1 ‘w, 1 9 ZIEWBEFORE THE TEACHIS STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION

2 i OF THE STATE OF OREGON
. 3 i In the Matter 0f the ) STIPULATION OF FACTS AND

4 Educator License of ) FINAL ORDER OF REPRIMAND

5 CASEY THOMAS WHISLER ) AND PROBATION

s On or about March 18, 2016, the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission

8 (Commission) received a report from the Department of Human Services (DHS) and on

9 March 24, 2016, received a report from the Portland Public School District alleging
1O professional misconduct on the part of licensed educator, Casey Thomas Whisler
1 1 (“Whisler”). Investigation determined that both reports were regarding the same conduct
12 / incident.
13 After review 0f the matters alleged, Whisler and the Commission agree that their
14 respective interests, together with the public interest, are best served by a stipulation to
15 certain facts and the imposition of a Public Reprimand, and a period of probation.

16 This Order sets forth the facts upon which the parties have agreed and the

17 sanction t0 be imposed. Whisler stipulates that there are sufficient facts contained in the
18 Commission’s files and records to support the findings of fact and conclusions of law set
19 forth below. In entering into this stipulation, Whisler waives the right to a hearing to
20 contest the findings of fact, conclusions of law and order set forth below.
21 By signing below, Whisler acknowledges, understands, stipulates, and agrees to
22 the following: (i) he has been fully advised of his rights to notice and a hearing to contest
23 the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and order set forth below, and fully and finally
24 waives all such rights and any rights to appeal 0r otherwise challenge this Stipulation 0f
25 Facts and Final Order of Reprimand and Probation (Stipulation and Final Order); (ii)
26 this Stipulation and Final Order is a public document and disclosed to the public upon
27 request by the Commission; (iii) this Stipulation and Final Order is contingent upon and
28 subject t0 approval and adoption by the Commission. If the Commission does not

29 approve and adopt this Stipulation and Final Order, then neither Whisler nor the

30 Commission are bound by the terms herein; (iv) he has fully read this Stipulation and

31 Final Order, and understands it completely; (v) he voluntarily, without any force or

32 duress, enters into this Stipulation and Final Order and consents to issuance and entry of
33 the Stipulated Final Order below; (vi) he states that no promise or representation has
34 been made to induce him to sign this Stipulation and Final Order; and (vii) he has

35 consulted with an attorney regarding this Stipulation and Final Order and has been fully

Page 1 STIPULATION OF FACTS AND ORDER OF REPRIMAND - WHISLEH, CASEY

1 advised with regard t0 his rights thereto, or waives any and all rights to consult with an
2 attorney prior to entering into this Stipulation and Final Order and issuance and entry of
3 the Stipulated Final Order below.
4 STIPULATION OF FACTS
5 1. The Commission has licensed Whisler since September 9, 2008. Whisler’s Initial
6 I Teaching License, with endorsements in Biology (PK-12) and Integrated Science
7 (PK-12), is valid from September 5, 2015 through September 4, 2018. During all
8 relevant times, Whisler was employed by the Portland Public School District.
9 2. The Commission investigation determined that Whisler asked a female student
1O MPT how she was doing upon her return from a medical absence and when she
‘i 1 volunteered information about ‘ner recent suicide attempt, Whisler did not stop
12 the student and engaged in the conversation and responded with remarks that
13 were inappropriate. Specifically, when the student disclosed graphic details about
14 the suicide attempt, Whisler replied, “That makes my pee pee hollow.” Whisler
15 explained that he replied in that manner because the information made him
16 squeamish. He explained that it is a term he uses frequently in his personal life
17 and did not intend to say it out loud in the classroom. The district’s investigation
1 8 concluded that Whisler’s conduct was inappropriate but not intended to be sexual
19 in nature and disciplined Whisler.
20 IT IS SO SFPULATED:
/' j / .
22 1 z 41 QAAZAL/ é 7 /¥ —
23 Casey Thomas is\ler Da e
,2 $2., _ 1% an?
26 Dr. Monica Beane, Executive Director Date
27 Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
28
29 CONCLUSION OF LAW
3O The conduct described above constitutes gross neglect of duty in violation of ORS
31 342.175(1)(b); OAR 584-020-0040(4)(n) as it incorporates OAR 584-020-0010 (5) (Use
32 professional judgment); OAR 584-020-0025 (2)(e) (Using District lawful and
33 reasonable rules and regulations); OAR 5o4-o2o-003o(2)(b) (Skill in communicating
34 with administrators, students, staff, parents and other patrons); OAR 584-020-
35 0040(4)(o) as it incorporates OAR 584-020-0035(1)(c)(D) (Honoring appropriate adult
36 boundaries with students in conduct and conversations at all times).
Page 2 STIPULATION OF FACTS AND ORDER OF REPRIMAND -— WHISLEFi, CASEY

1 The Commission‘s authority to impose discipline in this matter is based upon
2 ORS 342.175.
3 ORDER
4 The Commission adopts and incorporates herein the above findings of fact and
5 conclusions of law, and based thereon, imposes a Public Reprimand on Casey Thomas
6 Whisler’s Educators License.
7 Furthermore, the Commission imposes a period of one (1) year 0f probation upon
8 Whisler’s licensure to commence from the date this order is signed by the Commission
9 and subject to the following conditions:
1O 1. Whisler shall comply with the Standards for Competent and Ethical Performance
1 1 of Oregon Educators under Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 584, Division
12 020.
1 3
5f‘
14 Issued and dated this £1 day of June, 2017.
1 5 TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION
16 STATE 0F OREGON
1 7 -
18 By :2 2 2W Z gélvdf;
19 Dr. Monica Beane, Executive Director
Page 3 STIPULATION OF FACTS AND ORDER OF REPRIMAND ~WHISLER, CASEY