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: Stephen John Bergin
Registration No: 184855
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel suspended the teaching certificate of Stephen John Bergin, a teacher employed by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, for unprofessional and inappropriate conduct.

Bergin, who was certified to teach in June 1995, attended the hearing on June 18, 2018, and had legal representation.

Bergin failed to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with his co-worker when he asked her to follow him into a windowless storage room and placed his hands on her shoulder and buttocks without her consent. Bergin removed his hands and apologized when the co-worker said "no."

The Discipline Committee panel found him guilty of professional misconduct. The panel ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for two months and that he appear before it to receive a reprimand.

In addition, Bergin was directed to complete, at his own expense, a course on professional boundaries. He needs to do so within 90 days of the order's date.

In its written decision, the panel stated, "Members of the profession are expected to interact respectfully and professionally with their colleagues at all times."

Member: Catherine Leslie Ann Campbell
Registration No: 197469
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Catherine Leslie Ann Campbell, a teacher employed by the York Region District School Board, for inappropriate conduct.

Campbell repeatedly used excessive or inappropriate physical force with students. She also reacted with anger and yelled at them.

This matter was heard by the panel on June 18, 2018. Campbell, who was certified to teach in June 1991, attended the hearing with her legal counsel.

The Discipline Committee panel found her guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that her teaching certificate be suspended for one month. She was directed to appear before it to receive a reprimand.

The panel also ordered her to successfully complete, at her own expense, a course on classroom management and one on anger management. She needs to do so within 120 days of the date of the written decision.

In its written decision, the panel stated, "Members of the teaching profession are expected to provide students with a physically and emotionally safe learning environment at all times."

Member: Daniel Enoch Campbell
Registration No: 217710
Decision: Revocation

A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Daniel Enoch Campbell, a former teacher with the Toronto District School Board, who was convicted of crimes related to sexual abuse.

Certified to teach in June 1975, Campbell and his legal counsel did not attend the hearing on April 20, 2018.

While offering after-school assistance, he repeatedly sexually assaulted two male students.

Campbell pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault in criminal court and was sentenced to a 12-month custodial sentence on each count to be served concurrently. He was also made subject to ancillary orders.

The panel found Campbell guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked.

In its decision, the panel stated, "Members of the profession hold a unique position of trust and authority and the Member abused this position in a reprehensible manner."

Member: Kirk Rheal Joseph Charette
Registration No: 524182
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel suspended the teaching certificate of Kirk Rheal Joseph Charette, a teacher employed by the Conseil scolaire catholique Providence, for demonstrating a pattern of unco-operative, insubordinate and unprofessional conduct.

This matter was heard by the panel on June 20, 2018. Charette, who was certified to teach in February 2008, attended the hearing. He was self-represented.

Charette was disrespectful and inappropriate in his communications with colleagues. He sent insubordinate emails to board administrators about his principal and his employer.

He also failed to attend school on the dates scheduled for his Teacher Performance Appraisal. This was concerning given the number of shortcomings that he demonstrated in various areas of his teaching practice.

His misconduct was serious and repeated, despite numerous interventions and warnings by his board.

The Discipline Committee panel found Charette guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for six months. He was directed to appear before it to receive a reprimand.

The panel also ordered him to successfully complete, at his own expense, two courses: a course on boundary issues as they relate to interactions with peers and supervisors, and an Additional Qualification course covering lesson planning, student assessment and evaluation. He needs to do so prior to starting a teaching position or any position for which a Certificate of Qualification and Registration is required.

The panel also ordered Charette to inform the College 30 days prior to returning to any teaching position and to provide the College with a copy of his next Teacher Performance Appraisal, which will help it to properly monitor Charette's progress, should he return to the teaching profession.

In its written decision, the panel stated, "Members of the teaching profession are expected to promote and participate in the creation of collaborative, safe and supportive learning communities."

Member: Sean Michael Douglas
Registration No: 500902
Decision: Revocation

A Discipline Committee panel revoked the certificate of Sean Michael Douglas, a former teacher at the York Region District School Board.

Douglas repeatedly engaged in intimate interactions with students and sexually abused a student.

Certified to teach in July 2006, Douglas did not attend the hearings on November 8 and 9, 2016, nor was he represented by legal counsel.

The Discipline Committee panel found him guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked.

In its decision, the panel stated, "Through his boundary violations and sexual abuse, the Member failed to show respect or moral regard for his students. The Member exploited his position of authority as a teacher to gain intimacy with students, and, ultimately, to sexually abuse a student."

Member: Stephen John Emrich
Registration No: 269548
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions, undertaking

A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Stephen John Emrich for dishonest conduct.

Emrich made a number of false declarations when he submitted an online application for certification through the College's website.

Among other things, he did not declare that his teaching credentials had been revoked by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, or that he had been previously charged with four criminal offences in Arizona.

This matter was heard by the panel on June 15, 2018. Emrich, who was certified to teach in May 2016, did not attend the hearing. He was self-represented.

The Discipline Committee panel found him guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for three months. He was directed to appear before it to receive a reprimand. The panel also ordered him to successfully complete, at his own expense, a course on professional ethics. He needs to do so prior to starting or returning to any teaching position or any position requiring a Certificate of Qualification and Registration.

Emrich must also provide a written report from a medical specialist confirming to the College's Registrar that he is not a risk to students.

In its written decision, the panel stated, "Self-regulation is a privilege imparted to professions that are competent to govern themselves. When members deal dishonestly with the College, they undermine the College's ability to fulfil its public interest mandate."

Member: Jennifer Elizabeth Green-Johnson
Registration No: 187439
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Jennifer Green-Johnson, a teacher employed by the Grand Erie District School Board, for a pattern of making rude and insensitive comments to students and for her physically abusive conduct toward a student.

Green-Johnson, who was certified to teach in June 1996, attended the hearing on June 4, 2018, and had legal representation.

She made numerous disparaging and inappropriate comments to students and slapped a student.

Green-Johnson has a history of engaging in similar conduct, for which she was disciplined by the College.

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

In addition, Green-Johnson was directed to complete, at her own expense, courses on boundaries and boundary violation issues, and anger management. She was directed to do so within 90 days of the order's date.

In its written decision, the panel stated, "Members are expected to provide students with a physically and emotionally safe learning environment; they must not make hurtful and demeaning comments to students."

Member: Spiro Grima
Registration No: 283720
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Spiro Grima, a teacher employed by the Thames Valley District School Board, for inappropriate physical contact. He also failed to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

On multiple occasions, Grima signed a student out of class, drove her home and took her out to have coffee and/or lunch. He also kissed students on the cheek or forehead and hugged them.

This matter was heard by the panel on April 23, 2018. Grima, who was certified to teach in June 1995, attended the hearing. He had legal representation.

The panel also ordered him to successfully complete, at his own expense, a course on boundary violations. He needs to do so within 120 days after the order.

In its written decision, the panel stated, "It is not appropriate for members to hug or kiss students. The Member also exercised poor professional judgment by taking a student out for lunch or coffee and driving her home on multiple occasions."

Member: Terrence Phillip Magill
Registration No: 178208
Decision: Revocation

A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Terrence Phillip Magill, a former teacher with the Toronto Catholic District School Board, for physically and sexually abusing a student.

Certified to teach in June 1984, Magill represented himself and did not attend the hearing on April 11, 2018.

Magill kissed a student on the forehead, hugged her and touched her breasts. He did so several times. He also texted her and showed up at places he knew she would be when she no longer attended the school where he taught.

He pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual exploitation, but guilty to the lesser included offence of assault, in a criminal court. He received a conditional discharge and was placed on probation for 12 months. Two other counts of sexual exploitation were withdrawn at the request of the Crown.

The panel found Magill guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked.

In its decision, the panel stated, "There is no place in the profession for members who sexually abuse students. The public expects that children will be safe when they are at school." The panel added, "The Member's conduct undermined the reputation of the teaching profession and will not be tolerated."

Member: Lisa Ann Millson, OCT
Registration No: 472809
Decision: Reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Lisa Ann Millson, a teacher employed by the Upper Canada District School Board, for fraudulent conduct.

Millson, who was certified to teach in January 2004, attended the public hearing via video conference on April 25, 2018. She was represented by legal counsel.

The panel found that she acted dishonestly and unethically by filing false benefit claims with her board's benefit provider in the amount of $3,368.47. She also failed to provide the board with information about her upcoming court dates, as she was directed to do, and falsely claimed a sick leave absence when she was in court.

She pleaded guilty and was found guilty of fraud under $5,000 in a criminal court.

She received a conditional discharge and was placed on probation for 12 months. She made full restitution of the amount owing. She was also ordered to complete 20 hours of community service, in addition to the 80 hours of community service she had already completed prior to her sentencing.

The Discipline Committee panel ordered that she appear before it following the hearing to receive a reprimand.

She was also directed to complete, at her own expense, a course on ethical practice. She needs to do so within 90 days of the date of the written decision.

In its written decision, the panel stated, "Although the Member's conduct did not directly involve students, it has undermined the public's confidence in teachers and tarnished the reputation of the teaching profession."

Member: Ronnie Joseph Odjig
Registration No: 162470
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel suspended the teaching certificate of College member Ronnie Joseph Odjig for a concerning pattern of behaviour. He made disrespectful comments to students and made inappropriate and demeaning comments to colleagues.

Odjig, who was certified to teach in June 1987, attended the hearings on May 15, 16 and 17, 2017, and April 27, 2018. He was self-represented.

The panel heard that he made disrespectful comments to a student about her weight. He failed to maintain appropriate boundaries with students. He made them feel uncomfortable through his inappropriate comments. He pinched a student's cheeks and he sexually harassed colleagues.

The Discipline Committee panel found Odjig guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his certificate be suspended for three months. He was directed to appear before it to receive a reprimand.

In addition, he was directed to complete a course of instruction, at his own expense, regarding professional boundaries and boundary violations. He needs to do so prior to returning to teaching or any position for which a Certificate of Qualification and Registration is required.

In its written decision, the panel stated, "As an experienced educator, the Member should have known the difference between joking and harassment, and the Committee is concerned that he did not."

Member: Espedito Ezio Quaglia, OCT
Registration No: 196821
Decision: Reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Espedito Ezio Quaglia, a teacher employed by the Greater Essex County District School Board, for failing to fulfil his duty to report to the Children's Aid Society (CAS).

Quaglia, who was certified to teach in June 1989, attended the hearing on April 20, 2018. He was represented by legal counsel.

During a CAS investigation, a student advised that she had disclosed to Quaglia that she was being abused by her father. Before the investigation, Quaglia knew of the alleged physical abuse and tried to mediate the situation with the student's parents. However, he did not report it to the CAS.

On May 11, 2015, in the Ontario Court of Justice, the Member pleaded guilty and was convicted of failing to report a child in need of protection, pursuant to Section 72 of the Child and Family Services Act. The Member was ordered to pay a $250 fine.

The Discipline Committee panel ordered that he appear before it to receive a reprimand.

He was also directed to complete, at his own expense, a course on professional boundaries, including instruction on the duty to report to the CAS.

In its written decision, the panel stated that, "Members of the teaching profession have a legal and ethical duty to report to the CAS when they have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is in need of or may need protection." The panel also outlined several key elements relating to the duty to report as set out in the College's professional advisory Duty to Report.

Member: Robert Alexander St Louis
Registration No: 185567
Decision: Revocation, reprimand

A Discipline Committee panel revoked the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of Robert Alexander St Louis, a former teacher employed by the District School Board of Niagara, for engaging in a sexual relationship with a female student over a period of a year and a half.

Neither St Louis nor his legal counsel attended the hearing on April 18, 2017.

Certified to teach in August 1988, St Louis engaged in a pattern of escalating sexual activity with the student, beginning with kissing and holding hands, to oral sex, and eventually intercourse and anal sex.

Sexual encounters took place at school and at his home.

He also convinced her that she needed to go along with a "cover story" that she was romantically involved with his son. St Louis did so in order to continue his sexual relationship with her.

This ruse was psychologically abusive to her as she was told to deceive peers and teachers at the school, and her parents.

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 that St Louis's conduct "eroded the public's trust and confidence in the teaching profession. The Committee was struck by the Member's total lack of personal and professional judgment, as well as his disregard for clearly articulated boundaries on relationships between teachers and students."

Member: Nicholas Stephen Stodola, OCT
Registration No: 490284
Decision: Reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Nicholas Stephen Stodola, a teacher employed by the Toronto District School Board, for aggressive behaviour toward students.

This matter was heard by the panel on April 25, 2018. Stodola, who was certified to teach in June 2005, attended the hearing with his legal counsel.

Stodola yelled at a student in a threatening manner and grabbed students by their clothes.

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

It also ordered him to successfully complete, at his own expense, a course in classroom management. He must do so within 120 days of the panel's order.

In its written decision, the panel stated, "It is unacceptable for teachers to behave in a rough or aggressive manner with students."

Member: Rachel Atim Vandenberg
Registration No: 201074
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions

A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Rachel Atim Vandenberg, a teacher employed by the Waterloo Region District School Board, for her pattern of unprofessional behaviour toward students, parents and colleagues.

Vandenberg repeatedly used a harsh or raised tone of voice, causing some of her students to feel belittled in front of their peers, and frightened, intimidated and anxious about attending class.

She also made condescending, rude and sarcastic comments to colleagues, the school's principal and parents, demonstrating a lack of respect that reflects poorly on the teaching profession as a whole.

This matter was heard by the panel on February 21, 2018. Vandenberg, who was certified to teach in June 1996, did not attend the hearing and did not have legal representation.

The panel also ordered her to successfully complete, at her own expense, two courses on classroom management and sensitivity training. She needs to do so prior to starting or returning to teaching or any position requiring a teaching certificate.

In its written decision, the panel stated, "The Member's pattern of unprofessional behaviour towards students, parents, colleagues, including a custodian, a school secretary and her principal, demonstrated a significant lack of awareness and an unwillingness to accept responsibility for her misconduct and its impact on others."

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