Bad language in class

Photo: Kate Bouey

A teacher has been reprimanded for his language in class.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

A Vernon teacher has been reprimanded for conduct in the classroom, including using foul language in front of students, according to a consent resolution agreement issued by B.C.'s commissioner teacher regulation.

Justin Morgan was working as a high school teacher for School District 22 when the district reported his actions to the commissioner on Nov. 16, 2016.

Events cited in the report include:

• Morgan was visibly angry when teaching Grade 8 students, and raised his voice when addressing the class. Morgan would tell students to "shut up" and "shut your mouth" if they were talking in class....Morgan swore and used inappropriate language in class, using words like "shit", "ass", "dickhead" and "prick" and told students to "stop bitching." Some students reporting feeling uncomfortable, anxious, intimidated and scared.

The district reported similar behaviour when Morgan was teaching a Grade 12 class.

On Nov. 15 of last year, the district issued Morgan a letter of discipline and suspended him without pay. He was also directed to take 'creating a positive learning environment' offered by the Justice Institute of B.C.

The report states that the school district has previously raised concerns over the teacher's conduct.

Further, it says Morgan has agreed his behaviour stated in the agreement constituted professional misconduct and accepted a reprimand.