October 2011
October 2011, Issue 57
Your College and You
Thank you for your interest in receiving breaking
news and professional information from the Ontario College of Teachers.
In this Issue:
The College Has Taken Action to Protect Students
The College has a critical responsibility to protect the public interest and the safety of Ontario students. Nothing is more important than the safety of our students.
That's why, as we reported to you during the summer, we have commissioned The Hon. Patrick J. LeSage C.M., O.ONT., Q.C., to review our investigation and disciplinary procedures and outcomes and dispute resolution program. See the news release and terms of reference to understand the scope of the review.
We regularly conduct reviews to improve our services and to ensure that we fulfill our legislated mandate to protect the public interest. Recent reviews have led to changes in how we register applicants and communicate discipline decisions.
The discipline process is an important part of self-regulation. This independent review will identify any flaws or weaknesses in our current practices and recommend changes for correction or improvement. Mr. LeSage will report at the end of May, 2012 and we will make his report and recommendations public.
A media story published recently raises issues that are already under review. This independent review will help ensure that the College continues to improve our practices and that they remain transparent, objective and fair.
Accountability is important to Ontario's teaching profession. The College holds our members to high standards in their practice and in their ethical conduct.
The College also holds our own practices to high standards of accountability. We continually reflect on our own practices to ensure that we are doing everything we can to protect students.
Patrick LeSage presided over some of Canada's most publicized and complex cases. He has served on a number of national and provincial commissions, most notably the review of Ontario's police complaints system and the review of the Canadian military justice provisions of the National Defence Act.
He was made a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to the Ontario justice system and for his ongoing dedication to public service. In 2009, he was appointed a member of the Order of Ontario.
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Members Weigh in on Importance of Content in Teacher Education Programs
Teachers tell us that courses in classroom management and assessing and evaluating student progress are the most important in teacher education programs. Almost 4,700 College members shared their thoughts on their career and ongoing education plans among other topics in our annual survey of members. See the results.
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More Great Discounts for OCTs
The list of organizations offering free admission and discounts across Ontario keeps growing. Visit the College web site to see a complete list of organizations that offer free admission and discounts across Ontario. Examples include:
Remember that the key to receiving your discounts on everything from a visit to the museum to a new computer purchase is simple — No card, no discount. Without seeing a valid OCT card, providers can't determine who is entitled to the special offers. To claim a discount by phone, mention that you are an Ontario Certified Teacher with a membership card.
If you visit an attraction that's not on our discount list, you might ask them to consider participating in our discount program. Organizations can e-mail discounts@oct.ca for more information
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Provide Input on Teacher Education Programs
The College regularly reviews programs of teacher education in Ontario and we welcome your input. Currently we are reviewing several programs at Brock University.
View the upcoming accreditation review schedule and submit comments about the quality of the programs under review via e-mail at accreditation@oct.ca.
Accreditation ensures teachers have the professional education and practical experience they need to become members of the College. The ultimate beneficiaries are Ontario students.
Are you interested in reviews of teacher education programs at other institutions? You can sign up to receive e-mail alerts about new accreditation reviews here.
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