Hearings
The Preliminary Investigation Sub-Committee (PISC) may determine to issue a
citation for misconduct or incompetence following an investigation. A citation
is a formal charge that will form the basis of a hearing, a quasi-judicial
proceeding presided over by three Council members responsible for deciding whether
the allegations of misconduct and/or incompetence are proven or not. They
adjudicate the merits of each case on its own facts in a fair, independent, and
judicious manner and are guided by general legal principles as well as case
precedents.
If a member is found guilty, penalties can range from a reprimand to a suspension
or cancellation of a certificate.
College hearings are closed to the public. However, a member or a witness may be
accompanied by an advocate or a support person.
The member, or his or her lawyer, is entitled to present his or her case in their
defence.
Publication and Notification
Publication is considered an important means by which the College and the
profession can assure the public that children are in the hands of a credible
education system and trustworthy professional educators.
If a member is disciplined by the College, the member's name and reasons for the
disciplinary action taken must be posted on the College's online registry. The
College may withhold publication of the reasons where such publication would
cause significant hardship to a person who was harmed, abused, or exploited by the
member.
Case summaries of College discipline decisions are available to the
profession and the public on the College's website and in its quarterly
magazine, TC. The names of victims or complainants and witnesses are not disclosed.
Notification of disciplinary action must be made to school districts, independent
authorities and the Ministry of Education. The College also notifies other organizations
and jurisdictions in accordance with bylaw and policy.