A B.C. high school teacher has been disciplined for sending dozens of inappropriate emails to a Grade 11 student, according to the B.C. Teacher Regulation Branch. Steven Lynn Reeder, an English teacher at an independent school, admitted to professional misconduct and had his teaching license suspended for three weeks. The suspension ended on Friday.
Details of the Misconduct
A consent resolution agreement posted earlier this week revealed that Reeder sent 27 emails to the student over a single day, starting on June 25, 2024. The emails included congratulatory messages, compliments, and pledges of friendship. In one email, Reeder wrote, “if you need someone to talk to, just ask, any day, any time. I am here for you and to help you.” In another, referencing a photo of the student leaning on him, he said, “That is a perfect metaphor for our friendship. You can lean on me any time (physically and mentally). I actually enjoy that and take great comfort in knowing it.”
Reeder also commented on a video the student made, praising her “amazing voice,” “long hair,” and “that red dress.” The email exchanges continued the next day with 23 more messages, including one where Reeder called the student an endearment in Spanish. He also referenced personal issues, saying he was “still in the dog house” with his wife and that he was “solo tonight again.”
Student's Response
According to the agreement, Reeder approached the student outside school and offered to drive her home, but she declined. The student, uncomfortable with some of Reeder's emails, stopped responding after that day. In April 2025, nearly a year later, Reeder sent another email saying he enjoyed being her teacher and “watching her grow,” adding “You’ve left a mark on me.” After this, the student changed her email address and had no further contact with Reeder.
Consequences
Reeder's employment at the school ended in April 2025, and the principal reported his interactions to the regulator on April 20. Commissioner Donnaree Nygard stated that Reeder's conduct breached professional boundaries and misused his position of power and trust. In addition to the three-week suspension, Reeder must complete a course on professional boundaries. The agreement also notes that Reeder was fired from another independent school in the same month.
