CONTENT ADVISORY
A Kelowna high school teacher acquitted of child luring has been barred from teaching for five years.

According to a July 21 BC Commissioner for Teacher Regulation decision, Jeffrey Allan Jennens sent a vulnerable student numerous messages on Instagram of a sexual nature.

“I like seeing you in a mini skirt and I like it when you touch my knee,” one message read. “Your shower story turned me on a lot. I was looking at it today,” said another.

The decision says Jennens had been messaging the student on Instagram and saw semi-nude photos of her which she’d posted.

“I saw you after coming out of the shower with the censorship sign over your breasts, and I wanted to see them, and there was steam on the mirror and I wanted there not to be steam,” one message read.

“I’m in my hot tub and not wearing a bathing suit and there are so many things but Immusually [sic] not allowed to say so I’m taking this opportunity,” another message said.

Jennens told the teen to keep the messages a secret.

The messages were sent in May 2023, and weeks later, the former Rutland Senior Secondary teacher was charged with telecommunicating to lure a child under 18.

He was then suspended from teaching.

In May 2025, he was found not guilty and resigned from the school district a month later.

Jennens said he was intoxicated when he sent the text messages, although acknowledged that didn’t excuse his conduct.

“Jennens’ behaviour was a serious breach of his position of power and trust as a teacher,” the Commissioner said in the decision. “Jennens harmed (the) student’s emotional safety and well-being.”

Jennens signed a consent resolution admitting to his behaviour.

The teaching regulator barred him from re-applying for his teaching license for five years.