A B.C. teacher has been suspended and faces restrictions on his teaching certificate following findings of professional misconduct involving a former student and misuse of sick leave.
The B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation says Alex Chen, a middle school teacher in School District No. 63 (Saanich), admitted to the conduct as part of a consent resolution agreement dated April 7, 2026.
The agreement outlines that Chen took paid sick leave in March 2025 despite not being ill, in order to travel to Japan for a personal vacation.
It also details a pattern of inappropriate communication with a former student over a two-year period. Chen sent more than 80 emails, provided a gift card, recommended sexually explicit music and initiated contact during school breaks and late at night.
The student had already transferred to another school at the time, but Chen also attended games the student was involved in despite having no official role.
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The school district terminated Chen’s employment on May 5, 2025 after reporting concerns to the commissioner.
The district had also previously disciplined him for creating social media content during work hours and using student-created materials without permission.
Chen has agreed to a two-week suspension of his teaching certificate.
He must also complete a course on professional boundaries before he can return to teaching, with his certification restricted until proof of completion is provided.
The commissioner found the conduct showed repeated violations of professional boundaries and a lack of understanding of appropriate behaviour for an educator.
