Teacher suspended for six months for boundary violations, inappropriate hugging, and unqualified counselling of students.
The member, a teacher, faced disciplinary proceedings for professional misconduct involving boundary violations with two students.
The member admitted to meeting privately with a vulnerable student, hugging students, providing unqualified counselling, and disclosing personal struggles, which caused emotional harm.
The member also breached a school board directive by contacting the student while reassigned home.
The Discipline Committee accepted a joint submission on penalty, finding the member guilty of professional misconduct.
The member was reprimanded, suspended for six months, and ordered to complete a course on professional boundaries.