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What we do
We regulate the teaching profession in Ontario.
Registration
You must be certified by the College and keep your membership in good standing to teach in the province’s publicly funded elementary and secondary schools. Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) is a professional designation entrenched in law.
Regulation
The College serves the public interest by regulating the teaching profession to protect students. Our mandate is defined by the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996 and other provincial legislation.
Accreditation
The College is responsible for accrediting all pre-service and in-service teacher education programs that are offered in Ontario.
Already certified?
As an OCT, you can access a range of College resources, services and information through your College account.
Need teaching resources?
OCTs across Ontario can borrow books and eBooks, access scholarly and professional articles and more through the Margaret Wilson Library.
Latest News
/ View all newsJune 11, 2026
Initial Teacher Education Program Moving to a 12-Month Model on May 1, 2027
On April 10, 2026, the Ontario government announced changes to the initial teacher education program. Effective May 1, 2027, the current four-semester model will become a three-semester, 12-month consecutive program. The new model maintains the current 80-day practicum requirement.
June 11, 2026
New Certification Pathway Will Support Indigenous Languages Revitalization
The Ontario College of Teachers (the College) has been working with the Ministry of Education and First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners to develop a new pathway for prospective Indigenous languages teacher candidates to become Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs) in Indigenous Languages.
February 19, 2026
Expanding leadership opportunities for Ontario Certified Teachers
At a special meeting on November 20, 2025, College Council approved regulations that eliminate a longstanding barrier to leadership positions for teachers of technological education, Indigenous languages, and teachers who are of Indigenous ancestry, and who do not hold an acceptable postsecondary degree.
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