A message from the Registrar and CEO

As we approach the end of 2023, Linda Lacroix, OCT/EAO, Registrar and CEO of the Ontario College of Teachers, shares her reflections on her first year in her role. This year has been a momentous one for the College, characterized by the introduction of a new five-year strategic plan and regulatory changes that significantly impacted College operations. Additionally, the College has implemented a new technology strategy to continually improve operations and streamline services. Throughout this transformative year, there has been increased engagement with education and regulatory stakeholders.

We invite you to read Linda’s full message to the profession.

College adopts 2024-28 Strategic Plan

While regulating in the public interest is a constant, the environment in which the College operates is always shifting. Bill 98, for example, introduced changes to the Ontario College of Teachers Act that enhance student protection.

As we plan for the road ahead, College Council approved the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan at their October 5 meeting. The adoption followed a year-long consultation that involved internal and external stakeholders.

The new Strategic Plan will guide Council decision-making and inform College operations for the next five years.

During that time, the College will focus on four strategic goals:

1. Accountable and agile processes to certify educators to teach in Ontario classrooms.
2. Teachers who are informed of, and held accountable to, professional standards.
3. Efficient and proportionate responses to alleged and actual misconduct, incompetence, and incapacity.
4. A clear and independent role in the education system.

The College’s strategic goals are current and aligned with our legislated mandate to regulate the teaching profession to protect the public interest and the well-being of Ontario’s students.

2023 Annual Meeting of Members summary

The College’s virtual Annual Meeting of Members was held on the evening of Tuesday, October 24 and was open to all Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs), as well as applicants and members of the public.

Council Chair Diana Miles began the meeting by sharing details on the College’s new five-year strategic plan.

Speaking next, Registrar & CEO Linda Lacroix, OCT/EAO, provided an operational update focused on the College’s ongoing investments in improving certification and service timelines, including additional resources in Membership Services and IT.

Audit & Finance Subcommittee Chair Jonathan Davey provided an update on the College’s finances. The results of KPMG’s 2022 audit confirmed that the College’s budget was balanced without the need to access reserve funds, as had been the case in previous years.

Finally, all three speakers answered questions that were submitted by the audience. Topics included application advice for internationally educated teachers, finances and governance.

December meeting of College Council

College Council held its last meeting of 2023 on Thursday, December 7. Key items included approving meeting dates for the next two years, outlining the proposed 2024 Council briefing and development plan, and endorsing the organization’s operating budget for 2023. Summaries of Council meetings and related documents are posted on our website. More information about registering to attend a Council meeting is available online.

College celebrates outstanding teacher candidates

We are proud to announce the four recipients of the 2023 Ontario College of Teachers Scholarship Program. Every year, the College awards each recipient a $1,500 scholarship to support their journey towards becoming exemplary educators. These scholarships aim to recognize diverse achievements, reflecting the multifaceted qualities that make a great teacher:

2023 Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education
Awarded to Sanya Cardoza, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

2023 Brian P. McGowan Scholarship for Resilience
Awarded to b Wrauley, Nipissing University

2023 Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship
Awarded to Tom Friesen, Wilfrid Laurier University

2023 Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship
Awarded to Ana Kraljvecic, York University

Join us in celebrating these exceptional teacher candidates and their commitment to shaping the future of education in Ontario. Visit the College website to learn more about the scholarship program, including eligibility criteria.

Two years of legal recognition: honouring the OCT designation

On December 2, 2021, the Supporting People and Businesses Act (Bill 13) received Royal Assent, introducing a significant piece of legislation that recognized the professionalism of Ontario's educators.

Like engineers (P. Eng) and accountants (CPA), teachers are highly educated and trained professionals. Putting the OCT professional designation into the College’s Act confirms that only those who meet the high standards of the profession and maintain their license in good standing can use the OCT designation and teach in the Ontario public school system. 

As we celebrate this two-year milestone, we extend our gratitude to all OCTs for their commitment to student learning and wellbeing. Here's to many more years of excellence!

Holiday office closure

Please note that our offices will close for the holidays at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22. We will return to regular business hours at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, January 2.

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