Teacher with History of Inappropriate Conduct Disciplined Again for Improper Touching and Sexist Comments

Strategic Insights -

A longtime teacher in the Lower Mainland, John Peter Rocca, has been disciplined for a series of incidents of improper touching and sexist comments towards female students. Despite a history of reprimands and suspensions dating back to 1988, Rocca has continued to engage in behavior that has caused physical and emotional harm to students. The latest incidents occurred between 2018 and 2021, during which Rocca made personal comments about a student's appearance, fist-bumped them, and put his hand on their shoulder. He also made sexist comments, including saying that "older men are better" and referring to female students as "small," "adorable," and "cute."

Key Takeaways:

  • John Peter Rocca, a teacher in the Lower Mainland, has been disciplined for a series of incidents of improper touching and sexist comments towards female students.
  • Rocca has a history of reprimands and suspensions dating back to 1988, including being suspended without pay in 1988 and 2003 for making personal comments and causing students to feel uncomfortable.
  • Between 2018 and 2021, Rocca made personal comments about a student's appearance, fist-bumped them, and put his hand on their shoulder, in addition to making sexist comments.
  • Rocca was given a consent resolution agreement on Nov. 7, 2023, which stipulates that for one year from May, he will not apply for, and will not be issued, "a certificate of qualification, an independent school teaching certificate, or any other authorization to teach in the kindergarten to Grade 12 education system."
  • The commissioner considered three factors when determining the proper consequence for Rocca: that he failed to create a positive learning environment, he caused physical and emotional harm to students, and he engaged in a repeated pattern of similar conduct.

Statistics:

  • A total of 4 students were affected by Rocca's behavior, including a student who was reprimanded for immature behavior and made to feel uncomfortable by Rocca's comments.
  • 3 out of 4 students were in Grade 9 when the incidents occurred.
  • 2 out of 4 students were asked personal questions by Rocca, including about their family and post-secondary plans.
  • The incidents occurred over a period of 3 years (2018-2021).

Sources:

  • B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation
  • Consent Resolution Agreement signed by Rocca on Nov. 7, 2023
  • Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News
  • Langley School District
  • SD42