Professional Advisories provide valuable direction and advice about issues that matter to Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs).

Advisories apply to all College members, including teachers, consultants, vice-principals, principals, supervisory officers and directors of education. 

  • Additional Qualifications: Extending Knowledge and Practice through Ongoing Professional Learning Professional Advisory cover

    Extending Knowledge and Practice through Ongoing Professional Learning

    This Professional Advisory clarifies the purpose of the regulated system of qualifications in a division or a subject, commonly known as Additional Basic Qualifications (ABQs) and Additional Qualifications (AQs).

  • Addressing Hate and Discrimination Professional Advisory cover

    Addressing Hate and Discrimination

    This Professional Advisory helps OCTs address incidents of hate and discrimination within learning environments.
  • Anti-Black Racism Professional Advisory cover

    Anti-Black Racism

    This Professional Advisory recognizes OCTs play an important and influential role in learning environments and as such, are uniquely positioned to help address anti-Black racism and its impact on students. The advisory examines how OCTs can work toward overcoming long-standing and historical legacies and break down deeply entrenched systemic barriers. 

  • Duty to Report Professional Advisory cover

    Duty to Report

    This Professional Advisory reminds OCTs that they have a duty to report abuse and/or neglect of children and youth. This resource may be read in conjunction with previous advisories, such as Professional Misconduct Related to Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct, and Safety in Learning Environments: A Shared Responsibility. 

  • Maintaining Professionalism - Use of Electronic Communications and Social Media - Updated Professional Advisory cover

    Maintaining Professionalism - Use of Electronic Communications and Social Media - Updated

    This Professional Advisory helps to clarify OCTs’ responsibilities when using electronic communication or social media so they can govern their conduct and understand what behaviour does not meet professional standards. 

  • Professional Boundaries Professional Advisory cover

    Professional Boundaries

    This Professional Advisory highlights the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and provides practical advice to OCTs at any point in their education careers. 

  • Professional Misconduct of a Sexual Nature Professional Advisory cover

    Professional Misconduct of a Sexual Nature

    This Professional Advisory helps to identify the legal, ethical and professional parameters that govern OCTs’ behaviour and to prevent sexual abuse of students and sexual misconduct. 

  • Responding to the Bullying of Students Professional Advisory cover

    Responding to the Bullying of Students

    This Professional Advisory assists OCTs in their daily efforts to provide students with a safe, inclusive and accepting school environment that helps all students reach their full potential. 

  • Student Physical Safety in Learning Environments

    Student Physical Safety in Learning Environments

    This Professional Advisory sets out the “4 Rs” of safety — recognize, respond, report and reflect — to help OCTs safeguard students in all learning environments and situations. 

  • Supporting Students' Mental Health

    Supporting Students' Mental Health

    This Professional Advisory is intended to help OCTs support students with mental health concerns and to understand how to provide support. 

  • Video Conferencing Guidelines Professional Advisory cover

    Video Conferencing Guidelines

    Video conferencing adds a new dimension to the way we connect with friends and family. When used effectively, it can also be a valuable teaching tool. For example, it can enhance students’ learning and keep them engaged while supporting their mental health, particularly when they are isolated from classmates, friends and extended family.