DECEMBER 2018 | PROTECTING THE PUBLIC INTEREST |
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| In this edition: | Protecting students | | Counselling and therapy program | | Supporting mental health | | Independent governance review | | New strategic priorities |
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| | | Celebrating great teaching | | Myth/Fact | | Come talk to us | | Invite a speaker | | Find a Teacher |
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Protecting and supporting students The College welcomes proposed laws that further define sexual acts that would lead to the mandatory revocation of a member’s teaching licence. The changes, found in The Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act, 2018 are before the legislature now. The draft legislation also addresses math proficiency for teachers and the College’s governance structure. |
| | Counselling program for victims of sexual abuse Starting on January 1, 2020, a new counselling program will be available to students who allege sexual abuse or acts involving child pornography by an Ontario Certified Teacher. The program is part of the legislative changes introduced in The Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act, 2018, currently under consideration. We will provide more information as it becomes available. |
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Supporting students’ mental health One in five Canadian students experience a mental health illness or concern in any given year. Last month the College released a professional advisory for Ontario Certified Teachers to help to support students with mental health concerns. The document provides actionable advice to members and defines their role and professional responsibilities when it comes to learning about — and addressing — mental health issues. |
| | Independent governance review As part of its commitment to transparency and continuous improvement, the College has released the findings from an independent review of its governance structure. The report provides 37 recommendations to help the College become more efficient and effective in protecting the public interest. |
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New strategic priorities In November, College Council approved new strategic priorities for the College, which include strengthening transparency and accountability and improving stakeholder engagement, among others. These priorities will help the College to fulfill its mission to place students’ interests and well-being first by regulating and promoting excellence in teaching. |
| | Celebrating great teaching The teachers featured in our Great Teaching series embody the standards of practice and the ethical standards set out by the College. In this latest instalment, see how Jessica Kennedy, OCT, gives her drama students the freedom to explore and create both onstage and off. |
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Myth/Fact Myth: Teachers today have a harder time finding work compared to 10 years ago. Fact: Analysis of College survey data shows that, generally speaking, it should be easier for teachers today to find employment compared to a decade ago. |
| | Come talk to us! 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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Invite a speaker Looking for a speaker for your next school council meeting? The College can connect you with 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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