Professionalism updated February 23, 2011

Be Wary, Be Wise Cartoon of wise academic owl

If you are accused of Professional Misconduct:


a) School:

If you receive a phone call from a school administrator, ask what the nature of his/her call is, listen to what the administrator has to say and respond by saying “Thank you. I’ll get back to you.”, but make NO statement. Then call the OECTA – OT Local office immediately  at 905-206-9200

b) Children’s Aid Society/Police:

If CAS (Children’s Aid Society) or the police contact you regarding an allegation against you, call OECTA Provincial immediately at 416-925-2493 or 1-800-268-7230 (Counseling & Member Services) before you respond.

  • DO NOT participate in an interview. You say, “I am willing to co-operate, but I am unable to comment until I contact the Association.”!
  • DON’T answer any questions or make any comments until you have had an opportunity to speak to legal counsel through OECTA.
  • DON’T offer information without the benefit of legal counsel, there is no such thing as “OFF THE RECORD”, avoid self incrimination.
  • DO NOT submit any written documentation/statement without speaking to legal counsel.
     

c)  Ontario College of Teachers:

If you are contacted regarding an investigation of a complaint against you:

  • Listen to the information provided
  • Make no response
  • Call the OECTA Provincial Office (Counseling & Member Services Dept.) at  416-925-2493 or 1-800-268-7230
  • Do not discuss the issue with anyone until advised.

OECTA provides legal assistance to members!

If you are accused of Professional Misconduct, before you respond, call the OECTA’s Counseling & Member Services at 416-925-2493 or 1-800-268-7230 and then call the Local at 905-206-9200!

OECTA's Counseling and Member Services Department publishes a resource booklet titled 'Be Wary, Be Wise'.   Download Be Wary, Be Wise.

 

Here are only some examples of allegations that have been investigated over the past few years:

 

  • push a student against a wall
  • grab a piece of paper out of a student's hand
  • slap a student in the face
  • inappropriate teacher created hand out on sexuality (Fully Alive)
  • teacher makes physical contact with student
  • inappropriate small talk, including personal views, during instructional time
  • use of inappropriate language such as "stupid"
  • use of cell phone during instructional time
  • put student outside of class/portable unsupervised for a time out
  • arrive late for assignment
  • not supervising students at all times
  • send students to computer lab or library unsupervised
  • dismiss students before end of day bell
  • grab a student by the waist to move them out of the way
    •