A Vancouver high school teacher who observed two of her students consuming alcoholic shooters at her residence as part of a graduation challenge has been suspended for one day. The suspension was imposed due to her failure to promptly notify the school, the students' parents, or law enforcement authorities.
Incident Details
On June 9, 2023, at approximately 10 p.m., Jacqueline Rochelle Sheppet answered her door to find two Grade 12 students holding a bottle of vodka and two shot glasses. The students informed her that they were participating in a challenge where they earned points for completing assigned tasks, which on this occasion involved drinking shots with one of their teachers.
According to a consent resolution agreement published by the B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation, at least one student consumed a shot of vodka in Sheppet's presence. Simultaneously, Sheppet herself drank a shot of a clear liquid. The interaction was broadcast live via FaceTime to another Grade 12 student.
The agreement noted that Sheppet suspected the students might have been under the influence of alcohol upon arrival and that they could potentially be drinking and driving. Despite these concerns, she chose not to contact the students' parents or the police.
Subsequent Events
The following night, a Saturday, Sheppet attended a graduation event and informed the school principal about the challenge involving Grade 12 students. The principal requested further discussion on Monday. During that meeting, Sheppet provided general information about the challenge but omitted the specific incident involving the two students who had consumed alcohol in her presence.
Earlier in the same school year, in April, a Grade 11 student informed Sheppet that their parents were waiting outside and requested to leave early. The agreement states that Sheppet became visibly irritated and raised her voice at the student in front of the class, telling them they could not leave early due to an exam. This interaction lasted several minutes and caused the student to cry. Ultimately, the student remained in class and completed the exam.
In June, another Grade 11 student asked to reschedule a final exam, presenting a signed parental note. Sheppet denied the request, speaking in a raised voice and an aggressive tone. When the student sought help from the school office, Sheppet followed and found the student crying with another staff member. Sheppet again spoke in a raised voice and sharp tone to both the student and the staff member. After meeting with the student's parents and learning the reason for the requested absence, Sheppet rescheduled the test.
Disciplinary Action
In September, the Vancouver School Board imposed a five-day suspension on Sheppet. The commissioner's investigation determined that an additional one-day suspension was warranted, along with a requirement for Sheppet to complete a course on respectful professional boundaries. The rationale for the discipline cited that Sheppet failed to treat students with dignity and respect, and failed to model appropriate behavior or ensure student safety.
