2026 scholarship applications are now open

Do you know an outstanding teacher candidate enrolled in an accredited teacher education program in Ontario?

Encourage them to apply for the Ontario College of Teachers Scholarship Program! Each year, the College awards four $1,500 scholarships recognizing academic excellence, commitment to the teaching profession and resilience.

Urooj Ahsan, recipient of the 2025 Intermediate/Senior Scholarship, shares why she believes teacher candidates should apply:

“It brings recognition for a person — recognition of what we have done in the past, what efforts are behind where we are today and recognition of our contributions toward the teaching profession. It’s not only about the financial support.”

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

For more information about each scholarship, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit our website.

Reminder to pay your 2026 annual membership fee

If your annual membership fee is not deducted through a payroll plan, ensure that you pay your $200 directly to the College.

You can pay by:

• credit card via our website
• online banking (add the Ontario College of Teachers as a payee)
• cheque or money order by mail.

Invoices have been sent by email to OCTs whose annual membership fee payment is outstanding. Print invoices have been sent to OCTs who do not have a valid email address on file with the College.

Your annual membership fee is tax deductible. You can download your receipt by signing into your online account on the College website.

Engage in professional learning through case studies from the Professional Advisory Addressing Hate and Discrimination

Based on real-life examples, the appendix that accompanies the Professional Advisory Addressing Hate and Discrimination includes nine case studies designed to help OCTs work through and appropriately address acts of hate and discrimination.

Focus on case study 6: Making a bad joke

Scenario: “I connect with my students by making them laugh, and they usually appreciate my sense of humour. During a lesson on Canada’s Food Guide, we started discussing different food choices. Some students mentioned that their families don’t eat certain foods for religious reasons. Wanting to keep the mood light, I joked, ‘I don’t think I could ever give up bacon – I’d probably change my religion before I gave that up!’ It was a harmless joke. However, the next day, my principal spoke with me about a concern raised by a family who found my comment offensive and dismissive of their beliefs. I was shocked – I never meant to insult anyone. I just thought I was being funny.”

As an OCT, you are expected to demonstrate respect for diversity by adopting inclusive teaching practices that recognize the influence of background, language, family structure, and social or cultural identity on student learning.

What should OCTs do?

• Apologize to your class and acknowledge that it was inappropriate to joke about religion.
• Foster environments where all students feel safe, heard, respected, and empowered to share their feelings, thoughts and lived experiences in ways that do not expose them to harm.
• Adhere to the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession, which includes a commitment to ongoing professional learning.
• Expand your knowledge on how to foster an inclusive learning environment. Visit the Find an AQ section of our website at oct.ca.

“In an inclusive education system, students must see themselves reflected in the curriculum, their physical surroundings, and the broader environment, so that they can feel engaged in and empowered by their learning experiences. Students need to experience teaching and learning that reflect their needs and who they are.” (Ministry of Education, Considerations for program planning, 2024)

The Professional Advisory Addressing Hate and Discrimination and case studies are available online at oct.ca in both PDF and audio formats.

Each case study is divided into four parts:

1. Scenario: Describes a situation based on real-life occurrences, presented from the point of view of an OCT.
2. Address it: Provides guidance on addressing the issue professionally.
3. Build awareness: Highlights professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities.
4. Know your role: Clarifies how an OCT’s actions reflect professional expectations.

Elevating practice through collaborative professionalism

From the earliest stages of teacher preparation to seasoned practice, collaboration remains a cornerstone of professional growth. Whether mentoring teacher candidates, engaging in school-wide initiatives or participating in ongoing professional learning, OCTs strengthen their professional judgement and amplify their impact by learning with and from one another. In this way, collaboration is not merely a feature of the profession; it is a lifelong practice that sustains excellence, enhances collective capacity and supports the success and well-being of all learners.

When OCTs work together to share evidence-based strategies, reflect on student needs and draw on diverse perspectives, they create a rich, responsive approach to teaching and learning. This collective work deepens pedagogical knowledge and reinforces the ethical and professional responsibilities outlined in the Professional Standards, ensuring decisions are informed, equitable, and grounded in shared expertise. Such professional dialogue not only strengthens individual practice but also supports quality teaching across Ontario classrooms.

One OCT’s reflection illustrates how collaborative professionalism and the Professional Standards come to life in daily practice:

“As an educator, I demonstrate collaboration in my professional practice by integrating evidence-based strategies, differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive pedagogy into my daily teaching... My practice is informed by both academic research and lived experience, and I regularly collaborate with colleagues as an Associate Teacher to support teacher candidates in developing strong professional habits.”

— Carrie Leigh Anderson, OCT

See what OCTs are reading

Curious about the books and ebooks that shaped the practice of OCTs in 2025?

Explore the Margaret Wilson Library’s list of the year’s most popular books and ebooks! Chosen by OCTs, these resources highlight the approaches they found meaningful, such as:

1. Integrated strategies to help students of all ages strengthen their ability to clearly and confidently express their thinking.
2. Culturally responsive practices to create classrooms where everyone belongs and feels included.
3. Real-world examples to help educators and system leaders move beyond surface-level change to support students and colleagues.

Explore Margaret Wilson Library titles that are currently resonating with members and contributing to professional growth.

How?

1. Access your College account on oct.ca by clicking Member Sign-in.
2. On the left navigation pane, click Library.
3. On the right navigation pane of the library page, click on Most popular books and ebooks 2025.

Explore the Margaret Wilson Library’s FAQs for tips and tricks to navigate the library’s online services.

Still have questions? Contact the library team by email at library@oct.ca or 1-833-966-5588.