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Discipline Process: Review

Last updated on June 6, 2025

The Commissioner reviews the complaint or report

The Commissioner for Teacher Regulation reviews reports and complaints about the conduct or competence of teachers.

The Commissioner will do an initial review of the information in the report or complaint. This initial review is called a preliminary review. During the preliminary review, the Commissioner will consider:

  • The nature of the allegations
  • Whether the matter has been appropriately dealt with in another process
  • Whether the alleged conduct or incompetence could trigger a finding of misconduct or incompetence
  • Whether the matter has also been reported by someone else

The Commissioner then decides what process is appropriate to address a complaint or report.

Take no further action

The Commissioner may decide to take no further action, for example:

  • If a complaint was made in bad faith or for an improper purpose
  • If a complaint is not within the Commissioner's authority to make decisions
  • If a complaint was not made in a timely manner
  • If there is no reasonable prospect that the matter will result in an adverse finding
  • If it is not in the public interest to take further action

If the Commissioner decides to take no further action, the person who made the complaint or report will receive the reasons for the decision. The teacher will also receive the reasons.  

Defer action

The Commissioner may postpone taking action. If a school district, independent school authority, or criminal proceeding is addressing the same concern, the Commissioner may wait until that process is over.

Resolve the matter by consent 

The Commissioner can offer a consent resolution. The teacher involved in the disciplinary matter can also offer a consent resolution to the Commissioner. A consent resolution is an agreement that resolves the matter. The Commissioner and the teacher can reach a consent resolution agreement to resolve the matter before a disciplinary hearing starts. 

Initiate an investigation

An investigator gathers information related to the complaint or report. An investigation may lead to a citation or a hearing by a hearing panel.

The Commissioner will let the teacher know the outcome of the preliminary review. The Commissioner will also tell the person who made the report or complaint. If the Commissioner decides to start an investigation, the Commissioner will tell the school district or independent school authority that employs the teacher.