Palmateer retired from the school board on June 30, 2010.
The Discipline Committee panel found Palmateer guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his certificate be revoked saying protection of the public interest is of the utmost importance in this case.
The committee considered these factors in its decision:
The panel noted that “teachers may reward students for academic achievement, but providing gifts for no reason crosses professional boundaries.”
In its decision, the panel wrote, “Through his repeated conduct, the member has forfeited the privilege of holding a teaching certificate in Ontario. He has repeatedly disregarded his professional obligations in what has become a disturbing pattern of behaviour.”
Member: Stephen Michael Spence
Registration No: 159073
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Stephen Michael Spence, a former teacher at the Waterloo Region District School Board for several incidents, each of which amounted to professional misconduct.
Spence, who was certified to teach in June 1983, attended the hearing on September 24, 2015, with his legal counsel.
During the 2011–12 academic years, Spence:
Despite disciplinary measures imposed by the board, Spence continued to demonstrate poor professional judgment.
His employment with the board was terminated in October 2012. In December of the same year, following the resolution of a grievance filed on Spence’s behalf, his employment was reinstated in exchange for his irrevocable resignation, effective March 31, 2013.
The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for nine months starting on the date of the committee’s order. The committee directed him to appear before the panel, immediately after his hearing, to receive a reprimand.
The panel also ordered that, within 90 days of the date of the order, he successfully complete, at his own expense, a course on professional boundaries with colleagues and students.
Member: Terence Kazuo Takashima
Registration No: 170055
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Terence Kazuo Takashima because he “abused his position as a teacher and coach by choosing to engage in an inappropriate and sexual relationship with a student.”
Certified to teach in June 1978, Takashima attended the hearing on April 29–30 and on June 17 in 2014. He was represented by legal counsel.
The member filed a Notice of Appeal to the Ontario Divisional Court on July 15, 2014. The appeal was dismissed on May 14, 2015.
Takashima was employed as an occasional teacher with the Toronto District School Board and coached a school team. The student was a member of the team.
Four people testified during the hearing and the committee found that there was “clear, cogent and convincing evidence that the member engaged in oral sex with a student” in the school staff room on December 7, 2010. Takashima and the student said they hugged but denied there was a sexual relationship.
The school board terminated Takashima’s employment on February 21, 2012.
The Discipline Committee panel found Takashima guilty of professional misconduct and directed that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “Such acts are generally referred to as ‘the most egregious breach of trust between a teacher and a student under his care.’ The member has therefore forfeited the privilege of holding a teaching certificate and being a member of the teaching profession.”
Member: James Douglas Welch
Registration No: 238593
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of James Douglas Welch for possessing pornographic material on his classroom computer and described him as a “repeat offender.”
Welch, a teacher at a Brampton school in the Peel District School Board, was certified to teach in May 1976. He did not attend the November 21, 2012, hearing, but he was represented by legal counsel.
On January 21, 2010, the image of a nude woman was briefly displayed on Welch’s classroom computer and viewed by a student. Further review of his computer revealed numerous inappropriate and nude images of women. Welch also contravened a written undertaking he gave to the College in July 2006 to not use school or board computers for viewing, accessing or downloading inappropriate or pornographic materials.
Welch resigned from the school board effective February 28, 2010.
The Discipline Committee panel found Welch guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “The member’s contravention of the memorandum of agreement to not utilize school or board computers for viewing pornographic images was unacceptable to the Committee. Possession of pornographic material on a school computer is disgraceful conduct and will not be tolerated.”
Member: Not identified
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee suspended a Peel District School Board teacher for boundary issues after he met with a female student at a coffee shop.
Certified to teach in June 2001, the member attended the May 31, 2013, hearing and represented himself.
The member met with a female student and exchanged cellphone numbers in December 2007. He picked up the student at her place of employment and took her to a coffee shop some distance away because he was concerned about rumours. A photograph of the member and the student in the coffee shop was submitted as evidence.
The member was cautioned in a disciplinary letter from the school board in June 2008, and he completed a professional boundaries course required by the board.
He has taught at a different school in the same school board for four years without further complaints.
The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be suspended for one month and that he appear before the panel immediately after the hearing to be reprimanded.
The member was also directed to successfully complete a course in appropriate boundaries and boundary violation issues.
Member: Ira Mark Young
Registration No: 216129
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of Ira Mark Young, a former teacher at the Toronto District School Board, for a number of inappropriate interactions with a male student, which resulted in Young being charged with sexual exploitation and being found guilty of assault.
Licensed to teach in October 1990, Young did not attend the hearing on September 22, 2015. He was represented by legal counsel.
The panel heard that, in the fall of 2011, Young called the student to invite him to a barbecue at his home. He also asked him to help him with chores for $100. Young greeted the student wearing shorts and holding a glass of wine. During the course of the time the student was at Young’s home, he made a number of comments to the student and asked him a number of questions that were sexual in nature.
While sitting on a couch, Young touched the student’s foot with his foot.
In February 2012, Young was charged with sexual exploitation with respect to his conduct with the student. In August 2013, Young was found guilty of assaulting the student for which he received a suspended sentence and three years probation.
His employment was terminated by his board in November 2013.
The Discipline Committee panel found Young guilty of professional misconduct and directed the Registrar to revoke his Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
In its written decision, the panel wrote, “By his conduct, the member has abused his position of trust and authority, has brought the profession into disrepute and must face the consequences for his grievous misconduct.”
Member: Vasilis Zagar, OCT
Registration No: 297024
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Toronto District School Board teacher Vasilis Zagar for a pattern of lateness and often leaving his students unsupervised over a three-year period.
Certified to teach in July 1998, Zagar attended the December 11, 2013, hearing and was represented by legal counsel.
Zagar was also found texting, using his cellphone or reading a newspaper during class time. He missed his on-call assignments on several occasions. He did not properly sign out or notify school administration when leaving and then did not respond when paged by the main office.
Zagar’s conduct continued from April 2008 to November 2011 despite repeated warnings, including two suspensions by the school board and several letters of counsel and discipline from the principal.
The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and directed that he appear before the panel immediately after the hearing to receive a reprimand. He must also successfully complete a course in student supervision and safety at his own expense.
In its decision, the panel wrote, “It is an expectation of the parents, the school board and the community that students are to be supervised.”
Copies of the full decisions are available at oct-oeeo.ca/1NWS629