| MARCH 2018 | PROTECTING THE PUBLIC INTEREST |
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| | In this edition: | College Council election | | Keeping students safe | | New policy on diversity | | Inspiring Public Confidence | | Celebrating great teaching | | Myth or fact? |
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| | | The College's investigation process | | Address College Council | | Seeking your feedback | | In the community | | Speakers available | | Find a Teacher |
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| A voice for the public Twenty-three positions among the College's 37-member governing Council are up for election. Learn why it matters and how Council members help Ontario students — your children — succeed. |
| | Keeping students safe
At its March 1 meeting, College Council applauded the Ontario government's plans
to strengthen the College's ability to protect students from sexual abuse. The College approved language that will redefine "sexual abuse" in the Ontario College of Teachers Act to enable mandatory revocation. The change will align legislation affecting teachers with that affecting Ontario's health regulators. |
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New policy on diversity As part of its ongoing commitment to inclusivity, the College has updated its
online application form to include a
third gender-identification option. When communicating with applicants, College members and the public, the College's correspondence will also reflect gender-neutral language, wherever possible. This initiative reinforces the importance the College places on promoting diversity in Ontario education. |
| | | Attend our conference Plan now to attend the College's Inspiring Public Confidence Conference from May 31 to June 1 in Toronto. Mental health advocate Margaret Trudeau, social commentator Rex Murphy and Canadian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Marc-Andr Blanchard will headline the event. English and French workshops on regulatory and education-related topics are featured. |
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| Celebrating great teaching The College sets the standards of practice and the ethical standards for Ontario's teaching profession. See how visual arts teacher John Senisi, OCT, helps students use a critical lens to capture the big picture and the small details. |
| | | Test your knowledge Myth or fact? The College is governed by the Ontario government. Myth! The College operates under the Ontario College of Teachers Act and is governed by a Council of 37 members. Twenty-three are College members elected by their peers and 14 are appointed by the provincial government. Read more about what they do. |
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Investigating complaints When a complaint is made to the College about about a member, staff and Council members each have important roles in exploring allegations. Find out how the College's investigation process works in
part II of Professionally Speaking's article series on the topic. Read Part I of the series here. |
| | | Address College Council Do you have a topic related to the College's work or activities that you would like to present to our Council? Council invites public presentations at its quarterly meetings and at its annual meeting of members. |
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| We would like your feedback Members of the public and College members provide feedback to help revise guidelines for Additional Qualification courses that Ontario teachers take to remain current and relevant in their practice. To add your input, please see the draft guidelines and use the forms to post your comments. |
| | | In the community The College attends events to raise awareness about its role to protect the public interest, which includes managing risks to protect student safety and promoting the high standards that guide our members. Have a question? Come talk with us at an event near you! Durham District School Board Parents as Partners Conference, April 7, Whitby Toronto Baby Show, April 14 – 15, Toronto The Mama Expo, April 15, Windsor Ottawa Parent and Child Expo, April 21 – 22, Ottawa The Baby Time Show, April 27 – 29, Mississauga |
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| Topics of interest Looking for a speaker for your next school council meeting? The College can connect you with College experts on teaching standards and other topics related to protecting the public interest. This service is available free across Ontario. For more information, please email us at outreach@oct.ca. |
| | | Who's your child's teacher? Curious about the qualifications of your child's teacher? Visit our public register, Find a Teacher, to see the qualifications of Ontario's certified teachers. The College Council grants the Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) designation to qualified, competent members in good standing only. |
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