Toronto-area teacher says he faced suspension without pay for wearing N95 mask in class

Three Toronto-area teachers who've chosen to buy and wear N95-style masks in the classroom say they've been threatened with disciplinary action because only board-issued — but less-protective — blue surgical masks are allowed. 

One of the teachers, who has a baby at home and works at an elementary school with students too young to be vaccinated, said he bought his own case of FN95 respirators in August to wear instead of the masks given out by the York Region District School Board. 

"The blue masks they gave us, they have visible gaps at the chin and on the sides," he said. "So it just kind of seemed like a no-brainer, like the [mask] that's actually going to cover your mouth and nose would be safer."

He and two other teachers spoke to CBC News on condition of anonymity, as they're not authorized to speak about the matter and fear reprisal.

Throughout September, the teacher said his principal and the board told him he could wear only the surgical masks provided. He initially refused, but then this month, he was informed he would be immediately suspended without pay. 

With a mortgage and family to support, the teacher said he had no choice but to reluctantly follow the board's rules. 

"It sort of goes against 'we're all in this together' and 'your mental health is important to us,'" he said. "If we feel safer [wearing N95 masks], then who is it hurting?"