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A B.C. teacher has been suspended for one week after he grabbed a vulnerable student.

According to a Feb. 21 B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation decision, David Wesley St. Clair Reid had not familiarized himself with a Grade 8 student in his class who had "well-documented" designations and an individual education plan.

"As a consequence, Reid was not familiar with events that would trigger (the) student or how to respond appropriately to (the) student when triggered," the decision read.

The decision said teachers are expected to familiarize themselves with students’ individual education and safety plans.

Reid was teaching the class at an unnamed school in February 2021 when contrary to the student's safety plan he embarrassed the student in front of the class.

"When (the) student grew agitated, and reached up and made contact with Reid’s face, Reid responded by physically moving (the) student out of the classroom with his arm while angrily ordering (the) student to leave," the decision said. "At one point, (the) student tripped and fell backwards onto the floor, causing Reid to fall on top of (the) student. Reid then began pulling (the) student up while ordering (the) student out of the classroom."

The decision said Reid's response was not in compliance with the student's safety plan.

"This incident caused (the) student to experience anxiety," the decision said.

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The school district Reid worked for isn't named in the decision. He was suspended without pay for five days. He agreed to the suspension, which takes effect Feb. 27.

Reid signed a consent resolution agreement with the B.C. teaching regulator admitting to professional misconduct.

The decision said Reid has been teaching in B.C. since 2009.

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"Reid did not maintain a positive and safe learning environment for (the) student," the decision read. "Reid’s physical interaction with (the) student was inappropriate."

No other details are given in the decision.

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