The College uses Dispute Resolution (DR) to facilitate the resolution of some complaints regarding members of the profession. DR is voluntary and without prejudice to the parties. Agreements arising from this process protect the public interest and the results are similar in nature to those expected from a hearing. The College's committees consider the public interest when determining whether publication regarding such matters is necessary. The College monitors compliance with all agreements reached through DR.

Member: Brendan Paul Kelly
Registration Number: 429499
Decision: Suspension held in abeyance conditional on compliance with the memorandum of agreement (MOA)

Following notification by the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, the Registrar initiated a complaint against Brendan Paul Kelly, a former acting principal, alleging that he improperly used the board's credit card to make personal purchases and to attend unauthorized professional development courses. Kelly has effected restitution satisfactory to the board.

The Investigation Committee ratified a MOA between Kelly and the College, in which Kelly:

• acknowledged that he had engaged in professional misconduct
• agreed that a six-month suspension of his Certificates of Qualification and Registration would be held in abeyance on the condition that his employer provided ongoing evidence of his continued satisfactory performance until June 2004
• agreed not to utilize the funds or credit card of any future employer for personal purchases
• agreed to inform the Registrar of any criminal charges or disciplinary action arising from misuse of employer resources
• agreed to publication of his name with a summary of the complaint and its resolution in Professionally Speaking
• agreed that the College would notify his former and current employer of the complaint and its resolution.

Member: David Michael Forsyth
Registration Number: 256121
Decision: Assessment of the member's fitness to teach and a course of instruction

Following notification by the Peel District School Board, the Registrar initiated a complaint alleging that
David Michael Forsyth acted inappropriately with two female students, including writing them letters and e-mails containing personal information and referring to them by pet names.

The Registrar also alleged that Forsyth hugged one of the female students and told her not to tell anyone because he could lose his job.

The Investigation Committee ratified a memorandum of agreement between Forsyth and the College, in which Forsyth agreed:

• to undergo an assessment regarding his fitness to teach
• that, following the assessment, the assessor would provide the Registrar with a report regarding the member's fitness to teach
• to complete any course of treatment, examination or testing recommended by the assessor
• to complete a course of instruction regarding the importance of maintaining boundaries in the student-teacher relationship
• that, following the course of instruction, the instructor would provide the Registrar with a report describing the course and indicating that the member had completed it
• to provide the Registrar with a report regarding what he had learned through the course of instruction
• to publication of his name with a summary of the complaint and its resolution in Professionally Speaking.

Member: Not identified
Decision: Psychiatric assessment of the member's fitness to teach

Following notification by a district school board, the Registrar initiated a complaint against a member alleging that he had made inappropriate comments to individuals who were being interviewed for a position at the board. It was also alleged that the member had, without authorization, accessed confidential personal information about the candidates.

The Investigation Committee ratified a MOA between the member and the College, in which the member agreed:

• that if he decided to return to active teaching, he would advise the Registrar six months prior to doing so and provide the Registrar with an updated psychiatric assessment indicating that he is fit to teach
• to accept an admonishment from the Investigation Committee
• to publication of a summary of the complaint and its resolution, without identifying the member, in Professionally Speaking.

Member: Robert William Cawthorn
Registration Number: 152772
Decision: Certificates of Qualification and Registration cancelled

Following notification by the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, the Registrar initiated a complaint against Robert William Cawthorn, an elementary school teacher, alleging that he had engaged in inappropriate sexual relationships with two female students.

The Investigation Committee ratified a MOA between Cawthorn and the College, in which Cawthorn agreed to:

• resign his membership
• the cancellation of his certificate by the Registrar
• not reapply for membership in the College for three years
• not teach in any elementary, secondary, public, private or separate school
• publication of his name with a summary of the complaint and its resolution in Professionally Speaking
• a notation on the public register regarding the member's resignation and cancellation of his certificate including a statement that at the time of the resignation, a professional misconduct investigation was in progress regarding the member's inappropriate sexual relationships with two female students
• College notification of the cancellation of his certificate to his former employer and the education authorities routinely informed of disciplinary action.

Member: Not Identified
Decision: Certificates of Qualification and Registration cancelled

Following notification by a provincial district school board, the Registrar initiated a complaint against a secondary school teacher, alleging that he had made inappropriate comments to staff, engaged in yelling and violent behaviour in the classroom and demonstrated paranoid behaviour.

The Investigation Committee ratified a MOA between the member and the College, in which the member agreed to:

• acknowledge that his conduct constituted professional misconduct and that he had demonstrated that he was not fit to continue carrying out his professional responsibilities
• resign his membership
• the cancellation of his certificate by the Registrar
• undergo a psychiatric assessment with respect to whether he is fit to teach prior to making future application for membership in the College
• ensure that the Registrar received the assessor's report with respect to whether he is fit to teach prior to making future application for membership in the College
• publication of a summary of the complaint and its resolution, without identifying the member, in Professionally Speaking
• a notation on the public register regarding the member's resignation and cancellation of his certificate including a statement that at the time of the resignation, an investigation was in progress regarding the member's conduct
• College notification of the cancellation of his certificate to his former employer and the education authorities routinely informed of disciplinary action.

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