The former host of yesteryear’s quirky local community access TV show “Math with Marty” has stepped back into the local public’s eye once more - albeit this time bearing legal papers in favor of his usual chalk-drawn equations.

Martin Green, who enrolled in the University of Winnipeg’s Teacher Certification Program in 2011, commenced legal action against employees of the university and Gordon Bell High School this September.

Green is suing five individuals between the two schools - among them U of W director of student teaching Debra Woloshyn and dean of education John Anchan - as well as the university itself, claiming he suffered defamation as the result of a conspiracy by various persons intent on barring him from the institution.

“They can never undo the damage done to me,” said Green. “However, I’m going for total vindication.”

Green, who said his fellow students likely perceived him as a “troublemaker,” is convinced he was the target of a concerted effort by professors, administrators and Gordon Bell staff meant to prevent him from successfully becoming a high school teacher.

“I wouldn’t be suing them for that if I didn’t believe it were true,” said Green.

The ongoing saga of Green’s battle with the university began almost a year ago in November of 2011 when the 56-year-old post-degree student was contacted by university administration, who requested an informal meeting to discuss complaints of non-academic misconduct from a number of Green’s professors.

Green then repeatedly refused to discuss his allegedly inappropriate behaviour - which, according to him, included accusations of his overly-aggressive, argumentative classroom presence - until he was provided with detailed, written accounts of the actions held against him despite administration’s insistence that only an informal discussion was being proposed.

“With 50 people in a classroom and a professor standing up at the front saying, ‘This is how math should be taught,’ how can there be only one guy in the class who disagrees with what they’re saying? How can that be?” asked Green.

“I think the perception (of those who filed complaints) is that the very fact that I’m disagreeing with the professor is rude and disrespectful in and of itself.”

One of Green’s former classmates, who asked to remain anonymous, found Green’s classroom presence disruptive.

“He was very difficult to work with,” the source said. “It was always his way or the highway.”

“Overall, I got the impression he felt he was far superior to everyone in the room, including the professor,” the source added. “It didn’t make for an effective learning environment.”

According to Green’s official statement of claim, during his practicum at Gordon Bell High School later in the month, staff expressed criticism of his teaching methods. In the following days, Green’s practicum bloc would be terminated by the school’s principal, who claimed Green had reportedly grabbed a student by the shoulder; a claim that Green would deny as untrue.

As conflict between Green and university administration continued to escalate, Green was eventually suspended in his studies and barred from campus in light of his ongoing refusal to discuss continued complaints of his allegedly inappropriate class behaviour prior to his receiving detailed, signed accounts of the related events.

On Jan. 11, Green was escorted off campus by university security following a conversation with the registrar, which, according to Green, he had left unceremoniously.

Green, who is representing himself in his legal action, knows the odds are likely stacked against him.

“I’ve certainly got an uphill battle to fight,” he said.

But for Green - who privately tutors high school and university students in math - such difficulties aren’t enough to quash his desire to teach professionally.

“When I got into the high school for my practicum, I saw what a desperate need there is for what I’m able to bring to the table,” he said. “I knew this is where I belong and what I’m meant to do.”

University administration declined to comment on their conflict with Green, noting the matter is currently before the court. Accordingly, the institution has issued a statement of defence in response to Green’s claims.

Green’s former professors either declined to comment on the matter or could not be reached before press time.

Published in Volume 67, Number 10 of The Uniter (November 7, 2012)