New legislation passed to enhance student safety and discipline processes

The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, also known as Bill 98, received Royal Assent on June 8, 2023. The legislation will strengthen the College’s ability to better serve its student safety mandate. These changes will strengthen public confidence in how the profession is regulated, ensure student protection, and improve efficiency in investigations and disciplinary processes.

For example, the College has been granted authority to expand eligibility for our program that funds therapy and counselling services for survivors of sexual abuse by an Ontario Certified Teacher.

Moreover, the legislation gives the College’s Investigation Committee the authority to require teachers to complete remedial training or education at the investigation stage of a complaint.

June meeting of College Council

College Council met virtually on June 8, to discuss regulatory and policy amendments impacting the College’s mandate and operations, including Bill 98. Council also received various reports from the Chair of Council, the Registrar and CEO, and several College Committees. All reports and supporting documents, including the agenda and a summary of the meeting, are posted to the College website.

Did you know that Council meetings are open to the public? You can attend as an observer to learn about how the teaching profession is governed in Ontario. To join a meeting, simply click on the Zoom link at the bottom of the agenda available on our website.

Want to do more than observe? Qualified members of the public are invited to apply for roles on our Council, committees, and rosters. Learn more about governance duties, the benefits of serving, and the College’s competency-based selection process below.

Applications for 2023 Scholarship Program are still open!

The Ontario College of Teachers Scholarship Program recognizes and supports excellence in teacher education. Every year, four students enrolled in teacher education programs in Ontario are rewarded for their outstanding academic achievement, high levels of preparedness for teacher education, and resilience.

Know an exemplary aspiring teacher who is enrolled in one of Ontario’s accredited teacher education programs? Please encourage them to apply for a scholarship by August 31, 2023.

Learn how qualified Ontario’s teachers are

The Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) designation is the hallmark of teaching professionalism in the province. Similar to nurses and engineers, only those who are qualified and certified can use the OCT designation. OCTs have academic and teacher education qualifications that uniquely equip them to teach in publicly funded schools in Ontario. Visit our public register, Find a Teacher, to learn more about a teacher's educational background, including their program of professional education, teaching subjects, or ongoing professional learning.