Regulatory board for Sask. teachers opens amid recent allegations of misconduct

REGINA – Saskatchewan teachers are now regulated under a new body.

The government officially launched the Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board (SPTRB) Wednesday, which is responsible for the educators’ certification and discipline.

“It puts teachers in the same position as doctors and lawyers in the province,” said Education Minister Don Morgan. “They will have the ability to set their own standards for discipline.”

Before it was the Saskatchewan Federation of Teachers (STF) that both advocated and regulated educators.

President Pat Maze said the new board means the STF is no longer tasked with punishing its own members.

“The STF is, of course, in favour of removing any concerns about conflict of interest in the interest of protecting the public trust in the profession,” he said.

Cases of misconduct

There have been several recent high profile incidents of misconduct. Former teacher Jayson Kennard was sentenced to jail in May for luring a former student for sex.

Not all cases are as severe but it appears there are more disciplinary hearings than in the past.

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The new board is now in charge of discipline, including removing a teacher’s certificate.

“It strengthens the public trust in the profession, it elevates the status of the profession,” said SPTRB CEO Trevor Smith. “It recognizes that the vast majority of teachers are hardworking and competent professionals.”

The board is made of seven teachers and two members of the public.

All Saskatchewan teachers are required to register with the SPTRB every year to maintain their certificates.