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Three-member panels of the Discipline Committee conduct public hearings into cases of alleged incompetence or professional misconduct. Panels are composed of elected and appointed Council members. The certificate of a member found to be incompetent or guilty of professional misconduct may be revoked, suspended, and/or made subject to terms, conditions or limitations. In findings of professional misconduct, the committee may also reprimand, admonish or counsel the member, impose a fine, and order the member to pay costs.
Summaries of recent disciplinary cases are published on the following pages. 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: Adrian Michael Black
Registration No: 400220
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Adrian Michael Black for physical abuse and failure to supervise students. He is a teacher employed by the Upper Canada District School Board.
Black made inappropriate contact with a student by grabbing and pulling him and by pushing and/or blocking students in a doorway. He also failed to adequately supervise these students after they ended up outside, which resulted in another student's injury.
Certified to teach in June 1990, Black attended the hearing on February 5, 2020, and was represented by legal counsel.
The Discipline Committee panel found Black guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for four 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 boundaries, classroom management and anger management. He needs to do so within 180 days of the decision.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Members of the profession are expected to conduct themselves in a composed and professional manner and they must not resort to the inappropriate use of physical force against students."
Member: Martin Gaeton Bonello
Registration No: 444525
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Martin Gaeton Bonello for inappropriate conduct. He is a teacher formerly employed by the Peel District School Board.
Certified to teach in July 2001, Bonello did not attend the hearing on November 12, 2019, but was represented by legal counsel.
Bonello made a culturally insensitive and unprofessional comment to a student.
His disregard for board policy and compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act in his woodworking technology class demonstrates that he also failed to adequately supervise his students.
The Discipline Committee panel found Bonello guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for six months. The panel also directed that he appear before it to receive a reprimand. He needs to do so within 90 days of the panel's order.
He must also successfully complete, at his own expense, a course regarding classroom management with a focus on supervision and sensitivity training. He needs to do so prior to resuming or starting a teaching position or any position requiring a Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "The fact that the Member received two suspensions from his Board, and a written caution and written admonishment from the College's Investigation Committee, raises serious concerns regarding his professional judgment."
Member: Roshan Canagasaby
Registration No: 531715
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Roshan Canagasaby for engaging in verbal, physical, emotional and sexual abuse of female students. He was employed by the Halton District School Board.
His conduct included:
The definition of sexual abuse under the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996 includes touching, behaviour or remarks of a sexual nature by a member toward a student.
Certified to teach in June 2008, Canagasaby attended the hearing on January 20, 2020, and had legal representation.
The Discipline Committee panel found Canagasaby 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's conduct is unbecoming a member, in that it undermines the reputation of the teaching profession."
Member: Kevin Ho-Wai Chan
Registration No: 573032
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Kevin Ho-Wai Chan for sexually abusing a female student. He was a tutor at a Toronto private school.
Certified to teach in March 2010, Chan did not attend the hearing on January 17, 2020. He had no legal representation.
Chan spent time alone with the student. He gave her rides in his car, spoke with her about personal and intimate issues, frequently held her hand, hugged her, and kissed her on the cheek in a way that violated her sexual integrity.
The definition of sexual abuse in the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996 includes touching, behaviour or remarks of a sexual nature by a College member toward a student.
In a criminal court, Chan was found guilty of sexual assault and sexual interference. He was sentenced to 90 days of incarceration to be followed by three years of probation. He was also made the subject of a number of ancillary orders.
The Discipline Committee panel found Chan 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 for their own sexual gratification."
Member: Douglas Christopher Dale
Registration No: 278313
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Douglas Christopher Dale for sexually abusing two students. He was formerly employed by the Peel District School Board.
Certified to teach in August 1997, Dale did not attend the hearing on November 25, 2019, and did not have legal representation.
Dale engaged in an inappropriate personal and sexual relationship with two students.
In a criminal court, he pleaded guilty to and was convicted of sexual exploitation of the students. He was sentenced to 30 months' custody and made subject to various ancillary orders.
The Discipline Committee panel found Dale 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's conduct was also unbecoming a member of the profession, in that he undermined the reputation of the profession and violated the trust that parents, students and the public place in teachers."
Member: Salim A. Datoo, OCT
Registration No: 474147
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Salim A. Datoo, a teacher employed by the Toronto District School Board, for unprofessional conduct.
This matter was heard by the panel on March 9, 2020. Datoo, who was certified to teach in June 2004, attended the hearing and had legal representation.
Datoo verbally and physically abused a student by making inappropriate remarks and using physical force to redirect him.
The Discipline Committee panel found Datoo guilty of professional misconduct and directed him to appear before it to receive a reprimand.
The panel also ordered him to successfully complete, at his own expense, a course covering appropriate boundaries, with a focus on anger management. He must do so within 90 days of the panel's order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Despite challenging student behaviour, members of the teaching profession must maintain their composure and interact professionally with students, which the Member failed to do."
Member: Lillian Eileen Donaldson
Registration No: 443592
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Lillian Eileen Donaldson for a pattern of inappropriate and unprofessional conduct, despite prior warnings from the school board and the College. She is a teacher employed by the Halton District School Board.
This matter was heard by the panel on November 12, 2019. Donaldson, who was certified to teach in May 2001, attended the hearing with her legal counsel.
One inappropriate comment includes telling the class that if she had a child like Student 1, she would drive him to the Grand Canyon and leave him there.
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 the panel to receive a reprimand.
The panel also ordered her to successfully complete, at her own expense, a course regarding classroom management with a focus on adolescent development and student sensitivity issues. She needs to do so within 90 days of the panel's order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Members of the profession must maintain their composure, even when dealing with challenging issues in the classroom."
Member: David Peter Duncker
Registration No: 423953
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of David Peter Duncker for inappropriate conduct. He is a teacher employed by the District School Board of Niagara.
Certified to teach in May 1999, Duncker attended the hearing on February 7, 2020, and was represented by legal counsel.
Duncker engaged in an inappropriate personal relationship with a female student, which included sending her gifts, picking her up in his car and going out for coffee and shopping, and hugging her. He also engaged in regular, inappropriate electronic communications with her.
The Discipline Committee panel found Duncker guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for two years. The panel also directed that he appear before it to receive a reprimand.
He must also successfully complete, at his own expense, a course on boundary violations. He needs to do so within three months of the decision.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "The Member demonstrated a profound lack of professional judgment by fostering an inappropriate personal relationship with a student."
Member: Drew Trent Ferris, OCT
Registration No: 449959
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Drew Trent Ferris, a teacher employed by the Bluewater District School Board, for inappropriate conduct.
This matter was heard by the panel on February 4, 2020. Ferris, who was certified to teach in September 2001, attended the hearing with his legal counsel.
Ferris had physical contact with students on a bus in order to manage their behaviour. In particular, he pinched one student on the arm, which resulted in a bruise. He also made an example of a student and mocked him in front of his class on two occasions.
The Discipline Committee panel found Ferris guilty of professional misconduct and directed him to appear before it to receive a reprimand.
The panel also ordered him to successfully complete, at his own expense, a course regarding classroom management and appropriate communication with students. He must do so within 90 days of the panel's order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Members are expected to act in a professional manner and to exercise good judgment and compassion for students."
Member: Stephen Owen Gartshore
Registration No: 417889
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Stephen Owen Gartshore for inappropriate conduct. He is a teacher employed by the Toronto District School Board.
Certified to teach in August 1998, Gartshore attended the hearing on January 21, 2020, and was represented by legal counsel.
Gartshore's inappropriate conduct and comments include:
Gartshore was previously cautioned and admonished by the College's Investigation Committee for similar inappropriate conduct.
The Discipline Committee panel found Gartshore 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.
He must also successfully complete, at his own expense, a course on classroom management and discipline. He needs to do so within 60 days of the decision.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Members are expected to serve as role models for students, to create a safe and supporting learning environment for their students and to behave in accordance with the standards of the profession."
Member: Neil Gibb, OCT
Registration No: 244049
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Neil Gibb, a teacher employed by the York Catholic District School Board, for inappropriate conduct.
This matter was heard by the panel on February 26, 2020. Gibb, who was certified to teach in November 1993, attended the hearing with his legal counsel.
Gibb engaged in a concerning pattern of inappropriate conduct, and he did not improve his behaviour after repeated warnings from his board.
He made several inappropriate remarks to students, swore in class, yelled at students and disciplined them by having them do pushups.
The Discipline Committee panel found Gibb 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 regarding respectful relationships with students and classroom management. He must do so prior to starting or resuming any teaching position or any position for which a Certificate of Qualification and Registration is required.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Members are expected to serve as role models for students, which the Member failed to do by repeatedly making inappropriate comments, swearing and yelling in class."
Member: Brian John Hathway
Registration No: 495973
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Brian John Hathway for sexually abusing a student. He was a teacher formerly employed by the Upper Grand District School Board.
Certified to teach in August 2005, Hathway did not attend the hearing on March 10, 2020. He had no legal representation.
Hathway engaged in a pattern of inappropriate grooming behaviour and subsequently abused a student.
He was sentenced, in a criminal court, to one year in custody for each of the four counts of which he was convicted, to be served concurrently, followed by three years of probation. He was also made the subject of a number of ancillary orders.
The Discipline Committee panel found Hathway 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 Panel denounces the Member's misconduct in the strongest terms."
Member: Justin Charles Henri
Registration No: 631042
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Justin Charles Henri for sexually abusing two female students. He was an occasional teacher formerly employed by the Trillium Lakelands District School Board.
Certified to teach in August 2012, Henri did not attend the hearing on February 3, 2020. He had no legal representation.
Henri sent one student Facebook messages of a sexual nature. He kissed her on several occasions and touched her in a sexual manner. He also engaged in a boyfriend-girlfriend-type relationship with another student during which they had sexual intercourse.
The Discipline Committee panel found Henri 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 abuse their position of trust and authority to sexually and emotionally abuse their students."
Member: Tom Walter Keenan, OCT
Registration No: 201312
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Tom Walter Keenan, a teacher employed by the Algoma District School Board, for unprofessional conduct.
This matter was heard by the panel on March 9, 2020. Keenan, who was certified to teach in June 1993, did not attend the hearing but had legal representation.
Keenan made demeaning comments to a student and consumed alcohol while supervising students.
The Discipline Committee panel found Keenan 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 covering professional boundaries. He must do so within 90 days of the panel's order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Members are expected to serve as positive role models for students, which the Member failed to do."
Member: Jennifer Allyson Leon
Registration No: 490731
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the teaching certificate of Jennifer Allyson Leon for unprofessional conduct. She is employed by the Ministry of Education as an elementary teacher at a school for the deaf.
Leon, who was certified to teach in April 2005, did not attend the hearing on January 30, 2020, but had legal representation.
Leon demonstrated a lack of empathy for students by "often exhibit[ing] anger and frustration" toward students and by being "rough and abrasive."
The Discipline Committee panel found Leon guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that her certificate be suspended for one month. She was also directed to appear before the panel to receive a reprimand. She needs to do so within 90 days of the order.
In addition, she was directed to complete a course of instruction, at her own expense, regarding anger management and classroom management. She 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, "Teachers hold a unique position of trust and authority. They must model appropriate behaviour for students and encourage students in the pursuit of learning."
Member: Victor Ly
Registration No: 670351
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Victor Ly, a teacher formerly employed by the Halton District School Board, for criminal conduct.
In a criminal court, Ly was found guilty of 19 charges including making child pornography, invitation to sexual touching, extortion, transmitting a sexually explicit image for the purpose of making child pornography, luring a child for the purpose of making child pornography, possessing and distributing child pornography.
He was sentenced to a five-year custodial sentence and was made subject to a number of ancillary orders.
Certified to teach in July 2015, Ly did not attend the hearing on January 17, 2020, nor was he represented by legal counsel.
The Discipline Committee panel found Ly 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 panel denounces the Member's misconduct in the strongest terms."
Member: Alan Philip Markham
Registration No: 422136
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of Alan Philip Markham for sexually abusing a female student. He was formerly employed by the Keewatin Patricia District School Board.
Markham was certified to teach in February 1999. He did not attend the hearing on November 8, 2019, and had no legal representation.
Markham engaged in inappropriate electronic communications with a student at his school on the Tinder dating app. His remarks were of a sexual nature, and therefore, constitute "sexual abuse" under the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996.
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 within six months of the panel's order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Engaging in the sexual abuse of a student is a clear breach of the standards of the profession."
Member: Gurjit Kaur Marok
Registration No: 444472
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Gurjit Kaur Marok for dishonest conduct. She is a teacher employed by the Peel District School Board.
Certified to teach in June 2001, Marok attended the hearing on February 14, 2020, with her legal counsel.
Marok misused sick days to attend a conference in the Bahamas, used her position as a teacher to access confidential student information, and misled her colleagues in order to distribute marketing materials to solicit business for personal gain.
The Discipline Committee panel found Marok guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that her teaching certificate be suspended for one month. The panel also directed that she appear before it to receive a reprimand.
She must also successfully complete, at her own expense, a course regarding professional ethics. She needs to do so within 90 days of the panel's order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, " ... the Member's deceitful and self-serving conduct is unbecoming a member in that it undermined the reputation of the teaching profession."
Member: Robert Steven McColeman, OCT
Registration No: 258113
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel ordered that Robert Steven McColeman be reprimanded for inappropriate conduct. He is a teacher employed by the Upper Grand District School Board.
This matter was heard by the panel on October 24, 2019. McColeman, who was certified to teach in June 1993, attended the hearing with his legal counsel. He failed to supervise students under his care. He failed to prevent three students from driving a motor vehicle during instructional time. That failure resulted in the students being involved in an accident.
He also did not immediately report the accident to the school's administration.
The Discipline Committee panel found McColeman guilty of professional misconduct and directed him to appear before it to receive a reprimand.
The panel also ordered him to successfully complete, at his own expense, a course on classroom management and effective supervision, including student safety in an auto shop/transportation technology class. He must do so within 90 days of the panel's order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Members of the profession must prioritize student safety."
Member: Lydia Maurice Nakhla, OCT
Registration No: 477616
Decision: Conditions
A Discipline Committee panel ordered that the certificate of Lydia Maurice Nakhla be subject to terms, conditions or limitations due to a finding of incompetence. She is a teacher formerly employed by the Conseil scolaire catholique Providence.
Certified to teach in October 2004, Nakhla did not attend the hearing on February 24, 2020, and was not represented by legal counsel.
Nakhla displayed in her professional responsibilities a lack of knowledge, skill or judgment, and a disregard for the welfare of a student.
She was given two performance appraisals as part of the New Teacher Induction Program. She received a "Development Needed" rating on the first one and an "Unsatisfactory" on the second.
Prior to filling or resuming a teaching position or any position that requires a Certificate of Qualification and Registration, she must successfully complete, at her own expense, an Additional Qualification or Additional Basic Qualification course that covers teaching and learning strategies, assessment and evaluation of student learning, and classroom management.
In its written decision, the panel stated, " ... the Panel considers that the Member's performance should be monitored closely for the first year after any resumption of her duties, to ensure that it continues to be satisfactory."
Member: Paul Nolis
Registration No: 507131
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions, costs
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Paul Nolis for inappropriate conduct. He was an occasional teacher employed by the York Region District School Board.
This matter was heard by the panel on November 12–13, 2019. Nolis, who was certified to teach in August 2006, did not attend the hearing and did not have legal representation.
His conduct included:
Nolis also engaged in a pattern of unreasonable and vexatious conduct during the College disciplinary proceedings by making unfounded accusations and threats against the College and its counsel when they were simply conducting themselves according to their professional roles in the discipline process.
The Discipline Committee panel found Nolis guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for 14 weeks. He also received a written reprimand.
The panel also ordered him to successfully complete, at his own expense, a course regarding maintaining appropriate boundaries with students and a course on classroom management. He needs to do so prior to starting or resuming a teaching position or any position for which a Certificate of Qualification and Registration is required.
He was also ordered to pay the College $12,500 in costs, which must be paid within six months of the panel's order. Cost orders are compensatory, rather than punitive, in nature. Unco-operative or vexatious conduct during the disciplinary process can lengthen the duration of the proceedings and increase the expense to the College.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "His conduct was also unbecoming a member in that it undermines the trust and respect accorded to the profession."
Member: John Thomas Orme
Registration No: 440553
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions, costs
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of John Thomas Orme, a teacher employed by the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, for a repeated pattern of inappropriate conduct.
This matter was heard by the panel on September 18, 2019. Orme, who was certified to teach in June 2001, did not attend the hearing. He had no legal representation.
Orme made inappropriate comments to students, both orally and in writing. He also assigned inappropriate journal topics and inadequately supervised students. 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 the panel to receive a reprimand. He needs to appear within three months of the panel's order. The panel also ordered him to successfully complete, at his own expense, a course on professional boundaries with a focus on sensitivities toward students. He needs to do so prior to returning to teaching.
He was also ordered to pay $3,000 in costs within 90 days of the order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "The aggravating factors in the Member's case are the repeated nature of his conduct despite three disciplinary investigations by the Board and his failure to take the remedial course directed by the Board in 2010 until July 2015."
Member: Geoffrey James Orton
Registration No: 256166
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of Geoffrey James Orton for misconduct of a sexual nature, among other things. He was employed by the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.
Orton was certified to teach in June 1996. He attended the hearing on November 4, 2019, and had legal representation.
On more than one occasion, Orton looked at the cleavage of two female students. As a result of his conduct, both students felt uncomfortable and one of them began wearing sweaters and high-neck tops.
He also failed to adequately supervise his students on multiple occasions. For example, he did not immediately intervene when students filled plastic bottles with gas, lit them on fire and threw the lit objects into the garbage.
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, "Engaging in behaviour of a sexual nature towards students, such as looking at the cleavage of female students, is a clear breach of the standards of the profession and an abuse of the Member's position of trust and authority as a teacher."
Member: Matthew Dale Palmer
Registration No: 500529
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of Matthew Dale Palmer for criminal conduct. He was formerly employed by the Bluewater District School Board.
Palmer was certified to teach in July 2007. He did not attend the hearing on October 23, 2019, and had no legal representation.
Palmer engaged in a sexual relationship with a minor he met at a local church.
He was found guilty of sexual exploitation in a criminal court. He was sentenced to six months' custody and 18 months' probation. He was also made the subject of a numberof 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 public's trust in the teaching profession is eroded when members are convicted of sexual offences."
Member: Nina Pogossian, OCT
Registration No: 428585
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Nina Pogossian, a teacher employed by the Toronto District School Board, for inappropriate conduct.
This matter was heard by the panel on October 25, 2019. Pogossian, who was certified to teach in March 2001, attended the hearing and had legal representation.
Pogossian scolded, grabbed and shook a kindergarten student. This conduct constitutes physical and psychological or emotional abuse.
Pogossian had been previously disciplined by her board for similar misconduct in the past.
The Discipline Committee panel found Pogossian 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 regarding classroom management and anger management. She must do so within 90 days of the panel's order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "The Member breached appropriate teacher-student boundaries when she grabbed Student A by both arms and shook her."
Member: Walter Schweigel, OCT
Registration No: 179452
Decision: Reprimand, conditions, undertaking
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Walter Schweigel, a teacher formerly employed by the Toronto District School Board, for unprofessional conduct.
This matter was heard by the panel on November 5, 2019. Schweigel, who was certified to teach in June 1986, attended the hearing with his legal counsel.
Schweigel engaged in the practice of teaching while adversely impacted by his abuse of alcohol. He failed to report on several occasions, did not notify the school prior to his absences, did not arrange for an occasional teacher to cover his classes, and did not provide lesson plans.
The Discipline Committee panel found Schweigel 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 on appropriate professional ethics. He must do so prior to starting any teaching position for which a Certificate of Qualification and Registration is required.
Schweigel also entered into an "undertaking and acknowledgement" with the College, which sets out conditions that must be met before he can hold a position for which a certificate is required. In its written decision, the panel stated, "It is unacceptable for a teacher to practise his profession while adversely impacted by alcohol abuse."
Member: Thomas Albert Shackleton, OCT
Registration No: 180228
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel ordered that Thomas Albert Shackleton be reprimanded for repeated instances of inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour directed at colleagues and students. He is a teacher formerly employed by the Toronto District School Board.
This matter was heard by the panel on December 9, 2019. Shackleton, who was certified to teach in June 1995, did not attend the hearing. He did not have legal representation.
Shackleton's conduct included repeated vulgar, demeaning and racist comments.
The Discipline Committee panel found Shackleton guilty of professional misconduct and directed him to appear before it to receive a reprimand. He needs to do so prior to starting or returning to any position requiring a Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
It also ordered him to successfully complete, at his own expense, a course covering professional ethics and appropriate communications with students. He must do so prior to starting or returning to any position requiring a Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Members of the profession are expected to be responsible adults, model good values and behaviour, and play a supportive role for students."
Member: Saadia Syed
Registration No: 481308
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the teaching certificate of Saadia Syed for unprofessional conduct. She was formerly employed by the York Region District School Board.
Syed, who was certified to teach in January 2005, attended the hearing on February 13, 2020. She had no legal representation.
Syed submitted 48 false expense receipts, totalling over $42,000, and received payment of over $41, 000 from the board's benefits provider.
In a criminal court, she was found guilty of one count of Use Forged Document. She received a conditional discharge, was placed on probation for three years and was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service.
The Discipline Committee panel found Syed guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that her certificate be suspended for 12 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 ethics. She needs to do so prior to returning to teaching or to any position for which a Certificate of Qualification and Registration is required.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Even though the Member's misconduct did not target students, the Member's unethical behaviour tarnished the reputation of the teaching profession as a whole."
Member: Donald Ashley Thompson
Registration No: 440021
Decision: Suspension, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Donald Ashley Thompson for a pattern of inappropriate conduct. He is a teacher formerly employed by the Toronto District School Board.
Certified to teach in September 2001, Thompson did not attend the hearing on November 11, 2019, but was represented by legal counsel.
Thompson was physically and verbally abusive to his students on multiple occasions. He grabbed, pushed, hit, physically shook and yelled at students.
The aggravating factors in Thompson's case are the multiple incidents of misconduct and his prior disciplinary history with the school board and the College.
The Discipline Committee panel found Thompson guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for four months. The panel also directed that he appear before it to receive a reprimand.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Teachers are expected to find appropriate ways to communicate instructions and directions to students that do not involve physical or verbal abuse."
Member: Luigi Trinchi
Registration No: 480848
Decision: Revocation, reprimand, costs
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of Luigi Trinchi, a teacher formerly employed by the Toronto Catholic District School Board, for engaging in voyeurism.
Certified to teach in July 2004, Trinchi did not attend the hearing on November 8, 2019, nor was he represented by legal counsel.
In a criminal court, he was found guilty of surreptitiously making a visual recording of a female colleague. He was given a suspended sentence and 12 months of probation.
Trinchi and this colleague were involved in an intimate relationship. She posed nude during a Skype video conversation with him. She thought the video was being live-streamed and not recorded. Without her knowledge, Trinchi took and retained a number of screenshots of her while she was nude. After the end of their relationship, he sent the nude pictures to a list of recipients including her family, friends and colleagues.
The Discipline Committee panel found Trinchi 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 also ordered to pay the College $5,000 in costs, which must be paid within six months of the panel's order. Costs orders are compensatory (to reimburse the College for the expenses of disciplinary proceedings) rather than punitive.
In its decision, the panel stated, "The Member's conduct undermined the reputation of the teaching profession and as such, will not be tolerated. He has accordingly forfeited the privilege of holding a teaching certificate and being a member of the teaching profession in Ontario."
Member: Thomas Steven Vincer
Registration No: 164745
Decision: Revocation, reprimand
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the Certificate of Qualification and Registration of Thomas Steven Vincer for criminal conduct. He was formerly employed by the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board.
Vincer was certified to teach in June 1975. He did not attend the hearing on December 9, 2019, and had no legal representation. Vincer repeatedly engaged in the sexual touching of a male student.
He was found guilty of sexual assault in a criminal court and sentenced to an 18-month custodial sentence to be followed by one year of probation. He was also made the subject of a number of 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 Panel believes that revocation is the only appropriate and proportionate order in light of the Member's misconduct."
Member: Marcello Rosario Vite, OCT
Registration No: 114211
Decision: Reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel reprimanded Marcello Rosario Vite, an occasional teacher employed by the Toronto District School Board, for verbally abusing students.
This matter was heard by the panel on February 13, 2020. Vite, who was certified to teach in June 1972, attended the hearing with his legal counsel.
Vite repeatedly made insensitive and inappropriate comments to students, some of which were embarrassing or upsetting to them. The comments were about students' ethnicities, sexual orientation, relationship status and other personal issues.
The Discipline Committee panel found Vite guilty of professional misconduct and directed him to appear before it to receive a reprimand. The panel also ordered him to successfully complete, at his own expense, a course relating to professional boundaries with students and a course relating to appropriate communication with students, including cultural sensitivity training. He must do so within 90 days of its order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "The aggravating factors in the Member's case are the serious and repeated nature of his misconduct."
Member: Elizabeth Marie Von Eppinghoven
Registration No: 101450
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Elizabeth Marie Von Eppinghoven for inappropriate and unprofessional conduct despite warnings from the board and the College. She is a teacher employed by the Toronto District School Board.
Certified to teach in October 1993, Von Eppinghoven attended the hearing on December 16, 2019, with her legal counsel.
Von Eppinghoven left her students alone with a student teacher for 10–15 minutes to go to Tim Hortons. When she came back, she threw a book at a student.
The Discipline Committee panel found Von Eppinghoven guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that her teaching certificate be suspended for one month. The panel also directed that she appear before it to receive a reprimand. She must also successfully complete, at her own expense, a course on effective student discipline. She needs to do so within 120 days of the panel's order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "It is unacceptable for members of the teaching profession to resort to violence when attempting to discipline students."
Member: Donald Andrew Wai
Registration No: 285693
Decision: Suspension, reprimand, conditions
A Discipline Committee panel suspended the certificate of Donald Andrew Wai for unprofessional conduct. He is a teacher employed by the Toronto District School Board.
This matter was heard by the panel on November 18, 2019. Wai, who was certified to teach in June 1996, attended the hearing with his legal counsel.
Wai tapped female students on the shoulder, and he touched them with his shoe in a manner that made the students feel uncomfortable. These were inappropriate forms of physical contact and he ought to have used verbal cues instead to provide the students with direction. During a practice drill, he also instructed students to extend their shirts in a way that exposed their stomachs.
The Discipline Committee panel found him guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that his teaching certificate be suspended for one month. He was directed to appear before the panel to receive a reprimand.
The panel also ordered him to successfully complete, at his own expense, a course regarding respecting appropriate professional boundaries with students. He needs to do so within 200 days of the panel's order.
In its written decision, the panel stated, "Tapping students on the shoulder and tapping a student lying on the ground with a shoe to get their attention is disrespectful."
Member: Avery Jean Wilson
Registration No: 642874
Decision: Revocation, reprimand, costs
A Discipline Committee panel revoked the teaching certificate of College member Avery Jean Wilson for engaging in an inappropriate personal and sexual relationship with two male students.
She held supervisory responsibilities over a school's boarding students and lived in the dormitory part time.
Certified to teach in July 2014, Wilson did not have legal representation and did not attend the hearing on December 7, 2018, or December 4, 2019. The Discipline Committee panel found Wilson guilty of professional misconduct and ordered that her Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked. The panel also ordered that she receive a reprimand. She was ordered to pay the College $20,000 in costs. She needs to do so within six months of the panel's order. A costs award is compensatory rather than punitive in nature. The panel found that Wilson's conduct lengthened the duration of the proceeding, thus increasing the expense to the College.
In its decision, the panel stated, "Engaging in secret, inappropriate relationships with students in the midst of their sexual and emotional development has the potential to cause lasting and severe emotional damage for the students."