Adam Dharsee

The member, a teacher, faced allegations of professional misconduct for engaging in inappropriate electronic communications with two students via Instagram.

The member admitted to the allegations in an Agreed Statement of Facts and Guilty Plea.

The Discipline Committee found the member guilty of professional misconduct, including psychological or emotional abuse, failing to maintain professional boundaries, and conduct unbecoming a member.

Accepting a joint submission on penalty, the Committee ordered a reprimand, a three-month suspension of the member's certificate, and the successful completion of a course on boundary violations.

The Ontario College of Teachers brought a motion seeking leave to withdraw allegations of professional misconduct against the Member.

The College cited evidentiary challenges and noted that the Member had resigned, surrendered her certificate, and signed an undertaking never to teach again in Ontario.

The Discipline Committee granted the motion, finding that the withdrawal of the allegations in exchange for the undertaking was reasonable and served to protect the public interest.