College of Teachers launched
September 16 1996
TORONTO The Ontario College of Teachers-the new self-regulatory body
for the teaching profession - will bring together teachers, parents and other
education stakeholders to govern and regulate the teaching profession, College
Registrar Margaret Wilson said today as she formally launched the college.
"The establishment of an independent, professional and publicly accountable
college for teachers signifies that teachers have come of age as a profession," Wilson
said. "For the first time, teachers will have a direct say in shaping the future
of their profession as they work with parents and the broader education community
to ensure they are well-trained and well-prepared for the classroom."
As part of today's launch, Wilson announced:
- An awareness campaign to assist the College with the initial task of registering
Ontario 200,000 certified teachers;
- A nomination call for membership on the College's first Governing Council;
- A provincial election of Council members which will be held from January
27, 1997-February 2, 1997
Membership in the College is open to all Ontario qualified teachers and is
a requirement for those who wish to maintain their teacher certification. Teachers
employed by a school board will be automatically registered. Qualified teachers
not employed for a school board must register themselves with the College.
Advertisements aimed at teachers will appear in newspapers and publications
familiar to the education sector. Teachers can register beginning today by
calling toll free 1-800-604-9430 or through the Internet at www.oct.ca. A brochure
with a mail-back registration form is also being distributed to colleges and
universities, faculties of education, private school, Ministry of Education
and Training offices, and other education sector organizations where teachers
are employed.
Only teachers registered with the College will be eligible to vote in the
election of the College's first Governing Council.
The Ontario College of Teachers Act - proclaimed July 5, 1996 - gives the
college authority to license teachers, accredit teacher education programs,
and investigate and discipline teachers for professional misconduct.
"It is important that teachers, parents, students and others with an interest
in education understand the rights, responsibilities and requirements associated
with the College of Teachers," Wilson said. "For the first time, teachers will
have a direct voice in setting standards for their profession and in accrediting
professional teacher education programs. The involvement of parents and other
education stakeholders means the public can have confidence in the ability
of the college to ensure the competency of its members.
"A quality education depends on quality teaching," Wilson added. "The Ontario
College of Teachers will create genuine partnerships between teachers and the
public that can only strengthen the profession, improve the quality of classroom
learning and boost confidence in Ontario's dedicated teachers."
