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1 MAKING CONNECTIONS Ontario Certified Teacher s Handbook 2012

2 Making connections. Every day across Ontario, teachers experience the joy of seeing students faces brighten with the thrill of learning. Teachers connect with children inside and outside the classroom. Maintaining professional boundaries in all forms of communication, technology-related or not, is vital to maintaining the public trust and appropriate relationships with students. This year, the Ontario College of Teachers has added its timely Professional Advisory on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media to the handbook for the first time.

3 Table of Contents 1 Welcome from the Chair and Registrar 5 Your Membership at a Glance 6 Your College at a Glance 9 Our Commitment Who We Are and What We Do College Bylaws 17 Your Professional Standards Foundations of Professional Practice 27 Your Qualifications Your Professional Requirements Certificates Professional Advisory on Additional Qualifications: Extending Professional Knowledge 45 Your College Membership Professional Advisory: Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media 65 Your Professional Designation 69 Your Connections 78 Investigations and Hearings Complaints, Investigations and Hearings Professional Advisory on Sexual Abuse and Professional Misconduct 95 Index 97 Contact the College 97 Senior Leadership

4 You chose a profession that will give you many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of your students.

5 Welcome from the Chair Welcome to teaching in Ontario and to the Ontario College of Teachers. If you just graduated, you probably can t wait to greet your first class, help your students achieve and invite them to think big as they embark on a new project. If you have taught outside Ontario, I am sure that you are ready and eager to contribute your skills, knowledge and expertise to Ontario schools and ignite your students learning. That s why Making Connections is the theme for this handbook. You chose a profession that will give you many opportunities to connect with students and make a difference in their lives. Whether by awakening the mind of a child who is writing his name for the very first time or attending to the unique talent of a teenage artist, a teacher helps students navigate through everyday challenges. As teachers, we bring to our classrooms care, respect, trust and integrity to inspire our students to learn and help them realize their full potential. We guide them with insight and compassion. the responsible, professional use of electronic communication and social media, by adding our professional advisory and useful tips to this year s handbook. I believe the unique professional knowledge and skills of teachers are founded on mastering theory and applying it effectively in the classroom to benefit our students. That mastery is what being an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) is all about. Your first year of teaching in Ontario will be a challenging and rewarding one, and I wish you much success. Liz Papadopoulos, OCT Council Chair It is common to feel somewhat uneasy as you enter your new profession. Don t be. If you remain true to our standards, you will enjoy great success. And to help smooth the way, we ve provided timely advice for members about WELCOME FROM THE CHAIR 1

6 You demonstrate care and compassion. You act with integrity and establish relationships with students based on mutual respect. You are a role model.

7 Welcome from the Registrar Welcome to the Ontario College of Teachers, home to a community of professionals who combine specialized knowledge and skills with a love for learning and teaching. I am delighted that such highly educated and talented people like you, with your gift for inspiring children, are joining our teaching profession. It is teachers like you who inspire public confidence in our profession. How do you do this? You demonstrate care and compassion. You act with integrity and establish relationships with students based on mutual respect. You are a role model. We need you to help students set goals and then to watch with pride as they surpass them. Our theme for this handbook is Making Connections because teachers connect with children inside and outside the classroom. Advances in technology, with the growing use of e-communication and social media, have created new opportunities for teaching and learning for students and teachers. Their use should be encouraged. But here s our advice: Members should exercise the same care and caution in the digital world as they do in their face-to-face interactions with respect to teaching/learning and their professional image. During my more than 20 years as an educator, I ve learned that teaching, more than anything else, is about establishing and maintaining relationships. These relationships are primarily with students but also with colleagues, parents and the school community. The key is to have relationships based on care, trust, respect and integrity no matter what the method of communication. We believe the concept of relationships extends to the College. We look forward to building that relationship with you and welcome your feedback and participation in College initiatives. I encourage you to take the time to browse through this comprehensive handbook. You ll find it contains helpful and practical information about the College and the benefits and services we offer. If you read just one College publication, this would be an excellent choice. Congratulations on joining the ranks of the dedicated and talented group of teachers in Ontario. It s good to have you with us. We are proud of you and your commitment to students. Michael Salvatori, OCT Registrar and Chief Executive Officer WELCOME FROM THE REGISTRAR 3

8 Act professionally Respect the privacy and confidentiality of student information.

9 Your Membership at a Glance Register in the Members Area You can find up-to-date information about College affairs on our web site at where you can also open a personal password-protected account in the Members Area. Instructions begin on page 46. When you activate or establish your account in the Members Area, you gain secure access to a range of growing services that will help you maintain and track information important to your membership in the College. You can print your updated Certificate of Qualification and Registration, see your member profile page, print a tax receipt or inform the College of any change to your home address and other personal information. You can also receive the College s electronic newsletter, Your College and You. It gives you early access to new developments in the activities of the College and the profession. Update your address Have you updated your address on the College web site? An up-to-date address allows us to send you the latest College and professional news that may affect you as a teacher in Ontario. And if you keep your address current, we can also send you an every time your Certificate of Qualification and Registration is updated with Additional Qualifications. See page 47 for step-by-step instructions. Tell us about changes For the College to maintain accurate and current records, it is essential that you inform us about changes to your personal information or qualifications. College bylaws require that you notify the College within 30 days of any change of information, such as an address or name change. The name you are practising under must be the same name that appears on the College s register Find a Teacher. Step-by-step instructions are available on page 49. Need-to-know news To participate in the College s activities and to learn more about interesting initiatives in our profession, turn to the College s award-winning quarterly magazine, Professionally Speaking, where you will find inspiring stories from your colleagues across the province, useful articles and resources, and news about changes to education policy. Member discounts Show your Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) card and get great discounts on hotels, cars, trips, computers, books, school supplies and even real estate agents fees and sporting events! For a list of discounts, go to and click on OCT Discounts on the right side of the home page. YOUR MEMBERSHIP AT A GLANCE 5

10 Your College at a Glance What is the mandate of the Ontario College of Teachers? The College was established in 1997 to allow Ontario teachers to regulate and govern their own profession in the public interest. The College sets ethical standards and standards of practice, issues teaching certificates and may suspend or revoke them. We accredit teacher education programs and courses, and investigate and hear complaints about individual members. We are also mandated to communicate with the public on behalf of the profession, which we do primarily through our web site at Need more info? To learn more go to How does the College fulfill its duty to serve and protect the public interest? Through the College, Ontario s teaching profession works to ensure that qualified and committed teachers provide quality teaching to our students. The College is accountable for how it carries out its responsibilities. For example, on the College web site, the public can view a register of all our members that includes their qualifications and credentials. Disciplinary hearings are open to the public, and a summary of hearing decisions is published in the College magazine and on our web site. How are we governed? The College is governed by a Council of 37 members, 23 of whom are members of the College elected by their peers for three-year terms. 6 MEMBER S HANDBOOK 2010 The College relies on the involvement and input of its members and education partners in its work to continuously improve the teaching profession.

11 Your College at a Glance Ontario certified teachers are loyal to their profession and to practicing in the province. In a member survey, two-thirds of respondents said they plan to teach in Ontario until they retire. Members are elected from the English public, English Catholic, French public, French Catholic, elementary and secondary school systems in all regions of the province to represent the public interest. Four elected members represent principal/viceprincipal, supervisory officer, faculty of education and private school positions. The other 14 members of Council are appointed by the provincial government for terms of up to three years. The Council meets at least four times a year to develop and approve policies. Get to know your Council with a quick click of your mouse. You ll find short biographies and photos of Council members at g Council g Members. Who are our members? The majority of College members are classroom teachers, but vice-principals, principals, supervisory officers and directors of education must also be certified teachers to hold the positions they do. Our members work in publicly funded schools, faculties of education, the Ministry of Education, teachers federations, the College, independent schools, First Nations schools and many other institutions that Through our College, teachers work every day to meet the expectations of parents and the public that provide education opportunities for teachers and their students in Ontario, as well as in other parts of Canada and around the world. The College membership reached 230,000 in Ontario s students will learn from qualified professional teachers. What services do we offer you? The College offers its members and the public a wide range of resources on job opportunities, teaching and education on its web site, through the Margaret Wilson Library and in our quarterly magazine, Professionally Speaking. Learn more about the College s popular Find an AQ online search tool. You will find various services we offer throughout this publication. Your College is green The Ontario College of Teachers is greener and smarter. Improving the environmental footprint of our building is a high priority. Energy efficiency is a key feature and dovetails with our commitment to sustainable development. To demonstrate our dedication to a more eco-friendly workplace, the College is working toward LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. This handbook, along with other correspondence you may receive from the College from time to time, is printed on 100 per cent, post-consumer recycled paper using vegetable-based inks. Ontario Certified Teacher's Handbook 2011 The majority of College members are classroom teachers, but vice-principals, principals, supervisory officers and directors of education are also certified teachers who begin their careers in the classroom. Cette publication est également disponible en français sous le titre de Inspirer l apprentissage. For additional information: Ontario College of Teachers Toll-free in Ontario: info@oct.ca InspIre TO Learn Ontario Certified Teacher s Handbook 2011 YOUR COLLEGE AT A GLANCE 7

12 Interact with students appropriately Maintain a formal, courteous and professional tone in all communications with students to ensure that professional boundaries with students are maintained.

13 Our Commitment Teachers share with the public a strong commitment to providing the best education possible for Ontario children. The College was established to act on behalf of the teaching profession in fulfilling that commitment. The College operates in an open and accountable manner to promote public trust and confidence in the teaching profession. PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY 9

14 Who We Are and What We Do During the course of your career, you will often hear and read that the College reglates the teaching profession in the public interest. Self-regulation means that the government has delegated its regulatory functions to those who have the specialized knowledge necessary to do the job. The granting of self-regulation is an acknowledgement by the legislature that teaching is a profession whose members are capable of governing themselves. Our goal is to help ensure that students in Ontario schools are taught by highly skilled, certified teachers practising to the highest standards. The profession must also be prepared to uphold its standards and deal with issues of member incompetence, incapacity or misconduct. The teaching profession, through its College, sets the requirements for entering teaching, certifies qualified teachers, develops and maintains ethical standards and standards of practice, and accredits teacher education programs and courses to ensure consistent high quality in the preparation of teachers. We operate in an open and accountable manner, which means that we communicate with the public about what we do and how our work supports public education. This approach builds public trust in the profession and the important role it plays in the education of Ontario students. Public accountability An essential element of self-regulation for the profession is public accountability. The College operates in an open and accountable manner in order to build and maintain public confidence in the work that it does. Accountability means that College activities are transparent to the public and information is easily accessible. Students, parents, teachers and the public all benefit from a publicly accountable profession. Find a Teacher section of the web site An Ontario teaching certificate is, in effect, a licence to teach in Ontario. The College issues teaching certificates under powers delegated to it by the Ontario legislature, so your qualifications and the fact that you hold a teaching certificate are matters of public record. The Ontario College of Teachers Act requires that the College maintain a public register of its members. Find a Teacher, available online, provides information on your status and qualifications as a teacher, and is an important part of the teaching profession s commitment to openness and public accountability. Our goal is to help ensure that students in Ontario schools are taught by highly skilled, certified teachers practising to the highest standards. Our goal is to help ensure that students in Ontario schools are taught by highly skilled, certified teachers practising to the highest standards. Need more info? To learn more go to 10 ONTARIO CERTIFIED TEACHER S HANDBOOK 2012

15 Our Commitment The College s annual report is one of the ways in which we fulfill our commitment to be accountable to the public. The accessibility of the Find a Teacher link benefits our members in a number of ways. If you need to show proof of your qualifications for employment purposes, for example, you can refer potential employers to the Find a Teacher section on the College web site. Find a Teacher does not include personal information, such as address or phone number. It provides the following information about each College member: name and registration number type of certificate held date certificate was issued and expiry date, if applicable notification of completion of the New Teacher Induction Program Basic and Additional Qualifications where and when degrees and teacher education programs were completed whether a member is in good standing, whether a member has retired or resigned, whether a certificate has been revoked or suspended whether a member is subject to an order of the Discipline or Fitness to Practise committees or appealing an order of either committee any terms, conditions or limitations placed on a certificate. The public register has been available to members of the profession and the public since A member may request to remove a former name from the register, provided the member has never taught under that name, by completing a request form on the College web site. The Registrar may require supporting documentation with the request. Annual report Legislation requires the College to report annually to the legislature about its activities.the College uses this opportunity to produce an annual report that provides a wealth of statistical information about the Ontario teaching profession. A wide variety of policy-makers, media, academics, schools and other education organizations look to the College for key information about Ontario certified teachers. We have published the annual report online since 2008 to reduce our environmental impact and enhance accessibility to a fuller range of statistical information about the Ontario teaching profession. Annual reports dating from 1997 are available online at g College Communications. Discipline decisions For the public, one of the College s most important functions is its responsibility to address complaints about individual members. The College is committed to providing fair and impartial treatment for its members while carrying out its duty to protect Ontario students and the integrity of the profession. It is very important to the public s trust in our profession that information about this process is easily available. Disciplinary hearings are open to the public and their outcome is published in Professionally Speaking and on our web site. Any disciplinary action taken against a member is posted to the member s record in the Find a Teacher section of the OUR COMMITMENT 11

16 Our Commitment web site. Copies of discipline decisions from hearings that are held in public are available from the College s Margaret Wilson Library at library@oct.ca. College mandate A self-regulatory body carries out its mandate in a transparent and accountable manner to maintain public confidence in the regulation of the profession in the public interest. The College s authority is contained in the Ontario College of Teachers Act, which was approved by the Ontario Legislature in The College is mandated to: regulate the profession of teaching and govern its members develop, establish and maintain qualifications for membership in the College accredit professional teacher education programs offered by postsecondary educational institutions in Ontario accredit ongoing education programs for teachers offered by postsecondary educational institutions and other bodies in Ontario issue, renew, amend, suspend, cancel, revoke and reinstate Certificates of Qualification and Registration provide for the ongoing education of members of the College establish and enforce ethical standards and professional standards applicable to members of the College receive and investigate complaints against members of the College and deal with discipline and fitness to practise issues develop, provide and accredit educational programs leading to certificates of qualification additional to the certificate required for membership, including but not limited to certificates of qualification for supervisory officers, and issue, renew, amend, suspend, cancel, revoke and reinstate such additional certificates communicate with the public on behalf of the members of the College perform such additional functions as are prescribed by the regulations. A self-regulatory body carries out its mandate in a transparent and accountable manner to maintain public confidence. 12 ONTARIO CERTIFIED TEACHER S HANDBOOK 2012

17 Our Commitment Council and committee responsibilities The College Council develops and approves policies for the regulation of the teaching profession through its committee work (see page 14). The Council is made up of Ontario certified teachers elected by College members from among the membership and public members appointed by the provincial government, some of whom have wide experience in the education sector. The Council meets at least four times a year, and meetings are open to the public. Council minutes, once approved, are posted on the College web site. You can read summaries of Council meetings in the Governing Ourselves pages of Professionally Speaking. Organizational structure The College Registrar, as chief executive officer, manages the business of the College. The Registrar is responsible for issuing certificates and maintaining the register of members, and may also suspend members for non-payment of fees and appoint investigators to look into complaints against members.the Deputy Registrar has responsibility for oversight of the financial operations of the College. Four departments provide services to members and support the work of the Council committees under the leadership of the Registrar s office. Council Office of the Registrar Corporate and Council Services Department Membership Services Department Investigations and Hearings Department Standards of Practice and Accreditation Department Administration Membership Records Intake and Hearings Standards of Practice and Education Communications Evaluation Services Investigations Accreditation Policy and Research Client Services Information Technology OUR COMMITMENT 13

18 Our Commitment Council Committees Executive Investigation Discipline Fitness to Practise Registration Appeals Standards of Practice and Education Accreditation Accreditation Appeals Finance Election Nomination Quality Assurance Editorial Board Human Resources Steering Responsibilities Conducts business referred by Council, fills committee vacancies and considers interim suspensions Investigates complaints regarding members Conducts hearings and deals with allegations of professional misconduct and incompetence Conducts hearings and deals with issues of incapacity Reviews appeals from applicants denied membership Develops standards of practice and ethical standards for the teaching profession Reviews and accredits programs of professional education recorded on Certificates of Qualification and Registration Reviews appeals to accreditation decisions from teacher education providers Oversees the financial affairs of the College and acts as the audit committee Supervises the election of the Council Prepares a slate of candidates for membership on the various Council committees Assesses the performance of the College in relation to its mandate Oversees the publication of Professionally Speaking Develops human resources policies Facilitates the movement of materials and motions from the Executive Committee to Council 14 ONTARIO MEMBER S CERTIFIED HANDBOOK TEACHER S 2011 HANDBOOK 2012

19 College Bylaws Need more info? g About the College g College Bylaws The College bylaws set out the administrative procedures of the College and provide direction for implementing policy. Responsibilities The bylaws include a number of sections that affect members directly. The bylaws: set out ethical standards and standards of practice for members of the profession require written notification within 30 days from a member of any change of information, such as address or name change set out the annual membership and other fees require that the College publication, Professionally Speaking, be distributed to all members describe the contents of the College register, determine what information members must provide, what information must be retained and what can be removed. Current bylaws are on the College web site at g About the College g College Bylaws. The bylaws are updated on the College web site whenever they are amended by Council. Public Interest Committee A three-person Public Interest Committee is appointed by the provincial government to advise Council regarding its duty to serve and protect the public interest in carrying out the College s objectives. Teachers challenge their students minds and encourage independent thought. We teach the joy of overcoming a challenge rather than being overwhelmed by it. OUR COMMITMENT 15

20 Act professionally Be transparent and authentic. Use your true professional identity at all times. Even if you create a false identity, courts can compel disclosure of your true identity.

21 Your Professional Standards Ethical standards, standards of practice and the professional learning framework describe what it means to be a member of the teaching profession in Ontario. They articulate the goals and aspirations of a teaching profession dedicated to fostering student learning and preparing Ontario students to participate in a democratic society. PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY 17

22 Foundations of Professional Practice Foundations of Professional Practice articulates the high standards that the teaching profession sets for educators in Ontario, bringing together three documents that form the foundation for the self-regulation of the teaching profession in Ontario: The Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession describe the professional beliefs and values that guide the decision-making and professional actions of College members in their professional roles and relationships. The five interdependent domains of the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession describe the continuum of knowledge, skills and professional practices of College members. The Professional Learning Framework for the Teaching Profession presents a variety of ways College members may pursue opportunities for ongoing professional learning. Professional standards that guide and reflect exemplary teaching practice and continuous professional improvement are essential to effective teaching and learning. The College has fostered the development of these professional standards to support exemplary teaching in Ontario. The Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession, Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession and Professional Learning Framework for the Teaching Profession outline the principles of ethical behaviour, professional practice and ongoing learning for the teaching profession in Ontario. College members use the standards to reflect on their own development as teaching professionals and inform their practice and ongoing learning choices. The complete Foundations of Professional Practice can be found on the College web site at g Publications g College Communications. Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession The Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession represent a vision of professional practice. At the heart of a strong and effective teaching profession is a commitment to students and their learning. Members of the Ontario College of Teachers, in their position of trust, demonstrate responsibility in their relationships with students, parents, guardians, colleagues, education partners, other professionals, the environment and the public. Foundations of Professional Practice articulates the standards that Ontario teachers embrace as their professional foundation. Need more info? g Publications g College Communications g Foundations of Professional Practice 18 ONTARIO CERTIFIED TEACHER S HANDBOOK 2012

23 Your Professional Standards Intrinsic to the ethical standard of Respect are trust and fairmindedness. Members honour human dignity, emotional wellness and cognitive development. Care The ethical standard of Care includes compassion, acceptance, interest and insight for developing students potential. Members express their commitment to students well-being and learning through positive influence, professional judgment and empathy in practice. Trust The ethical standard of Trust embodies fairness, openness and honesty. Members professional relationships with students, colleagues, parents, guardians and the public are based on trust. Respect Intrinsic to the ethical standard of Respect are trust and fair-mindedness. Members honour human dignity, emotional wellness and cognitive development. In their professional practice, they model respect for spiritual and cultural values, social justice, confidentiality, freedom, democracy and the environment. Integrity Honesty, reliability and moral action are embodied in the ethical standard of Integrity. Continual reflection assists members in exercising integrity in their professional commitments and responsibilities. Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession The Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession provide a framework of principles that describes the knowledge, skills and values inherent in Ontario s teaching profession.these standards articulate the goals and aspirations of the profession.they convey a collective vision of professionalism that guides the daily practices of members of the Ontario College of Teachers. The standards of practice include five statements about students and student learning, professional knowledge, professional practice, leadership in learning communities and ongoing professional learning. Commitment to students and student learning Members are dedicated in their care and commitment to students.they treat students equitably and with respect and are sensitive to factors that influence individual student learning. Members facilitate the development of students as contributing citizens of Canadian society. Leadership in learning communities Members promote and participate in the creation of collaborative, safe and supportive learning communities. They recognize their shared responsibilities and their leadership roles in order to facilitate student success. Members maintain and uphold the principles of the ethical standards in these learning communities. YOUR PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 19

24 Your Professional Standards Ongoing professional learning Members recognize that a commitment to ongoing professional learning is integral to effective practice and to student learning. Professional practice and self-directed learning are informed by experience, research, collaboration and knowledge. Professional knowledge Members strive to be current in their professional knowledge and recognize its relationship to practice. They understand and reflect on student development, learning theory, pedagogy, curriculum, ethics, educational research and related policies and legislation to inform professional judgment in practice. Professional practice Members apply professional knowledge and experience to promote student learning. They use appropriate pedagogy assessment and evaluation, resources and technology in planning for and responding to the needs of individual students and learning communities. Members refine their professional practice through ongoing inquiry, dialogue and reflection. Professional Learning Framework The Professional Learning Framework for the Teaching Profession outlines opportunities for ongoing professional learning for members. The framework provides for this growth and development through the identification of accredited pre-service and in-service programs of professional teacher education and a wide range of other learning opportunities. Professional learning may take a variety of forms. Following their pre-service training, members of the College may complete courses or programs that are identified in the Teachers Qualifications Regulation, made under the Ontario College of Teachers Act. These courses or programs are accredited by the College and offered by approved providers. When a member successfully completes one of these courses or programs, it is recorded on the member s Certificate of Qualification and Registration. Members of the College stay current and up to date in many ways beyond completing Additional Qualification courses and programs. Examples of professional learning opportunities are identified in this document. Educators can participate in or facilitate professional development activities, mentor colleagues, join professional networks, engage in research activities, and read books and articles about educational issues. Professional learning is at the heart of teacher professionalism. In addition to the accredited in-service programs, Ontario certified teachers engage in a wide variety of professional learning to improve their practice and enhance student learning. All of these opportunities are an integral part of the professional learning framework. Educators participate in learning opportunities offered by their employers, the Ministry of Education, faculties of education, professional organizations, federations and subject associations. Through this professional learning, College members demonstrate a commitment to continued professional growth. Professional learning is at the heart of teacher professionalism. 20 ONTARIO MEMBER S CERTIFIED HANDBOOK TEACHER S HANDBOOK 2012

25 Your Professional Standards By developing the Professional Learning Framework for the Teaching Profession, the Ontario College of Teachers meets its legislated mandate to provide for the ongoing education of members of the College. It also informs the public of the many ways educators remain knowledgeable and current. The professional learning framework: acknowledges the commitment members of the teaching profession make to professional learning highlights a range of options to improve practice and enhance student learning identifies programs and professional learning activities accredited by the College assists members of the College to identify, collect, reflect upon and celebrate their learning experiences and accomplishments assures the profession and the public that members of the College have the opportunity through professional learning to remain current throughout their careers. The professional learning framework supports the following principles: The goal of professional learning is the ongoing improvement of practice. Teacher learning is directly correlated to student learning. The professional learning framework encourages learning activities based on provincial legislation and policy, system needs, personal-growth needs and student learning needs. The framework also encourages members of the College to identify and pursue their strengths and personal interests to further their professional learning. Standards-based professional learning provides for an integrated approach to teacher education. All programs and professional learning activities accredited by the College must be designed to support the Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession and the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession. Exemplary professional learning opportunities are based on the principles of effective learning. The framework takes into account individual career and personal priorities. It outlines professional learning activities that are varied, flexible and accessible to members of the College. Teachers plan for and reflect on their professional learning. Responsible lifelong learning is continuous learning that is initiated by members of the College and directed and reviewed by them on an ongoing basis. Learning communities enhance professional learning. The professional learning framework encourages collaboration. It supports ongoing commitment to the improvement and currency of teaching practice as an individual and collective responsibility. YOUR PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 21

26 Your Professional Standards Professional learning outlined in legislation The Teachers Qualifications Regulation defines the teacher education programs that are currently recognized by the Ontario College of Teachers. The regulation is made under the Ontario College of Teachers Act. The College Council approved important changes to the Teachers Qualifications Regulation that came into effect in May The revised regulation is the culmination of four years of extensive review, consultations and work with our education partners and flows from the recommendations of the College s 2006 study Preparing Teachers for Tomorrow. Recommendations emerged from our consultations about preparing teachers for the classrooms and the continuing education programs that were needed to enhance teachers professional skills and knowledge. This includes the introduction of a new group of 64 courses in technological education and a new three-part kindergarten course. Additional Basic Qualification Courses Pre-service Ontario Teacher Education Programs (Basic Qualifications) Teachers Qualifications Regulation Principal s Qualifications Courses Supervisory Officer s Qualification Honours Specialist Courses These professional learning programs are accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers. Additional Qualification Courses Other opportunities for professional growth and development The challenge for members of the College today is to maintain and extend their professional knowledge and skills in a rapidly changing educational environment. Educators engage in many forms of professional learning. The range of opportunities reflects the complexity of the teaching profession and identifies ways that educators remain current in their practice. 22 ONTARIO CERTIFIED TEACHER S HANDBOOK 2012

27 Your Professional Standards Professional Growth Opportunities The challenge for members of the College today is to maintain and extend their professional knowledge and skills in a rapidly changing educational environment. These opportunities might include but are not limited to: Academic Programs Currently, the Certificate of Qualification and Registration includes only completed degree programs. Members of the College may choose to: participate in programs or courses offered through universities, colleges or other institutions or organizations that do not always lead to academic degrees. These programs may be prerequisites to enrolment in the certification programs listed in the Teachers Qualifications Regulation. Professional Networks Members of the College may choose to: partner with business, industry, colleges and universities contribute to subject councils, the work of the federations or other professional organizations participate on school-based committees serve on a local school community committee or school council. Research Activities Members of the College may choose to: inquire into teaching practice plan and conduct research activities to enhance teaching and learning work collaboratively with others to contribute to the knowledge base of teaching and learning explore ways to access and use education research. Professional Activities Members of the College may choose to: maintain a professional portfolio arrange opportunities to observe exemplary practice stay current by reading educational books and journals share ideas and resources with colleagues participate in curriculum writing and/or assessment projects. Mentoring and Networking Members of the College may choose to: serve as associate teachers become involved in a mentoring partnership learn with colleagues through co-operative planning and problem solving form study groups. Learning through Practice Members of the College may choose to: develop and implement curriculum materials participate in school-based collaborative inquiry implement a new instructional or assessment strategy conduct and publish action research projects pilot new initiatives individually or with colleagues. Professional Contributions Members of the College may choose to: participate in, present at, or organize conferences, workshops and institutes contribute to a professional publication. Technology and Learning Members of the College may choose to: increase their competency in computer, telecommunication and videoconferencing technology join a listserv integrate technology into teaching practice enrol in a distance education program. Members of the College may also choose other options for learning beyond these examples. YOUR PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 23

28 Your Professional Standards Accreditation Teacher education programs in Ontario are accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers. Accreditation is a status granted by the College to a teacher education program or Additional Qualification course that has met or exceeded quality assurance criteria established by the College. These programs lead to a qualification on a member s Certificate of Qualification and Registration. Teacher education candidates are assured that pre-service and teacher education programs meet provincial regulatory requirements. They support and reflect the ethical standards and standards of practice. Accredited pre-service programs must meet all regulatory requirements in such areas as methods and foundations courses, divisional studies and the practicum. Accreditation ensures that Ontario s teacher education programs are current and apply theory in practice. The Accreditation Regulation also gives the College responsibility for accrediting Additional Qualification courses named in the regulation to address the ongoing professional needs of members. Courses offered for Additional Basic Qualifications, Additional Qualifications, Principal s Qualifications and the Supervisory Officer s Qualification program are among those now reviewed and accredited by the College. Teachers can find course guidelines on the College web site at g Additional Qualifications g Schedules and Guidelines. The accreditation process Accrediting teacher education programs maintains the public s confidence in Ontario s certified teachers and ensures that the public s interest is protected. The accreditation process provides quality assurance for Ontario s teacher education programs and ensures that the programs reflect a culture of continuous quality enhancement. Accreditation panels review pre-service programs in a transparent and fair manner. Each accreditation panel includes College members with broad knowledge and experience in education. You can bring your expertise to the accreditation process in two ways. You can be part of an accreditation panel. Look for ads seeking panelists in Professionally Speaking. Need more info? Additional Qualifications 24 ONTARIO CERTIFIED TEACHER S HANDBOOK 2012

29 Your Professional Standards Accrediting teacher education programs maintains the public s confidence in Ontario s certified teachers and ensures that the public s interest is protected. You, and members of the public, are also invited to make submissions about the quality of initial teacher education programs. You can find details about this on the College web site at g Teacher Education g How Programs are Accredited. A College accreditation panel examines applications made by a faculty to offer a teacher education program in Ontario. The application details how the program meets the requirements outlined in regulation. After reviewing all documents submitted by the faculty, the panel members visit the campus to interview program administrators, faculty members, teacher candidates, associate teachers and others linked to the program. The panel considers various sources of evidence to develop recommendations and a report for the College s Accreditation Committee. The committee decides about the program s accreditation. You can find Accreditation Committee decisions at g Teacher Education g How Programs Are Accredited. Decisions are also reported in Professionally Speaking. YOUR PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 25

30 Understand privacy concerns Operate in all circumstances online as a professional as you would in the community.

31 Professional Standards Your Qualifications Whether in the classroom, the principal s office or the district school board, all members of the College begin their careers with formal training in a teacher education program that meets the requirements set out in regulation. The teaching licence issued to you annually by the College is an acknowledgement to employers and the public of your qualifications and credentials. FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 27

32 Your Professional Requirements The Education Act defines a teacher as a member of the College. Clearly defining academic, professional, language proficiency and suitability requirements for teacher certification is one way in which the College assures its membership and the public that all teaching professionals are qualified to work in publicly funded schools in Ontario. The information in this section provides detailed information about Basic Qualifications, Additional Qualifications and the Ministry of Education s New Teacher Induction Program. All members of the College must meet the following requirements. Teacher education programs Basic Qualifications Teachers who complete their teacher education program in Ontario have the required areas of study commonly known as Basic Qualifications to teach in two consecutive divisions Primary/ Junior, Junior/ Intermediate, Intermediate/ Senior or Grades 9 10/ Grades in technological education. It is the Basic Qualification that determines if you are qualified as a general education or a technological education teacher, and in what language, grades and subjects you may teach. Teachers in technological education subjects have also provided work experience and proof of competence in the areas selected as options in their teacher education program. Teachers who completed their teacher education program outside Ontario are granted basic qualifications that reflect their areas of study. Your Basic Qualifications are listed on your Certificate of Qualification and Registration. They identify the divisions or areas of study that were a focus in your teacher education program. In Ontario, teachers must be qualified in at least two consecutive divisions. The divisions are: Primary (Grades K 3), Junior (Grades 4 6), Intermediate (Grades 7 10) and Senior (Grades 11 12). Junior/Intermediate teachers must be qualified in at least one general education subject appropriate for Grades 7 and 8 from the list on page 29. Teachers who hold Intermediate/Senior qualifications must be qualified in two general education subjects from that list. Teachers of technological education must be qualified in subjects from the technological education list on page 29. A teacher may add qualifications by taking Additional Basic Qualification courses in different divisions and/or subjects. The current list of teaching subjects can also be found on the College web site at g Become a Teacher g Teaching Subjects. Teacher certification is one way in which the College assures its membership and the public that all teaching professionals are qualified to work in publicly funded schools in Ontario. Need more info? Become a Teacher Teaching Subjects for a full list of current subjects 28 ONTARIO CERTIFIED TEACHER S HANDBOOK 2012

33 Your Qualifications If you completed your teacher education program at an English-language faculty, your Basic Qualifications are listed in English, indicating that you are qualified to teach in the English-language system. If you completed your program at a Frenchlanguage faculty, your qualifications are listed in French, indicating that you are qualified to teach in the French-language system. If you did not complete your teacher education program in English or French but provided proof of language proficiency in one of these languages, your qualifications are listed in that language. Since 2000, applicants to the College have been required to provide proof of language proficiency in English or French in order to be certified to teach in Ontario. The College records the names of teacher education degrees, and initial and Additional Qualification courses on your certificate. Technological Education Teaching Subjects Communications Technology, Grades 9 and 10 Communications Technology, Grades 11 and 12 Computer Technology, Grades 9 and 10 Computer Technology, Grades 11 and 12 Construction Technology, Grades 9 and 10 Construction Technology, Grades 11 and 12 Green Industries, Grades 9 and 10 Green Industries, Grades 11 and 12 Hairstyling and Aesthetics, Grades 9 and 10 Hairstyling and Aesthetics, Grades 11 and 12 Health Care, Grades 9 and 10 Health Care, Grades 11 and 12 Hospitality and Tourism, Grades 9 and 10 Hospitality and Tourism, Grades 11 and 12 Manufacturing Technology, Grades 9 and 10 Manufacturing Technology, Grades 11 and 12 Technological Design, Grades 9 and 10 Technological Design, Grades 11 and 12 Transportation Technology, Grades 9 and 10 Transportation Technology, Grades 11 and 12 General Education Teaching Subjects Anglais Business Studies Accounting Business Studies Entrepreneurship Business Studies General Business Studies Information and Communication Technology Classical Studies Greek Classical Studies Latin Computer Studies Dance Dramatic Arts Economics English Environmental Science/Environmental Studies Family Studies Français French as a Second Language Geography Health and Physical Education History International Languages Law Mathematics Media Arts (effective March 31, 2011) Music Instrumental Music Vocal Native Languages Native Studies Philosophy Politics Religious Education Science Biology Science Chemistry Science General Science Physics Social Sciences General Visual Arts YOUR QUALIFICATIONS 29