Brian Ellerker

The Ontario College of Teachers brought disciplinary proceedings against a teacher for allegedly using inappropriate physical force and restraint on several students in a special education class.

The teacher argued that the students were aggressive and that he used approved restraint techniques to ensure safety.

The Discipline Committee heard expert testimony on the appropriate use of physical restraint, establishing that it must only be used as a last resort when there is an imminent risk of injury.

The Committee found that in multiple incidents, the teacher used physical force and restraint when there was no imminent danger and without attempting other intervention methods.

The Committee concluded that the teacher's actions constituted professional misconduct, including abusing students, failing to maintain professional standards, and engaging in disgraceful and unprofessional conduct.