B.C. teacher who said he would rip out students' vocal cords reprimanded for misconduct

A Vancouver Island school teacher who told a bus full of Grade 3 students that he would rip out their vocal cords and throw them out the window if they started shouting has been reprimanded for professional misconduct and ordered to complete a course on creating a positive learning environment.

A Vancouver Island school teacher who told a bus full of Grade 3 students that he would rip out their vocal cords and throw them out the window if they started shouting has been reprimanded for professional misconduct and ordered to complete a course on creating a positive learning environment.

An investigation by British Columbia's commissioner for teacher regulation found Edward Gerrit Timmermans failed to treat his students with acceptance, dignity and respect, and failed to show adequate care for their mental and emotional well-being, according to a consent resolution agreement signed by both parties and published Tuesday.

The disciplinary decision was reached after a series of complaints were lodged against the Saanich School District teacher who has held a B.C. teaching certificate since 1986.

In May 2021, the school district reported to the commissioner that Timmermans was teaching a Grade 6 class when a Grade 7 student walked by the classroom and rudely asked one of Timmermans's students what they were looking at.

Timmermans told his student: "Are you laughing at [Student B] due to the bikini top?" according to the consent resolution agreement.

The teacher then approached the Grade 7 student in the hallway and said: "Perhaps [Student A] is laughing at you because of what you’re wearing… You have your bra hanging out and people are going to look at you."

He later added: "[Last week] you were wearing booty shorts so short your bum was showing and I had to turn my eyes away."