The snake, which was part of the teacher’s Halloween costume, caused at least one student to cry out of fear.
File photo of a python. Photo by Phil Noble /REUTERS
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A B.C. teacher has been disciplined for professional misconduct after bringing a python to school, causing at least one student to cry, according to a decision by the B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation.
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Arthur Owen Sanderson, a teacher at a Coquitlam middle school, dressed up for Halloween in a “post-apocalyptic” costume, which included bringing his three-foot long ball python which he had in a pouch around his wait, according to the decision, posted this week.
The decision, which contains facts agreed upon by Sanderson, says the teacher did not ask for permission to bring a live snake to school, nor did he inform the parents.
He visited five classrooms with the python. One student, who is afraid of snakes, cried, while another put it around their neck thinking it was a prop only to freak out when the snake began moving. Sanderson did not show the students how to properly handle the snake, according to the decision.
At one point he asked a colleague to stick her hand in the pouch without telling her that there was a snake. When he brought out the snake, she ran away, according to the decision.
Sanderson was suspended for two days without pay, which was already served in January.
The commissioner noted that a public reprimand was appropriate because he failed to model respectful behaviour, and undermined the learning environment.
Source: https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/coquitlam-teacher-suspended-snake