The Public Interest
The College must respond
effectively to allegations and concerns of misconduct and incompetence to
maintain the public's trust in educators, the education system and
self-regulation. The College, therefore, has not only the authority but the
duty to ensure that its members meet its professional standards and are held
accountable when those standards are breached.
In matters relating to the discipline of its members, the rights of the member
to procedurally fair and judicious processes are embedded in bylaw and policy. The College
recognizes the rights of all participants, including the member, to a
respectful and dignified process.
The Discipline Process
Section 28 of the Teaching Profession Act creates the College's Discipline
Committee and authorizes the receipt of reports and complaints. The bylaws and
policies of the College define the discipline process that is based on the
fundamental principle of procedural fairness. The College must ensure that its
processes, policies and decisions balance the public interest and the member's
right to due process.
The Preliminary Investigation Sub-Committee (PISC) is a sub-committee of the
Discipline Committee and is comprised of three Council members, one of whom is
a layperson. PISC is authorized to review incoming reports and complaints and
determines if a case should proceed further in the discipline process. If PISC
decides to proceed with the case, it may: