Teacher disciplined after ‘R-rated’ texting with student

A Calgary teacher has been fined $1,000 and received a letter of severe reprimand after engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a Grade 12 student, including texts referencing “nakedness,” late-night, alcohol-influenced conversations, and payment for course prep work.

According to a Jan. 16 report from the professional conduct committee of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, Gerald Ernest Doak entered a guilty plea to two charges of unprofessional conduct and has since resigned. But he did not receive an official suspension from the ATA, meaning he is still eligible to teach.

However, an official with the Calgary Board of Education said that “it is highly unlikely” a teacher with a record of professional misconduct would be hired as a teacher again.

According to the report, Doak, by his own admission, engaged in a text conversation with the student that included references to hugs, nakedness and “R-rated” texting icons. The report also stated he engaged in late night, alcohol-influenced conversations with her. And he forwarded a “significant” sum of money to her for chemistry class preparation work he had created as a summer job, according to the decision.

The report said the student was from an impoverished home who was at odds with her family. While Doak forwarded her money, the student expressed concern about being given a second instalment, a total of $300, which was more than the agreed-upon amount.

In its decision, the ATA committee concluded “Doak did not treat Student A with dignity and respect nor was he considerate of her circumstances,” and that he “formed an inappropriate relationship with Student A.”

The report added that instead of accessing appropriate remedies through school and related social support services, Doak engaged in behaviours outside of his professional role.

“Teachers are expected to seek support for students experiencing issues around their well-being through appropriate channels rather than providing an excessive level of personal support. Doak’s actions furthered the inappropriateness of the relationship,” the decision stated.

Brian Andrais, co-ordinator of member services for the ATA, explained that while it is OK for teachers to text with students, it is critical they keep in mind the professional code of conduct they must adhere to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“I can’t say that teachers should never text, but if you’re doing that keep in mind you’re a teacher and in every context you should be exactly that.

“Ask yourself, ‘Would you say in a text what you would say in front of a classroom out loud?’”

The committee decision goes on to say they did consider that Doak admitted his conduct, resigned immediately and is no longer employed as a teacher.

CBE spokeswoman Megan Geyer said the board conducts background checks on all prospective employees.

“It is highly unlikely that an applicant with a record of professional misconduct would be hired or re-hired by the CBE,” she said.

The ATA committee argued the penalty is “significant and serves as a general deterrent within the profession,” adding that there was no evidence of Doak engaging in unprofessional conduct as a teacher prior to the incident.

As well, “the committee reviewed a substantial number of previous cases with comparable behaviours and accepts that the joint submission on penalty falls within the range of the previous cases that most closely compare to the context of this case.”