The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Pitfalls and Precautions is a series that aims to educate teachers on professional conduct issues by highlighting situations addressed by the ATA Professional Conduct Committee. The committee dealt with the following case between January and April of 2016.

Upon learning that a student was angry at another student and threatening violence, a teacher counselled the student to refrain from engaging in fighting at school, noting that it would not be wise to fight the other student at school because a suspension could result. However, the teacher neglected to counsel the student on how to resolve the process and did not respond to threats to the other student’s safety.

By her response, the teacher failed to take action to prevent harm. The teacher was found guilty of unprofessional conduct and a letter of severe reprimand was ordered. ❚

Read more Pitfalls and Precautions articles here.