BC teacher banned for 15 years after sexual relations with recent graduate

A teacher in British Columbia has been banned from teaching for 15 years after having sexual relations with a recent graduate.

According to a report from the BC Commissioner for Teacher Regulation, the teacher received his teaching certificate in 2016 and was employed at a high school in an unnamed district.

The decision explains that in 2016 and 2017, the teacher would engage in ‘inappropriate physical contact” with a number of students. Actions would allegedly include touching their hands, shoulders, elbows, backs, knees, and legs.

In August 2017, the teacher allegedly gave alcohol to a former student that he had taught in Grade 12. The student graduated earlier that June and the two allegedly engaged in sexual activity.

Upon being interviewed by the school district, however, the teacher was “initially dishonest.”

In January 2019, the district made the decision to terminate his employment. A report was also made to the commissioner regarding the teacher’s actions.

In 2020, the commissioner and the teacher agreed that his conduct “constituted professional misconduct.” The teacher agreed that he wouldn’t apply for, nor have a teacher certificate issued for 15 years.

The report states that the decision was made based on the teacher engaging in inappropriate physical contact with students on different occasions, violating boundaries with the student, and being dishonest during the school district’s initial investigations.