Bend, OR – A teacher in the Redmond School District, John Hooper, is currently serving a four-year probation period following allegations of misconduct during his tenure at Elton Gregory Middle School. The allegations, which were thoroughly investigated, include accusations of inappropriate physical contact with a student and abusive behavior toward colleagues.
According to official documents from the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC), the investigation into Hooper began in May 2022. He is accused of spanking a special education student who was allegedly not following instructions in class. This incident, along with reports of Hooper screaming at students, led to multiple staff members expressing concerns about his conduct. Some staff even reported feeling fearful of Hooper due to his loud and aggressive behavior, which extended beyond students to his colleagues.
The TSPC issued a letter of reprimand to Hooper in May 2022, noting that any future instances of misconduct could lead to further disciplinary action, including termination. Despite this warning, Hooper’s behavior appears to have continued to raise concerns within the educational community.
In response to inquiries from Central Oregon Daily News, the Redmond School District issued a statement emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and professional standards for all licensed educators. The district confirmed that a comprehensive investigation was conducted, and the matter was reported to the TSPC. The district also stated that the appropriate actions were taken in accordance with both state and district protocols, and that the resolution of the issue met their satisfaction.
“The incident in question, which occurred three years ago, was thoroughly investigated by multiple agencies. The District followed all required protocols, conducted a comprehensive review in accordance with state and district procedures, and took appropriate action,” the district’s statement read. “The District is satisfied with the resolution of this matter.”
Despite the probation and reprimand, Hooper remains employed at the Redmond Proficiency Academy, where he serves as an extended classroom resource special education teacher. He has reportedly planned to retire in June 2025.
The case has drawn attention to the standards of conduct expected from educators, especially in sensitive environments like special education. It also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing allegations of misconduct within the educational system.
For more information, the full documentation and “Stipulated Order” from the TSPC are available for public viewing.
