Being a member of the Ontario College Teachers, one of the things we get quarterly is a magazine called "Professionally Speaking". When I started receiving it, I noticed the blue pages, which comes under the heading "Governing Ourselves" and it deals with issues including disciplinary matters. I came to calling this particular section of the blue pages "The Teacher Tabloid".  When a new issue arrives, I quickly turn to The Teacher Tabloid to read about the latest in bad things other teachers have done.

Something I've noticed over my years of teaching - there seems to be a disproportionate number of cases involving inappropriate relationships between teachers and students.  There have also been many stories in the media, both Canadian and stories from the States.  I just read about an ongoing in case in Toronto involving an 18 year old student who claimed to have been sexually abused by a music teacher while in grade 5. In the latest issue there were 15 cases - 7 directly dealt with inappropriate relationships, 2 dealt with possession of child pornography, and 1 dealt with an inappropriate situation (with criminal ramifications) not involving a student.

I constantly shake my head, in particular, when I read about such cases.  I really wonder where these teachers heads were at.  Honestly, when did you think that having an inappropriate relationship with a student was a good idea?  Where was that censor in your head that should have said STOP - you're risking your reputation, career, and possible freedom by pursuing this.  Not to mention becoming a pariah in the media and having all of it be stapled to every job application you ever make after.

Seriously, if you have a thing for students, do yourself and the teaching profession a favor. DON'T BECOME A TEACHER!  And seek some help, for heaven's sake. Those of you who are teachers and are maybe on the fence about it - take a hard look at yourself and what you're doing.  Really think about it.  Is that time you want to spend with that student really worth the things outlined above?  If you're answering anything but "No, its not worth it." - reconsider your career choice.

However, one thing I have noticed in various media coverage of such stories - there is a definite difference between a story involving a male teacher vs. a female teacher.  Based on my empirical evidence, female teachers get treated very differently by the media.  Men are characterized as slimebags for the most part, while for whatever reason, female teachers caught in an inappropriate relationship get a much easier ride. Read comments on websites and you see the same thing.  If the female teacher happens to be relatively attractive, invariably you get the comments like: "Where was that teacher when I was a student" and the like.  I've often wondered why this is, since it's the same crime, just different sex of perpetrator. If anyone has any insight, please comment below.