A former Wakaw teacher will face a one year suspension after pleading guilty to six counts of professional misconduct.

53 year-old Lyle Gartner's teaching certificate will be suspended for one year and has been reprimanded by the Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board.

Gartner has also been ordered to pay $10,000 to the board to cover half of the hearing costs.

The teacher touched the buttocks of four female students on separate occasions which lead to the charges.

While in the gymnasium with other students in September of 2015, Gartner stopped behind the student and touched her buttocks.

A day after the incident the student approached Gartner in his classroom alone, which the school's principal had advised against after a previous incident with the same student.

Gartner denied the accusations against him and then proceeded to tell the student that she would be granted a position on a better volleyball team if she wrote a letter renouncing the claims and promised not to make the accusations again. Gartner also wanted an apology from the student.

A letter was sent to Gartner from his employer in June 2015 advising him to be cautious with his actions. 

Incidents between 2011 and 2014 included Gartner putting his arm around the waist of a student and then squeezing her buttocks, he also approached a student who was score keeping at a volleyball practice and slapped her buttocks, the teacher approached another student at a dance and slapped her buttocks as well.

Gartner would also assist a student who had sustained a groin injury apply tape over sport shorts and help her stretch in private and in public areas.

Before returning to work after the one year suspension Gartner must complete a course related to respectful behavior with students, respect for professional boundaries and respect for students personal space.