A teacher employed by Saanich Schools (SD63) has been reprimanded by the B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation after sharing private information about one of her students.
According to the consent resolution agreement, on Dec. 11, 2023, the district made a report to the commissioner regarding Lydia Fitterer, who exchanged emails with a class parent where she shared private information about a student – who was not the parent's child – including identifying the student by name, referring to personal aspects of their education, and disclosing details of conversations with the student's parents.
According to the acting commissioner's agreement, which was signed by Donnaree Nygard on April 2, Fitterer used "unprofessional language" concerning the student in her emails.
Fitterer, who according to the Sidney Elementary website is a Grade 4 and 5 teacher, admitted the accusations were true, and agreed that her actions constitute professional misconduct and were contrary to the Professional Standards for BC Educators, which applies to those qualified to teach kindergarten to Grade 12.
She was also previously issued a letter of discipline from the district in May 2023 due to concerns related to her classroom conduct, where she publicly reprimanded students in front of the class and used inappropriate language.
"That letter directed Fitterer to immediately improve her efforts in various areas, including to attend training related to social-emotional learning, seek 'support and guidance' when unsure how to respond to concerns, 'refrain from language or conversation that can be interpreted as demeaning,' and 'show consistent support for students by using language and remarks that support their individual growth and self-esteem'," noted the agreement.
As a result of her actions, Fitterer has since served a one-day suspension in January, agreed to undergo the Reinforcing Respectful Professional Boundaries course through the Justice Institute, and has been formerly reprimanded under the Teachers Act.
