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Hearings

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: Salvatore Balsamo, OCT
Registration No: 443783
Decision: Reprimand

A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Salvatore Balsamo, a teacher at the Toronto Catholic District School Board, for inappropriate electronic communications with students, inappropriate communications about colleagues and inappropriate comments to students.

Balsamo, who was certified to teach in August 2001, attended the hearing on May 6, 2016, and was represented by legal counsel.

During the 2012–13 academic year, Balsamo engaged in a repeated pattern of verbal, psychological and emotional abuse of students. On several occasions, he encouraged students to circumvent the direction of their teachers and criticized those teachers openly on social media. He also used language that was disrespectful, insensitive and discriminatory in his communication with his students. Examples of his comments include:

In June 2013, Balsamo was placed on paid leave while the board started an investigation. Both Toronto Police Services and the Catholic Children’s Aid Society were contacted. No criminal charges were laid.

In October 2013, the board imposed a two-day disciplinary suspension without pay and restricted Balsamo from communicating with students through any form of social media for a period of five years. In addition, Balsamo was required to review professional boundaries and obligations, and applicable board policies. The member agreed to a voluntary transfer to a new school community.

The Discipline Committee panel found Balsamo guilty of professional misconduct and directed him to appear before it immediately after the hearing to receive a reprimand.

In its written decision, the panel stated, “The Committee finds that the Member’s repeated pattern of verbal, psychological and emotional abuse of students warrants a reprimand by his peers.”


Member: Wayne Thomas Bodley
Registration No: 199523
Decision: Revocation

A Discipline Committee panel revoked the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of Wayne Thomas Bodley, a former teacher at the Durham District School Board, for sexually abusing a student on numerous occasions.

Licensed to teach in September 1995, Bodley attended the hearing on April 14, 2016, with his legal counsel.

The panel heard that in 2006, while on a field trip to attend a conference, Bodley made a pass at the student. The student told Bodley something to the effect that he was not interested and asked him to drive him home.

Bodley continued to make contact with the student. They “hung out” and engaged in sexual activity on numerous occasions, which included oral sex, mutual masturbation, watching pornography and sexual intercourse.

As the relationship progressed between the two, Bodley gave the student marijuana, alcohol, cigarettes, beer and clothing. He also bought the student “poppers,” which is a liquid drug that lowers one’s inhibitions.

They continued the personal and sexual relationship until the student graduated.

In 2013, the student notified the board and the College of the personal and sexual relationship between the two. The same year, Bodley resigned from the board.

The Discipline Committee panel found Bodley guilty of professional misconduct and directed the Registrar to revoke his Certificate of Qualification and Registration.

In its written decision, the panel stated, “The Member’s repeated horrendous conduct over a number of years involved the sexual, physical and emotional abuse of an already vulnerable student. Moreover, the Member’s conduct jeopardized the public’s confidence in the teaching profession.”


Member: Matthew John Chiarot
Registration No: 286105
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Matthew John Chiarot, a teacher at the HamiltonWentworth Catholic District School Board, for failing to accurately record grades and for making inappropriate comments to students.

Chiarot, who was certified to teach in July 1998, attended the hearings on the following dates: March 19, 20, May 6, 7, August 28, 29, 2013; January 28, 29, March 4, 5, August 27, November 21, 2014 and June 8, 2016. He was represented by legal counsel.

During the 2006–07 and 2007–08 academic years, Chiarot:

Chiarot’s board suspended him with pay from January to April 2008.

The Discipline Committee panel found Chiarot guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for one month. He was also directed to appear before the panel immediately after the hearing to receive a reprimand.

In addition, he was ordered to complete, at his own expense, a course or courses of instruction in boundary violations and sensitivity.

In its written decision, the panel stated, “The Member’s inappropriate and insensitive comments made towards students did not foster a safe and accepting learning environment. The inaccuracy in recording student grades is also completely unacceptable.” The panel further stated, “Members of the teaching profession are expected to model appropriate behaviour to students, but the Member did the opposite.”


Member: Gerard Francis Clements
Registration No: 101719
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Gerard Francis Clements, a teacher at the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, for several incidents involving students. These include inappropriate comments, inappropriate physical contact and inappropriate electronic communications.

Clements, who was certified to teach in November 1993, did not attend the February 29, 2016, hearing, nor was he represented by legal counsel.

For example, in 2010 and 2011 the member:

The panel heard that Clements was offered support on multiple occasions, including through the board’s employee assistance program, but he did not take advantage of any of the support that was offered.

The Discipline Committee panel found Clements guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for three months and that he appear before the panel after the hearing to receive a reprimand.

In addition, Clements was directed to complete, at his own expense, courses of instruction in anger management and classroom management prior to his return to a teaching position.

In its written decision, the panel stated, “The Committee finds that the Member’s insensitive and offensive comments, his physically and emotionally abusive behaviour, and his inappropriate electronic communications warrant a reprimand by his peers.”


Member: Christine Ann Collini
Registration No: 431415
Decision: Revocation

A Discipline Committee panel revoked the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of Christine Ann Collini, a former teacher at the District School Board of Niagara, for sexually, physically and emotionally abusing vulnerable students.

Licensed to teach in May 2000, Collini did not attend the hearing on June 7, 2016, nor was she represented by legal counsel.

The panel heard that during the 2012–13 academic year, Collini invited two students to her house. She straddled one student on the couch and began to kiss him. She and the student got up and went to her bedroom. While they sat on the bed talking, she began kissing and touching his groin area. The student felt uncomfortable and left the bedroom.

The second student went upstairs to her bedroom. When he arrived, Collini was lying on the bed undressed. They then had sexual intercourse.

The board terminated her employment in November 2014.

The Discipline Committee panel found Collini guilty of professional misconduct and directed the Registrar to revoke her Certificate of Qualification and Registration.

In its written decision, the panel stated, “The Member brought shame to the teaching profession through her abuse of her position of trust and authority.”


Member: Dorothe Joan Fair
Registration No: 142222
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Dorothe Joan Fair, a former vice-principal at the Upper Grand District School Board, for engaging in unprofessional conduct on multiple occasions.

Fair, who was certified to teach in June 1975, did not attend the hearing on February 22, 2016, nor was she represented by legal counsel.

Her unprofessional conduct, which happened in 2009, 2010 and 2011, included:

Her board suspended her without pay for 10 days and transferred her to another school. In 2012, she retired from the board.

The Discipline Committee panel heard that Fair misled the board during its investigation into her conduct.

The panel found her guilty of professional misconduct. It ordered that her teaching certificate be suspended for three months and that she appear before it to receive a reprimand.

In addition, she was directed to complete, at her own expense, a course of instruction in professional interactions and boundary violation issues with colleagues.

In its written decision, the panel stated, “The Member was a vice-principal who was expected to be a school leader and a role model, but she abused her position of trust and authority.”


Member: Victor Damien French
Registration No: 206416
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Victor Damien French, a former teacher at the London District Catholic School Board, for displaying a pattern of inappropriate behaviour and comments of a sexual nature.

French, who was certified to teach in April 1996, did not attend the hearing on April 26, 2016, and was not represented by legal counsel.

During the 2009–10 academic year:

The Discipline Committee panel found French guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for four months. He was also directed to appear before the panel after the hearing to receive a reprimand, which must happen prior to starting or returning to any position requiring a Certificate of Qualification and Registration.

In addition, he was ordered to complete, at his own expense, a course of instruction in appropriate boundaries and boundary violations issues and a course on anger management. The courses should be completed no more than 90 days before starting or returning to a teaching position.

In its written decision, the panel stated, “The coursework will remind the member of his obligations as a teacher and will help him to make better decisions in any future interactions with students and colleagues.”


Member: Unidentified
Decision: Reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel directed a teacher of the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board to receive a reprimand for failure to adequately supervise his students.

The member, who was certified to teach in May 2001, did not attend the March 30, 2016, hearing but was represented by legal counsel.

During the 2013–14 academic year, the member did not properly account for his student who failed to return to the classroom after a recess break. The member was unaware of the student’s absence for about one hour, until advised by the office that she was missing.

In November 2013, he resigned from his board.

The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that he appear before it to receive a reprimand.

In addition, he was directed to advise the College Registrar, at least 30 days before his return to any teaching duties or to any position for which a Certificate of Qualification and Registration is required, of the date of such return, the name of his employer and the nature of the employment.

The panel also directed him to successfully complete, at his own expense, a pre-approved Additional Qualification (AQ) course, or coursework equivalent in length to an AQ course, with a focus on lesson planning, classroom management, instructional strategies, communication skills, and student learning and assessment.

The course must be completed no more than 90 days before starting a teaching position.

In its written decision, the panel stated, “The objective of protecting the public is satisfied by the fact that the Member is currently not teaching and has expressed no desire to return to teaching.”


Member: Edmund Brian Hacker, OCT
Registration No: 519663
Decision: Reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Edmund Brian Hacker, a Transportation Technology teacher at the Toronto District School Board for removing board property and transferring or scrapping vehicles without authorization.

The member, who was certified to teach in September 2007, attended the public hearing on March 31, 2016, with his legal counsel.

The panel heard multiple incidents including that:

The board suspended him twice for five days without pay.

The panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered him to appear before it immediately after the hearing to receive a reprimand. It also directed the member to successfully complete, at his own expense, a pre-approved course on ethics.

In its decision, the panel stated, “The Member’s disregard for his professional duties as a teacher of Transportation Technology and his poor management of resources within the program justify this decision.”


Member: Bruce Leslie Hyde
Registration No: 460267
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Bruce Leslie Hyde, a former teacher at the Durham Catholic District School Board, for engaging in a repeated pattern of verbal and physical abuse of students.

This matter was heard by the panel on February 2, 2015, October 7, 2015, and April 22, 2016. Hyde, who was certified to teach in August 2002, attended the hearing on April 22, 2016, and had legal representation.

His unprofessional conduct, which happened in 2010, included:

As part of his board’s investigation, he was instructed not to have any contact with any students. Despite this instruction, Hyde contacted a student and/or students via telephone and/ or Facebook to discuss the students’ complaints.

His employment with the board was terminated in April 2011.

The Discipline Committee panel found Hyde guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for three months and that he appear before the panel immediately following the hearing 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 classroom management and boundary issues.

In its written decision, the panel stated, “The Member was found guilty of similar misconduct in 2009. He was ordered to take remedial courses with respect to classroom management and appropriate methods of disciplining students. Despite that sanction, the Member engaged in a repeated pattern of verbal and physical abuse of students in 2010 and 2011. Clearly, the Member did not “get” the message that this type of conduct is unacceptable.”


Member: Yves Joly
Registration No: 417765
Decision: Suspension, reprimand

A Discipline Committee panel ordered the suspension of the teaching certificate of teacher Yves Joly for failing to comply with an order from his prior disciplinary hearing.

Certified to teach in August 1998, Joly did not attend the April 12, 2016, hearing, nor was he represented by legal counsel.

During his prior hearing, on March 25, 2013, Joly was found guilty of professional misconduct for engaging repeatedly in inappropriate conduct mostly related to the supervision of students and ensuring their safety. The Discipline Committee directed Joly to appear before the committee by September 25, 2013, to receive a verbal reprimand. Joly, through his legal counsel, had agreed to be at the College’s office on July 23, 2013, to receive a reprimand, but he failed to attend.

The April 12, 2016, Discipline Committee panel found Joly guilty of professional misconduct and ordered him to appear before it to receive a verbal reprimand. He must do so prior to accepting any teaching position requiring a Certificate of Qualification and Registration.

In addition, the committee ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be suspended for three months from the date of its order.

In its decision, the panel stated, “The Committee finds the Member’s failure to comply with the previous order reprehensible. In its view, by failing to abide by the terms and conditions of this order, he has shown contempt for the College, the governing body of his profession.”


Member: Mark Andrew Kissel, OCT
Registration No: 453835
Decision: Reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel ordered that Mark Andrew Kissel, a teacher at the Toronto District School Board, be reprimanded for demonstrating a lack of judgment and professionalism.

Kissel, who was certified to teach in July 2002, did not attend the hearing on June 13, 2016, but was represented by legal counsel.

During the 2011–12 academic year, Kissel failed to appropriately supervise students on a field trip. During the trip, a group of four students did not board the return bus at the time specified by the member.

Eventually, Kissel asked the driver to move the bus a little further down the highway and, when it was safe to do so, to turn back to get the students. The driver drove until she reached a safe spot to turn the bus around, which was a couple of kilometres down the highway, around a curve, and out of the four students’ sight. It took the driver about seven to eight minutes to turn the bus around and return to the students.

As the bus approached, the four students held hands and stood across the middle of the highway. This action forced the bus driver to apply the brakes quickly and veer the bus away from them. The driver then moved the bus into a parking lot.

After exiting the bus, Kissel said to the students words to the effect of “when I say get on the f’ing bus, I mean get on the f’ing bus, so get on the f’ing bus.”

The board investigated the matter and Kissel received a two-day unpaid suspension.

The Discipline Committee panel found Kissel guilty of professional misconduct and directed him to appear before the panel within 90 days of the date of its order to receive a reprimand.

In addition, Kissel was ordered to complete, at his own expense, a course of instruction in classroom management and student supervision. The courses should be completed within 90 days of the date of the order.

In its written decision, the panel stated, “The coursework will remind the Member of his obligations as a teacher and will help to ensure that he maintains a safe learning environment at all times and that he prioritizes student safety, both within the classroom and on field trips.”


Member: Ian David Luke
Registration No: 149550
Decision: Revocation

A Discipline Committee panel revoked the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of Ian David Luke, a former shop teacher at the Upper Grand District School Board for physically, verbally, psychologically or emotionally abusing students.

Licensed to teach in August 1987, Luke did not attend the hearing on April 4, 2016, nor was he represented by legal counsel.

The panel heard that Luke’s abuse over the course of two academic years (2008–09 and 2010–11) involved multiple students and, in some instances, jeopardized student safety. For instance, he called students “little fuckers” and yelled at students to “shut up.” He called one student “fucking clueless” in front of the student’s class and yelled at another student to “get off his ass and clean the fucking shop.”

He was physically abusive to a student by taking hold of his neck and pushing his face into the table surface of a table saw. He threw a torch tip at another student. He endangered another student by positioning him near a grinder while Luke ground a piece of metal, thus causing sparks to fly into the student’s face.

Luke was suspended twice by his board in 2009 and, yet, in 2010, he committed several more acts of verbal, physical and psychological or emotional abuse toward students.

The Discipline Committee panel found Luke guilty of professional misconduct and directed the Registrar to revoke his Certificate of Qualification and Registration.

In its written decision, the panel stated, “The member’s egregious misconduct spanned two academic years; involved multiple students; was repeated and escalated despite the Member receiving two warnings and two Board-imposed suspensions. The Member’s behaviour showed disdain for his students’ physical and psychological or emotional well-being.”


Member: Doug James Luymes
Registration No: 202856
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Doug James Luymes, a former teacher employed by the Burnaby Board of Education in British Columbia, in connection with an assault and forcible entry charges.

Luymes, who was certified to teach in June 1996, did not attend the May 3, 2016, hearing but had legal representation.

In May 2008, Luymes was at the home of an adult female in response to an advertisement placed on Craigslist offering sexual services. While at the home, a dispute and physical confrontation ensued between him and the woman, resulting in a call to the police.

He was charged with assault and forcible entry. The charges were later stayed in exchange for his entering into a peace bond.

The Director of Certification in British Columbia cancelled Luymes teaching certificate.

The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct.

The panel ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for three months, starting on the date of its order, and that he appear before the panel to receive a reprimand. The reprimand must be given before he starts a teaching position or any position for which a Certificate of Qualification and Registration is required.

In addition, Luymes was directed to complete, at his own expense, a course of instruction in professional ethics. He was directed to do so prior to starting a teaching position.

In its written decision, the panel stated, “Teachers are role models who must maintain the ethical standards of the teaching profession in their conduct in the community, and the Committee denunciates the Member’s misconduct in this case as disgraceful, dishonourable and unprofessional and as a conduct unbecoming a member of the teaching profession.”


Member: Not identified
Decision: Reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded a former vice-principal at the Toronto District School Board for accessing and setting up a new email account in someone else’s name.

The member, who was certified to teach in June 1985, attended the public hearing on April 5, 2016, with her legal counsel.

In 2011, the member used a colleague’s computer without permission, accessed the person’s email account and created a rule to forward any email that person received from specific colleagues to another email account.

She had done so after she inadvertently discovered that two colleagues were exchanging emails that contained disparaging statements about her.

The member was charged with mischief, unauthorized use of a computer and interception of private communications.

In 2012, the charges were withdrawn by the Crown after the member provided a written apology to her colleague as well as information about counselling she had undertaken and the 75 community service hours she had completed.

The panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered her to appear before it immediately after the hearing to receive a reprimand. It also directed the member to successfully complete, at her 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 stated, “The risk of repetition is minimized as the Member has retired and has taken steps, at her own expense, to address the concerns surrounding her misconduct. Given the circumstances, the Committee finds that publication with name would be unnecessarily punitive, would not provide additional deterrence value, and is not necessary to protect the interest of the public.”


Member: Amanda Josephine O’Connor, OCT
Registration No: 495998
Decision: Reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel ordered a reprimand of Amanda Josephine O’Connor, a former teacher at the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, for inappropriate physical contact toward a student.

O’Connor, who was certified to teach in September 2005, did not attend the hearing on February 25, 2016, but was represented by legal counsel.

During the 2013–14 school year, one of her students climbed onto furniture in the classroom and began to wrap a cord around his neck. He continued to misbehave even after her requests to stop.

O’Connor physically restrained him by blocking him into a corner of the classroom, while holding his arms behind his back. She held the student in this position for about one to three minutes until the student began to cry.

As a result, in October 2013, the board suspended O’Connor with pay pending the outcome of its investigation.

A month later, she was criminally charged but the charges were eventually stayed.

The Children’s Aid Society conducted an investigation and verified that the member used inappropriate physical force toward the student. Her employment with the board was terminated in June 2015.

The Discipline Committee panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that she appear before it to receive a reprimand. The committee directed that she appear within three months after the date of the decision on a day to be arranged by the member with the hearings office.

Prior to seeking or engaging in employment requiring a Certificate of Qualification and Registration, she was also directed to complete, at her own expense, a course on classroom management as it pertains to students with special needs.

In its written decision, the panel stated that it was troubled by the member’s inappropriate form of discipline toward the student.


Member: Christopher Charles Parkin
Registration No: 282716
Decision: Revocation

A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Christopher Charles Parkin, a former teacher employed by the Toronto District School Board, for sexually abusing students.

Parkin, who was certified to teach in December 1997, attended the public hearing on March 1, 2016, but was not represented by legal counsel.

In the 2011–12 and 2012–13 school years, Parkin’s repeated misconduct involved the sexual, physical and emotional abuse of students, which included grooming of three students, inappropriate communications that started out as “friendly” and led to communications that were sexual in nature, and sexual contact.

In 2014, he was found guilty of two charges of sexual exploitation and one charge of luring a child under the age of 16. He was sentenced to 15 months’ incarceration.

The panel found him guilty of professional misconduct and directed the Registrar to immediately revoke his Certificate of Qualification and Registration.

In its written decision, the panel stated, “The Member brought shame to the teaching profession through his abuse of his position of trust and authority.”


Member: Jack Eldon Reed
Registration No: 508570
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel suspended the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of former teacher Jack Eldon Reed for failing to comply with the terms of an agreement he made with the College.

Certified to teach in June 2006, Reed represented himself, but did not attend the June 16, 2016, hearing.

Reed breached the terms of an agreement he made with the College in July 2010 by failing to complete the agreed upon coursework within 24 months of the date of his agreement. He was given a six-month extension, but he again failed to meet his obligations.

The Discipline Committee panel found Reed guilty of professional misconduct and ordered the Registrar to suspend his certificate for one month starting on the date of its order.

He was also directed to appear before the panel to receive a reprimand prior to starting any teaching position in Ontario, including in a private school, or any position for which a certificate is required.

In addition, he cannot start a teaching position until he successfully completes, at his own expense, two Additional Qualification course(s) or Additional Basic Qualification course(s) that cover classroom management, curriculum development and delivery, assessment and evaluation, and organizational skills and communications.

In its decision, the panel stated, “The Committee finds that a one month suspension is acceptable in the circumstances and will serve as a reminder to members of the profession that the failure to abide by their agreements entered into with the College will lead to an escalation in the severity of their penalty.”


Member: Peter Daniel Robertson, OCT
Registration No: 259315
Decision: Reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Peter Daniel Robertson, a teacher at the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, for displaying a pattern of inappropriate physical contact with students and a colleague.

This matter was heard by the panel on June 15, 2015, and April 28, 2016. Robertson, who was certified to teach in June 1988, attended the hearing on April 28, 2016, but did not attend the hearing on June 15, 2015. He was represented by legal counsel.

During the 2010–11 academic year, Robertson:

The Discipline Committee panel found Robertson guilty of professional misconduct and directed him to appear before it immediately after the hearing to receive a reprimand.

In addition, he was ordered to complete, at his own expense, a course of instruction in appropriate professional boundaries. The course should be completed within 120 days of the date of the Discipline Committee’s order.

In its written decision, the panel stated, “The Member’s pattern of inappropriate physical contact with students and a colleague, and his inappropriate comments made to a female student and the same colleague, warrant a reprimand by his peers.”


Member: David Norman Shackleton, OCT
Registration No: 438357
Decision: Reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded David Norman Shackleton, a teacher at the Peel District School Board, for inappropriate physical contact with a student.

Shackleton, who was certified to teach in July 2000, attended the hearing on February 19, 2016, and was represented by legal counsel.

In October 2014, Shackleton had inappropriate physical contact with a female student when he made brief contact with her backpack in an attempt to move her. In addition, he did not provide support to her after she had reported being called a name by two other students. The board suspended him for three days without pay.

During the proceedings, the Discipline Committee panel heard that the member had been previously disciplined by his board on three different occasions between 2011 and 2013 because of issues relating to inappropriate physical contact, the maintenance of appropriate boundaries and his care for students’ well-being.

The panel found the member guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that he appear before it immediately after the hearing to be reprimanded.

Shackleton was also directed to successfully complete a course(s), at his own expense, in appropriate disciplinary strategies and sensitivity training within 90 days of the panel’s decision.

In its decision, the panel stated, “The coursework will remind the Member of his obligations as a teacher and will help him to refrain from engaging in any inappropriate physical interactions with students in the future.”


Member: Kristen Michelle Tamburrino, OCT
Registration No: 439280
Decision: Reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Kristen Michelle Tamburrino, a teacher at the District School Board of Niagara, for stealing money.

Tamburrino, who was certified to teach in June 2001, attended the hearing on May 27, 2016, and was not represented by legal counsel.

Between November 2013 and January 2014, Tamburrino took someone’s bank card without his consent and used it to withdraw a total of about $1,140 from his bank account.

In February 2014, she was arrested and charged with fraud not exceeding $5,000. Shortly after, she was charged with possession of property obtained by crime not exceeding $5,000 (a “possession under” charge).

The board decided not to investigate after determining that this was not a school-related matter. However, she was transferred to another school within the board.

In October 2014, she pleaded guilty to the “possession under” charge. She received a conditional discharge and was placed on probation for 12 months. The fraud charge was withdrawn.

The Discipline Committee panel found her guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that she appear before the panel immediately after the hearing to be reprimanded.She was also directed to successfully complete, at her own expense, a course in ethics.

In its decision, the panel stated, “The Committee finds that the Member’s dishonest and illegal conduct warrants a reprimand by her peers.”


Member: Charilaos Tremis, OCT
Registration No: 218422
Decision: Reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Charilaos Tremis, a former teacher at the Peel District School Board, for committing a number of violations in relation to his running of his school’s auto shop.

Tremis, who was certified to teach in November 1990, attended the hearing held on February 23, 24, 25, 2015; April 20, 2015; September 8, 9, 24, 2015; October 1, 2015, and June 22, 2016. He was represented by legal counsel.

From June 2003 and June 2008, Tremis:

His employment was terminated by the board in October 2010.

The Discipline Committee panel found him guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that he appear before it immediately after the hearing to be reprimanded.

Tremis was also directed to successfully complete, at his own expense, a course in safety in an auto shop/ transportation technology prior to starting or returning to a teaching position or any other position for which a Certificate of Qualification and Registration is required.

In its decision, the panel stated, “… his disregard for the authority of school administration, his lack of transparency in the running of the school’s auto shop, and his failure to comply with a number of health and safety provisions warrants a reprimand by his peers.”


Member: Jeffrey Steven Williams, OCT
Registration No: 422412
Decision: Reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Jeffrey Steven Williams, a former teacher at the Toronto District School Board, for using inappropriate language and behaviour with students who were especially vulnerable.

Williams, who was certified to teach in November 1998, attended the April 22, 2016, hearing and had legal representation.

In February 2012, Williams:

As a result of his conduct, students were anxious and upset.

Williams received a letter of counsel from the school principal.

During the fall of 2012, Williams spoke sharply when students were unable to complete assigned work, yelled at them and used profane language.

He retired from his position with the board in January 2016.

The Discipline Committee panel found Williams guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that he appear before it immediately after the hearing to receive a reprimand.

In addition, prior to commencing or returning to a teaching position, he was directed to complete, at his own expense, a course of instruction in classroom management.

In its written decision, the panel stated, “The coursework will remind the Member of his obligations as a teacher and will help him to make better decisions in any future interactions with students.”


Member: Robert Michael Highill Woron
Registration No: 395359
Decision: Revocation

A Discipline Committee panel revoked the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of Robert Michael Highill Woron, a College member and former teacher in Manitoba, for sexually abusing a student.

Licensed to teach in June 1983, Woron did not attend the hearing on June 14, 2016. He was represented by legal counsel, but his counsel was not present at the hearing.

The panel heard that from September 1 to September 30, 2009, Woron engaged in an sexual conduct with a student.

In September 2013, Woron was criminally convicted for his actions and in October 2013 he was sentenced to six months’ incarceration and three years’ probation.

The Discipline Committee panel found Woron guilty of professional misconduct and directed the Registrar to immediately revoke his Certificate of Qualification and Registration.

In its written decision, the panel stated, “In addition to the harm that he has done to Student 4, the Member’s conduct has jeopardized the public’s trust in the teaching profession. Accordingly, the Member has forfeited the privilege of holding a teaching certificate in Ontario.”


Copies of the full decisions are available at oct-oeeo.ca/uveuah