| MARCH 2022 | PROTECTING THE PUBLIC INTEREST |
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In this edition: | The College Begins a New Era | | Sexual Abuse Prevention Program Launches | | Watch a Recording of the College's Latest Webinar |
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| | | 2021 Transition to Teaching Report Now Available | | Applications for 2022 Scholarships Now Open | | Access to Virtual Hearings |
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| The College Begins a New Era For the first time in the College's 25–year history, its governing Council is made up of an equal number of Ontario Certified Teachers and members of the public following the formal transfer of governing authority from Transition Supervisory Officer Paul Boniferro on February 1, 2022. The transfer follows a year–long transition to a more effective governance structure, which included a successful province-wide recruitment campaign that tapped into the wealth of diversity and expertise that Ontarians have to offer. "We are starting a new and exciting chapter in the College's history," said Dr. Derek Haime, OCT, Registrar & CEO, Ontario College of Teachers. "We now have a governance structure that enables us to work more efficiently and empowers us to work more closely with both the public and members of the profession." Joining the College's Council as Chair is Diana Miles, one of six public appointees to the 12–person body. Miles is a lawyer and CEO of the Law Society of Ontario. "Having the right mix of individuals in governance is critical to protecting the public interest," said Miles. "The Council will provide balanced leadership and greater diversity while working with College staff. Together, we will strengthen and enhance student safety and well–being." |
| | | Sexual Abuse Prevention Program Launches The College's mandatory online sexual abuse prevention program launched on January 3, 2022. More than 20,000 Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs) and applicants for certification successfully completed the program in the first month. The program is based on the Canadian Centre for Child Protection's Commit to Kids online modules and was developed with subject matter experts, including adult survivors of childhood abuse. It will provide OCTs with an updated understanding of how to identify when a student may be at risk and intervene when necessary. It will also help OCTs maintain healthy professional relationships with students that build a foundation for trusted support systems that are essential to disclosure and recovery. All OCTs are required to complete the program by September 15, 2022. |
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| Watch a Recording of the College's Latest Webinar To mark the launch of the College's Professional Advisory on Anti–Black Racism, the College hosted a special live webinar, Managing Bias to Support Student Success, with the advisory's lead author, Amorell Saunders N'Daw, on February 24. Saunders N'Daw was joined by Darlène Joseph and Yousif Mohamed, two Toronto District School Board high school students who generously shared their personal experiences with conscious and unconscious bias, and how these experiences have affected their lives both inside and outside the classroom. Released in late 2021, the Professional Advisory on Anti–Black Racism provides OCTs with an updated understanding of the roots of systemic anti–Black racism and the negative impacts it spreads throughout society. Read the Professional Advisory on Anti–Black Racism. Watch Managing Bias to Support Student Success. |
| | | 2021 Transition to Teaching Report Now Available Each year, the College anonymously surveys early career OCTs to gather information about their employment outcomes and classroom experiences. Participation is voluntary and the collected data provides a detailed analysis of the current and near–future labour market for teachers and teacher candidates. Read the full report. |
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| Applications for 2022 Scholarships Now Open Do you know a teacher candidate who shows great potential and could have a positive or profound impact on the lives of students? They may be eligible for the College's annual scholarship program, which recognizes aspiring teachers who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and preparedness for a future in the classroom. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply by August 31, 2022. |
| | | Access to Virtual Hearings A commitment to transparency is an integral pillar of the College's mandate to regulate the teaching profession in service to the public interest. That commitment includes ensuring that members of the public can observe disciplinary hearings online. More information about the College's investigations and hearing process, including a hearing calendar and registration link, are available on the College website. |
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