Suspension for BC teacher who sent dozens of inappropriate emails to student

A BC English teacher who sent dozens of inappropriate emails to a student has been suspended for three weeks.

According to an April 28 BC Commissioner for Teacher Regulation decision, high school teacher Steven Lynn Reeder sent the messages to a Grade 11 student, who ultimately changed her email address.

“Reeder’s conduct was a breach of his privileged position of power and trust as a teacher,” the BC Commissioner for Teacher Regulation said in the decision. “(He) failed to maintain teacher-student boundaries by engaging in inappropriate communication with a current student.”

In a single day in 2024, Reeder sent the student 27 emails.

“I was so excited to see you smiling after your exams. Makes me feel good. Congrats on doing well. I will keep thinking of you and sending you the good vibes tonight while you recite and through tomorrow during exams as well! Keep up the good work,” one email reads.

In another, he said he would always be there for the student to talk to.

“I am here for you and to help you. Please, you can rely on me anytime. I will never betray anything you say to me…that I promise,” the email read.

In another email, he commented on the student’s appearance.

“I can hear your amazing voice…also see your long hair! Love it! That red dress, absolutely memorable. I loved it. Your smile and way of talking. All combined to make a good memory as well and an unforgettable one,” he said. “I hope you come visit me tomorrow.”

The following day, he bombarded the Grade 11 student with another 23 emails. He sent the first one at 7 a.m and the last just before midnight.

“Thank you… I know you didn’t have to be there, but you stayed there and helped me. I’m am forever fearful. I have been under a lot of stress lately. I miss talking with you already,” one email read. “Have a great summer vacation, enjoy your travels and your time with your precious family… Don’t be a stranger over the summer and send me a note from time to time. I’ll try hard not to bug you all summer ha ha.”

He told the student he was in the “dog house” with his wife, and sent a message in Spanish which translated as, “you are a wonderful young woman even if you drive your teacher crazy.”

The following year, he told the student he liked watching them grow into a amazing person.

“I miss the students. And of course, I miss you,” another email said.

“You’re one of those people (not students) I’ll never forget, and it’s not because of anything you did, but because of the heart you carry. I believe in you more than you probably realize,” the decision reads.

The student was uncomfortable with some of the emails and didn’t reply.

The decision says Reeder taught at an independent school, but doesn’t specify where.

His contract at the school ran out in April 2025, and in April 2026 he was fired from another independent school for unknown reasons.

The teaching regulator has now suspended his licence for three weeks. He signed a consent agreement in Maple Ridge, admitting to his behaviour.

“Reeder failed to maintain teacher-student boundaries by engaging in inappropriate communication with a current student,” the Commissioner said.

He will also have to complete the course Reinforcing Respectful Professional Boundaries.