Share this page
Three-member panels of the Discipline Committee conduct public hearings into cases of alleged incompetence or professional misconduct. Panels are composed of members of the public and the profession based on competencies. 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. Where the name of an employer is withheld, it is typically to protect the identity of students or to comply with a publication ban ordered by a court or the tribunal. 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.
For a glossary of terms used in these summaries, please visit oct-oeeo.ca/DecisionGlossary.
Member: Naoum Abi-Samra
Registration No: 481539
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Naoum Abi-Samra, a teacher employed by the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est, for sexually assaulting students and for assaulting a female colleague.
Certified to teach in October 2004, Abi-Samra did not attend the hearing on April 22, 2021, and was not represented by legal counsel.
His misconduct included placing his hand on the upper thighs of students and touching the breast of one student.
In a criminal court, he was convicted of sexually assaulting these two students. He was sentenced to two months' imprisonment to be served intermittently, and to two years of probation. He was also made subject to a number of ancillary orders.
The Discipline Committee panel found Abi-Samra guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked. The panel also ordered that he receive a reprimand.
In its decision, the panel stated, "Members of the teaching profession must not engage in the unnecessary and unwanted touching of students."
Member: Jessica Natalia Dorego Beraldin
Registration No: 588408
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of College member Jessica Beraldin, for sexually abusing a male student. She also engaged in an inappropriate personal relationship with the student.
Certified to teach in June 2010, Beraldin did not attend the hearing on June 12, 2019. She had no legal representation.
In a criminal court, Beraldin was convicted of sexual assault. She was sentenced to a conditional sentence of six months and 18 months' probation. Beraldin was also made subject to a number of ancillary orders.
The Discipline Committee panel found Beraldin guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that her Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked. The panel also ordered that she receive a reprimand.
In its decision, the panel stated, "The Committee makes both of these orders, notes that it has no discretion in this regard and denounces the Member's misconduct in the strongest terms."
Member: Ronald Kent Douglas Boys
Registration No: 419482
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Ronald Kent Douglas Boys, a teacher formerly employed by the Bluewater District School Board, for verbally abusing a student with special needs.
Certified to teach in June 1998, Boys attended the hearing on May 14, 2021, and was self-represented.
Boys yelled at the student for at least 45 seconds. His abusive conduct occurred in front of a classroom of children who were laughing while recording the incident.
Boys had previously received letters of discipline from the board advising him to treat students with respect and not to yell at them.
The Discipline Committee panel found Boys guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked. The panel also ordered that he receive a reprimand.
In its decision, the panel stated, "The Member abused his position of trust and authority in the most egregious manner by yelling at Student 1 ..."
Member: Regan James Brown
Registration No: 212877
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Regan James Brown, a teacher employed by the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, for repeatedly engaging in aggressive behaviour and making threatening comments toward the principal at his school.
Certified to teach in February 1996, Brown attended the hearing on June 21, 2021, with his legal counsel.
On multiple occasions, Brown displayed aggressive and violent behaviour in front of the principal, the superintendent and his colleagues. It included getting angry, yelling, throwing his bag against the wall, kicking, and punching a cupboard door. He also leaned into the principal's personal space and glared at her.
Brown entered into a 12-month common law peace bond in the Ontario Court of Justice.
The Discipline Committee panel found Brown guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for three months. The panel also directed that Brown appear before it to receive a reprimand.
He must also successfully complete, at his own expense, a course regarding conflict resolution and anger management strategies. He needs to do so within 90 days of the panel's order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Aggressive, threatening and disrespectful behaviour has no place in a learning environment and falls below the professional and ethical standards of the profession."
Member: Geoffrey William Burnet
Registration No: 441064
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Geoffrey William Burnet for sexually abusing two female students.
He is a teacher formerly employed by the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, the Upper Grand District School Board and/or the Toronto District School Board.
Certified to teach in March 2001, Burnet did not attend the hearing on May 14, 2021. He had no legal representation.
In a criminal court, Burnet was convicted of exposing his genital organs to two students for a sexual purpose. He was sentenced to a six-month custodial sentence followed by two years' probation. He was also made the subject of a number of conditions and ancillary orders.
Burnet was also convicted of possessing child pornography. His sentencing regarding this conviction was pending as of May 14, 2021.
The Discipline Committee panel found Burnet guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked. The panel also ordered that he receive a reprimand.
In its decision, the panel stated, "The public's trust in the teaching profession is eroded when members of the profession sexually abuse students and possess child pornography."
Member: David John Carle
Registration No: 278360
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the teaching certificate of David John Carle, a teacher formerly employed by the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, for verbally, physically and/or emotionally abusing three students.
Carle, who was certified to teach in August 1997, did not attend the hearing on February 10, 2020, but had legal representation.
His actions included yelling at a student, grabbing her by the arm, and trying to pull her out of the classroom. He also deliberately mispronounced her name despite repeatedly being asked to stop by the student. He further emotionally abused another student by publicly ridiculing the way that he spoke.
The Discipline Committee panel found Carle guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his certificate be suspended for three months. He was also directed to appear before the panel to receive a reprimand.
In addition, he was directed to complete a course of instruction, at his own expense, regarding classroom management with an emphasis on students with special needs. He needs to do so prior to starting a teaching position or any position requiring a Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "The Member's conduct towards his students was disgraceful, dishonourable, or unprofessional. Members are expected to act in a professional matter, to exercise good judgment and to maintain appropriate boundaries when dealing with students."
Member: Robert Earl Clarke
Registration No: 307259
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Robert Earl Clarke, a teacher formerly employed by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and/or its predecessor boards, for engaging in a pattern of sexual touching and/or behaviour or remarks of a sexual nature toward many students and others.
Clarke was first certified to teach in August 1967 and became a College member in May 1998. He did not attend the hearing on October 21, 2019, but was represented by legal counsel.
In a criminal court, he was found guilty of seven counts of gross indecency and one count of sexual assault. He was sentenced to a two-year custodial sentence, to be followed by three years of probation. He was also made subject to a number of ancillary orders.
The Discipline Committee panel found Clarke guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked. The panel also ordered that he receive a reprimand.
In its decision, the panel stated, "Not only has the Member's conduct had a grave impact on his victims, but it has also undermined the public's trust in the teaching profession. Accordingly, the Member is no longer entitled to be a member of the teaching profession in Ontario."
Member: David Michael Cockburn, OCT
Registration No: 435683
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded David Michael Cockburn, a teacher employed by the District School Board of Niagara, for dishonest conduct.
Certified to teach in May 2000, Cockburn attended the hearing on May 17, 2021, but was not represented by legal counsel.
Cockburn took money from a colleague. He received past warnings from his employer for incidents involving the mishandling of money and acts of dishonesty relating to money.
The Discipline Committee panel found Cockburn guilty of professional misconduct and directed that he appear before it to receive a reprimand.
He must also successfully complete, at his own expense, a course regarding ethics. He needs to do so within 90 days of the date of the order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "By taking money from a colleague, the Member brought shame to himself and to the profession."
Member: Angela Marie Defosse
Registration No: 586437
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Angela Marie Defosse, a teacher employed by the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, for engaging in an inappropriate personal relationship with a student.
Certified to teach in June 2010, Defosse attended the hearing on January 11 and April 23, 2021, with her legal counsel.
Over a two-month period, Defosse exchanged over 200 emails with a student. Many of these emails contained personal and inappropriate comments where she expressed a high level of emotional intensity and personal attachment toward him.
The student's parent discovered and reported the emails and Defosse's inappropriate relationship to school administrators. Though Defosse initially reported and conferred with the guidance department at her school about concerns relating to the student, she chose not to follow the advice she received and continued to engage with him.
Defosse's emails encouraged the student to develop an unhealthy emotional attachment to her that he believed to be love.
The Discipline Committee panel found Defosse guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that her teaching certificate be suspended for six months. The panel also directed her to appear before it to receive a reprimand.
She must also successfully complete, at her own expense, a course regarding professional boundaries. She needs to do so within 90 days of the panel's order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Teachers are relied upon to put the safety and well-being of students first. The Member breached this trust through her emotionally charged and highly personal conversations with [the student]."
Member: Joseph Diletto
Registration No: 486869
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Joseph Diletto, a teacher formerly employed by the Toronto District School Board, for sexually abusing a male student.
Certified to teach in June 2005, Diletto did not attend the hearing on July 22, 2020, and was not represented by legal counsel.
His actions included isolating the student, taking him on outings without the student's parents present, giving him gifts, sending him emails late at night, hugging and touching him without consent, and continuing to contact the student after being asked not to by his parents.
In a criminal court, Diletto was found guilty of assault, and received a conditional discharge with 18 months of probation and 50 hours of community service.
The Discipline Committee panel found Diletto guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked. The panel also ordered that he receive a reprimand.
In its decision, the panel stated, "Members are expected to create a safe learning environment for students, and not to exploit their position of trust and authority."
Member: Douglas Roy Dunford
Registration No: 167170
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Douglas Roy Dunford, a principal formerly employed by the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, for harassing two female teachers at his school.
Certified to teach in January 1990, Dunford did not attend the hearing on May 18, 2021, but was represented by legal counsel.
Dunford acted disgracefully, dishonourably and unprofessionally by making numerous unwelcome and inappropriate comments to the two female staff members. He also touched one of the individual's legs and kissed her on the head.
His misconduct was repeated and occurred over a period of several months.
The Discipline Committee panel found Dunford guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for four months. The panel also directed that he receive a reprimand in writing.
He must also successfully complete, at his own expense, a course regarding professional boundaries. He needs to do so prior to accepting any position in Ontario that requires a Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "The public's trust in the teaching profession is eroded when principals take advantage of their leadership position, harass their staff and model inappropriate behaviour in the school community."
Member: Paul Daniel Fox
Registration No: 380365
Decision: Revocation, reprimand, costs
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of College member Paul Daniel Fox for physically abusing numerous students. He repeatedly hurt them for no reason.
Fox regularly made his students feel uncomfortable, embarrassed and afraid. His misconduct included:
Certified to teach in August 1978, Fox did not attend the hearing on January 11 and February 8, 2021. He was not represented by legal counsel.
The Discipline Committee panel found Fox guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked. The panel also ordered that he receive a reprimand.
He was ordered to pay the College $10,000 in costs, which must be paid within 120 days of the panel's written decision.
The panel held that it was just and appropriate to award costs as, among other things, the College was entirely successful in proving its case, and the Member was unresponsive to any communication from College Counsel and refused to participate in the discipline process.
In its decision, the panel stated, "By physically and emotionally abusing a number of his students, the Member undermined the reputation of the teaching profession and the trust that parents, students and the public place in teachers."
Member: Michael Biagino Geremia
Registration No: 170248
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Michael Biagino Geremia, a teacher formerly employed by the Toronto Catholic District School Board, for sexually abusing a female student.
Geremia engaged in an inappropriate personal relationship and a sexual relationship with the student for several years.
His conduct included kissing, touching of a sexual nature, digital penetration, and having sexual intercourse with her.
Certified to teach in June 1982, Geremia did not attend the hearing on April 22, 2021, but had legal representation.
In a criminal court, he was found guilty of sexually exploiting the student. He was sentenced to a custodial term of two years less a day, followed by one year of probation. He was also made subject to a number of ancillary orders.
The Discipline Committee panel found Geremia guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked. The panel also ordered that he receive a reprimand.
In its decision, the panel stated, "Given the power dynamic that exists between teachers and their students, it is psychologically or emotionally abusive for members of the profession to engage in an inappropriate personal relationship and a sexual relationship with a student."
Member: Edmund Brian Hacker
Registration No: 519663
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Edmund Brian Hacker, a teacher employed by the Toronto District School Board, for verbally abusing his students, taking items belonging to the board and damaging school property.
Certified to teach in September 2007, Hacker attended the hearing on May 7, 2021, with his legal counsel.
Hacker made vulgar jokes and disparaging comments about a student in class, including calling him an "idiot."
In addition, he took items belonging to the board for personal use and intentionally damaged a storage locker door at the school to gain access to it.
Hacker had previously been disciplined by the board and the College for similar misconduct involving the misappropriation of board property.
The Discipline Committee panel found Hacker guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for 10 months. The panel also directed that he appear before it to receive a reprimand.
He must also successfully complete, at his own expense, a course regarding professional ethics. He needs to do so within 90 days of the panel's order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Members are expected to address students in a professional manner and to exercise good judgment in their interactions with students."
Member: Gail Louise Hall
Registration No: 210463
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions, costs
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Gail Louise Hall, a teacher formerly employed by the Upper Grand District School Board, for a pattern of inappropriate behaviour.
Certified to teach in June 1994, Hall did not attend the hearing on February 14 and 15, 2018, and March 21, 2019. She was self-represented.
On a number of occasions over a period of several years, Hall used inappropriate physical force with multiple young students.
She also repeatedly made inappropriate, demeaning comments to students, including insulting their work, calling a student "baby" and asking him if he needed his diaper changed, and berating students for not following instructions or listening.
She did not allow a student to get ice from the office after the student fell and hit her head. She also physically abused students, which included shaking and pushing them.
The Discipline Committee panel found Hall guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that her teaching certificate be suspended for six months. The panel also directed her to appear before it to receive a reprimand.
She must also successfully complete, at her own expense, courses regarding classroom management and anger management. She needs to do so prior to returning to teaching or any position for which a Certificate of Qualification and Registration is required.
Hall was also ordered to pay the College $12,000 in costs, which must be paid within 120 days of the panel's order.
The panel held that it was just and appropriate to award costs as, among other things, the College was successful in obtaining findings of professional misconduct and the Member completely refused to participate in the proceeding or co-operate with College Counsel on any matter.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Members of the teaching profession are expected to promote safe and supportive learning environments and to model appropriate and respectful behaviour."
Member: Ronald Howard Huck
Registration No: 135256
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of College member Ronald Howard Huck for his criminal convictions for sexually abusing students and sexually assaulting two male adults.
First certified to teach in June 1966, Huck did not attend the hearing on May 6, 2021, and was not represented by legal counsel.
His misconduct was prolonged, repeated and spanned 40 years.
In a criminal court, he was sentenced to a total of seven years' incarceration. He was also made subject to various ancillary orders.
The Discipline Committee panel found Huck guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked. The panel also ordered that he receive a reprimand.
In its decision, the panel stated, "The public's trust in the teaching profession is eroded when members engage in sexual assault and when they are found to have abused students by the criminal court."
Member: Rajbir Kaur Hundal
Registration No: 106041
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the teaching certificate of Rajbir Kaur Hundal, a teacher formerly employed by the Toronto District School Board, for a pattern of inappropriate physical interventions with students.
Hundal, who was certified to teach in June 1992, did not attend the hearing on May 12, 2021, but had legal representation.
Near the end of a class, a student and Hundal became involved in a verbal confrontation. The student attempted to leave the classroom before the bell. Hundal stood in the doorway to block him. When the student tried to go under her arm, she lowered her arm and held him in a headlock.
The Member was previously disciplined by the board and received two earlier warnings from the College with respect to inappropriate physical contact with students.
The Discipline Committee panel found Hundal guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that her certificate be suspended for nine months. She was also directed to appear before the panel to receive a reprimand.
In addition, she was directed to complete a course of instruction, at her own expense, regarding boundaries and boundary violation issues. She needs to do so prior to starting a teaching position or any position requiring a Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "By escalating a verbal altercation with Student 1, physically blocking his passage, and then physically restraining Student 1 in a headlock, the Member failed to use appropriate discipline and de-escalation strategies to maintain proper order and discipline in her classroom."
Member: Keith Fordyce Hutton
Registration No: 182428
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Keith Fordyce Hutton, a teacher formerly employed by the Simcoe County District School Board, for unprofessional conduct.
Certified to teach in July 1992, Hutton did not attend the hearing on April 16, 2021, but had legal representation.
Hutton distributed copies of unreleased EQAO assessments to his students and to a colleague for use in her class as practice material. As a result of his actions, the administration of an assessment was compromised and EQAO was unable to confirm the results of certain groups of students.
The Discipline Committee panel found Hutton guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for three months. The panel directed that he appear before it to receive a reprimand.
Hutton must also successfully complete, at his own expense, a course in professional ethics. He needs to do so at least 30 days before occupying a teaching position for which a Certificate of Qualification and Registration is required.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "The Member's conduct violated the trust that the public places in members to assess students' academic performance accurately and honestly."
Member: Michael Ryan Kowtaluk
Registration No: 593650
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of College member Michael Ryan Kowtaluk for sexually abusing a student.
Certified to teach in March 2010, Kowtaluk did not attend the hearing on April 20, 2021, but was represented by legal counsel.
Over the course of an evening, Kowtaluk consumed alcohol to a heavily intoxicated state and engaged in sexual activity with a student, twice. He was also present when another adult engaged in sexual activity with the student.
The Discipline Committee panel found Kowtaluk guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked. The panel also ordered that Kowtaluk receive a reprimand.
In its decision, the panel stated, "The teaching profession does not tolerate the sexual abuse of students."
Member: Myriam Anne Yvette Léonard, OCT
Registration No: 524668
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Myriam Anne Yvette Léonard, a teacher employed by the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, for inappropriate conduct.
Léonard, who was certified to teach in November 2007, attended the hearing on January 11 and April 1, 2021. She had legal representation.
Léonard taught students swear words in class and asked a student to park her car in the staff parking lot, which put the student's safety at risk.
She also asked students to do a demonstration that involved hugging and touching cheeks, which made a student feel uncomfortable.
The Discipline Committee panel found Léonard guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that she appear before the panel to receive a reprimand.
She must also successfully complete, at her own expense, a course on classroom management within 120 days of the panel's order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Members of the teaching profession must create a physically and emotionally safe environment for their students."
Member: Trevor Scott Norton
Registration No: 510515
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of Trevor Scott Norton, a teacher formerly employed by the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, for criminal conduct.
Norton was licensed to teach in January 2007. He did not attend the hearing on May 6, 2019, and had no legal representation.
Norton had sexual contact with a female student.
He was found guilty of one count of sexual assault in a criminal court. He was sentenced to seven days in intermittent custody and two years of probation. He was also made the subject of several ancillary orders.
The Discipline Committee panel found him guilty of professional misconduct and directed the Registrar to revoke his Certificate of Qualification and Registration. The panel also directed that he receive a reprimand.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "The Committee denounces the Member's egregious misconduct in the strongest terms."
Member: John Thomas Orme
Registration No: 440553
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of John Thomas Orme, a teacher formerly employed by the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, for unprofessional conduct.
Certified to teach in June 2001, Orme did not attend the hearing on October 25, 2019, and January 28, 2020. He did not have legal representation.
Orme routinely yelled at students and made inappropriate comments to or about students. He humiliated one student and made him feel bad about himself.
The Discipline Committee panel found Orme guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for two months. The panel also directed that he appear before it to receive a reprimand within 90 days of the panel's written decision.
Orme must also successfully complete, at his own expense, a course on anger management. He needs to do so prior to starting or resuming a teaching position for which a Certificate of Qualification and Registration is required.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "The Member failed to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students and colleagues."
Member: Vincent D. Palangio
Registration No: 251720
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Vincent D. Palangio, a teacher employed by the District School Board Ontario North East, for unprofessional conduct.
Certified to teach in June 1982, Palangio did not attend the hearing on April 7, 2021, but had legal representation.
Palangio's misconduct included:
The Discipline Committee panel found Palangio guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for three months. The panel also directed that he appear before it to receive a reprimand.
He must also successfully complete, at his own expense, courses regarding boundary violations, professional ethics and classroom management. He needs to do so prior to starting or returning to teaching or any position requiring a Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "His conduct was at odds with his duties as a teacher."
Member: Zara Pavlovic, OCT
Registration No: 432528
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Zara Pavlovic, a teacher employed by the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, for harassment and inappropriate conduct.
Pavlovic, who was certified to teach in May 2000, did not attend the hearing on March 30, 2021, but had legal representation.
Pavlovic disposed of student property without their consent, made demeaning comments to students, dismissed a student's academic abilities, used vulgar language in the classroom, and made remarks that were perceived by a student as racist.
She also yelled at the school's vice-principal and repeatedly accosted and intimidated a colleague.
The Discipline Committee panel found Pavlovic guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that she appear before the panel to receive a reprimand.
She must also successfully complete, at her own expense, two courses: one in anger management and another in communication/classroom management. She must do so within 90 days of the panel's order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "The Member ought to have known that making intimidating remarks and interacting with a colleague in an intrusive manner was completely unacceptable."
Member: Kassandra Marie Penney
Registration No: 632981
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Kassandra Marie Penney, a teacher formerly employed by the District School Board Ontario North East, for sexually abusing a student.
Certified to teach in June 2012, Penney did not attend the hearing on May 5, 2021, but was represented by legal counsel.
Penney groomed the student with gifts and money, then engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with him for more than a year.
She also engaged in a pattern of inappropriate conduct with three other students, which included socializing with them outside of school, providing them with alcohol and letting them stay at her residence without their parents' knowledge.
The Discipline Committee panel found Penney guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that her Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked. The panel also ordered that she receive a reprimand in writing.
In its decision, the panel stated, "By engaging in such reprehensible conduct, the Member demonstrated a fundamental breach of her duties as a teacher."
Member: Jasmina Pita, OCT
Registration No: 613804
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Jasmina Pita, a teacher employed by the Halton District School Board, for unethical conduct.
This matter was heard by the panel on May 7, 2019. Pita, who was certified to teach in July 2011, attended the hearing with her legal counsel.
Pita submitted false health-care claims. She submitted 29 claims for reimbursement in connection with 34 health-related service dates and products that were not received by her, her spouse or her dependents.
The total amount the benefits provider paid to Pita for the claims in question was $3,230. Pita reimbursed the provider.
The Discipline Committee panel found Pita guilty of professional misconduct and directed her to appear before it to receive a reprimand.
It also ordered her to successfully complete, at her own expense, a course in professional ethics within 90 days of the panel's written decision.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Though the Member's conduct did not directly involve students, it has nevertheless undermined the public's confidence in teachers and tarnished the reputation of the teaching profession."
Member: Patrick Rocco
Registration No: 179763
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Patrick Rocco, a superintendent formerly employed by the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and Toronto District School Board, for engaging in serious and repeated acts of dishonesty.
Certified to teach in June 1986, Rocco did not attend the hearing on April 16, 2021, but had legal representation.
His misconduct included misusing a credit card intended for board-related expenses for his personal gain, and submitting expense documents (some of which were altered or falsified) for items that were purchased for his own benefit. He also approved a claim by another board employee for personal travel expenses.
In addition, Rocco contravened a law that is relevant to his suitability to hold a Certificate of Qualification and Registration (CQR) when he was found guilty in a criminal court of two counts of causing the U.S. Consulate to use a forged document contrary to the Criminal Code. For these offences, he received a 12-month conditional sentence, including six months of house arrest.
The Discipline Committee panel found Rocco guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for 22 months. The panel also directed that he appear before it to receive a reprimand.
He must also successfully complete, at his own expense, a course regarding professional ethics. He needs to do so prior to returning to or starting a position for which a CQR is required.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "The public places a great deal of trust in members of the profession, and particularly administrators. The Member demonstrated a serious breach of this trust by his fraudulent actions."
Member: Aleida Marianne Sanderson-Bagchus
Registration No: 105016
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, undertaking
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the teaching certificate of Aleida Marianne Sanderson-Bagchus, a teacher formerly employed by the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, for psychologically or emotionally, verbally, and physically abusing students.
Sanderson-Bagchus, who was certified to teach in February 1991, did not attend the hearing on May 31, 2021, but had legal representation.
Her misconduct included yelling at students, making inappropriate, demeaning and culturally insensitive comments to students, prohibiting a student from using the washroom during class and rubbing a student's stomach.
Sanderson-Bagchus had been warned and disciplined by the school on numerous previous occasions, beginning as early as 2009, about her inappropriate communication and interactions with students.
The Discipline Committee panel found Sanderson-Bagchus guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that her certificate be suspended for eight months. She was also directed to receive a reprimand in writing.
She also undertook to resign as a member of the College, not to teach in any public or private school in Ontario or work in any position that requires a Certificate of Qualification and Registration (CQR), and not to seek reinstatement of her CQR.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Given the power dynamic that exists between teachers and students, it is emotionally abusive for teachers to make comments to students that make them feel offended, uncomfortable or embarrassed at school."
Member: Gary George Somerfield
Registration No: 169611
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Gary Somerfield, a teacher formerly employed by the Lakehead District School Board, for possessing child pornography.
Certified to teach in June 1986, Somerfield did not attend the hearing on April 29, 2021, and was not represented by legal counsel.
Police seized 11 electronic devices belonging to Somerfield. Two of those items contained 58 unique digital images that met the definition of child pornography under the Criminal Code.
Somerfield was found guilty of possessing child pornography in a criminal court. He was sentenced to six months of imprisonment, received a three-year probation order, and was made subject to a number of ancillary orders.
The Discipline Committee panel found Somerfield guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked. The panel also ordered that he receive a reprimand.
In its decision, the panel stated, "The Committee denounces the Member's egregious misconduct in the strongest terms."
Member: Quang Tran
Registration No: 503703
Decision: Revocation
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Quang Tran, a teacher formerly employed by the York Region District School Board, for sexual misconduct.
Certified to teach in July 2006, Tran, who represented himself, did not attend the hearing on April 3, 2019.
Tran communicated with a person he thought was a 15-year-old girl. He then arranged to meet her at a hotel room for the purpose of having paid sexual intercourse. When he went to the hotel room with cash, he learned that the girl was an undercover police officer.
In a criminal court, he was found guilty of two counts of luring a child, and one count of communicating with a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services of a person under 18 years of age.
Tran was sentenced to a total of nine months in custody and two years of probation.
The Discipline Committee panel found Tran guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked.
In its decision, the panel stated, "Members of the teaching profession hold a unique position of trust and authority, and through his reprehensible conduct, the Member undermined the trust and confidence that the public places in the profession."
Member: Ian Frederick Tudor
Registration No: 422146
Decision: Reprimand, undertaking
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Ian Frederick Tudor, a teacher formerly employed by the Simcoe County District School Board, for sexual misconduct.
This matter was heard by the panel on December 7, 2020, and April 28, 2021. Tudor, who was certified to teach in October 1998, attended the hearing with his legal counsel.
Tudor behaved in a sexual way toward two students by touching them, standing too close to them, and staring at their chest.
The Discipline Committee panel found Tudor guilty of professional misconduct and directed him to appear before it to receive a reprimand.
Tudor also resigned his membership with the College and undertook never to teach again in any public or private school in Ontario or work in any position that requires membership in the College, and never to seek reinstatement of his Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "It is completely unacceptable for members to create a learning environment that makes students feel very uncomfortable because of the unwanted physical and sexual attention of their teacher."
Member: Joan M. Vanderburg
Registration No: 388058
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Joan M. Vanderburg, a teacher formerly employed by the Waterloo Region District School Board, for engaging in a concerning pattern of inappropriate conduct toward her students.
Certified to teach in June 1982, Vanderburg did not attend the hearing on May 18, 2021, but was represented by legal counsel.
Vanderburg had verbally and emotionally abusive interactions with students. She made numerous inappropriate and disparaging remarks to them, which negatively impacted their well-being.
The member was previously disciplined by the board and the College for similar matters.
The Discipline Committee panel found Vanderburg guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that her teaching certificate be suspended for eight months. The panel also directed that she appear before it to receive a reprimand.
She must also successfully complete, at her own expense, courses in professional boundaries, classroom management, and sensitivity training in relation to students. She needs to do so within 90 days of the panel's order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Members of the teaching profession are expected to behave in a respectful manner towards students at all times."
Copies of the full decisions are available at oct-oeeo.ca/decisions.