Digby Teacher Apologizes

A Digby teacher whose teaching certificate was suspended after unprofessional conduct involving a student with special needs has apologized.

In a letter to Education Minister Jane Purves dated July 19, Floyd Denton wrote, "In retrospect, I accept that I erred in judgment in some of the measures I undertook to help correct [the student's] behavioural patterns. Although I was at all times motivated to achieve an outcome which I believed was in the best interest of [the student] and his classmates, I now realize that those measures were incorrect and inappropriate. I regret having undertaken them."

Ms. Purves suspended Mr. Denton's teaching certificate from May 27 to July 31. He was also required to take sensitivity training, non-violent crisis intervention training and one-on-one counselling in order to teach again. Mr. Denton completed all training requirements as outlined by the minister prior to July 31.

In the letter, Mr. Denton also states he has benefited from the training.

"I believe I have learned from this experience and from the training programs which I have recently completed dealing with sensitivity and non-violent crisis intervention. These programs will provide invaluable guidance to me in dealing with similar situations in the future."