Occasional teacher for Waterloo Region school board accused of inappropriate conduct involving almost a dozen students

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Man who taught in Waterloo Region accused of inappropriate conduct with students

Man who taught at Kitchener and Cambridge schools accused of inappropriate conduct

An occasional teacher who had worked for the Waterloo Region District School Board is facing a disciplinary hearing regarding allegations of inappropriate conduct with at least 11 female students.

“There is more discussion about sexuality, sexual boundaries and sexual abuse so that does empower people to come forward when they need to,” said Heidi Neu, director of GreenValley Counselling Services, which is not involved with the hearing.

A notice of hearing from the Ontario College of Teachers states the teacher worked at a school in Kitchener during, or near, the 2018-2019 school year.

They say during that time he engaged in physical contact that “crossed appropriate boundaries” with multiple female students.

Neu says while her clinic has not seen an increase in clients concerned with these types of issues, education about what is, or isn’t, acceptable has helped people come forward.

But feelings of being reprimanded can go through victims’ minds.

“The power dynamic is a real thing,” said Neu. “But the child or teen is never at fault. They are never to blame … and telling someone will increase your safety, not decrease your safety.”

The notice of hearing accused the teacher of resting his head or chin on some students’ heads, rubbing or touching students’ backs and shoulders and referring to students as “sweetie,” “sweetheart,” or “honey.”

During the 2022-2023 school year, the teacher also worked at a public school in Cambridge.

The notice of hearing claims in that time he grabbed or touched students’ waists, hips, or shoulders. He was also accused of telling one student she was “pretty” and saying her hair looked nice.

The notice of hearing does not state which schools specifically the accused worked at or how old the students were at the time of the alleged incidents.

A hearing date has also not yet been set.

The Ontario College of Teachers confirmed the teacher has agreed to not accept any employment while this complaint in ongoing.

In an emailed statement to CTV News, the Waterloo Region District School Board confirmed the teacher is no longer employed by the board.

“We have followed our established protocols in every instance to ensure the safety and well-being of our students,” said Bill Lemon, associate director of business services at the board, in part.

Even so, students may wish to look outside of schools for help and mental health experts want to highlight that there are options available.

“They could develop anxiety, depression, problems with anger, difficulties trusting, it can impact their sense of self long-term,” said Neu. “If you just think about who the safe adults are in your circle, there’s usually always a safe person that you can tell.”

Students in situations similar to the ones being described in this story are urged to seek support.

The following resources are available in the Region of Waterloo:

Green Valley Counselling

Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health

Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood)

For Guelph, Erin, Fergus, Woolwich and Palmerston:

The Grove Hubs

For help anytime:

Kids Help Phone

Toronto Rape Crisis Centre – 24/7 Crisis Line