Council Meeting Update

During the March 26, 2026, Council meeting, key updates were presented, including a quarterly report from Registrar and CEO, Linda Lacroix, OCT/EAO, as well as an Executive Summary of the 2025 Focus on Teaching report.

As part of the quarterly Registrar’s Report, a new section on tracked data metrics was introduced.

Separately, Council approved a motion directing the Registrar to conduct an environmental scan of legislation governing investigations at other professional regulators and to report back with recommendations. Council requested this work as part of the College’s regular review of existing legislation to identify possible opportunities for improvement.

An update will be shared with Council at its December 10, 2026, meeting.

Council received and approved the proposed work plan for the first phase of the Governance Enhancement Plan, which aims to strengthen and align Council governance with established best practices. The first phase will focus on foundations or baseline tools.

Council also received a decision note to expand the definition of “permitted institution” to include Indigenous Institutes and approved the related motion recommending that the Ministry of Education amend O. Reg. 347/02, Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs. This change would permit Indigenous Institutes to seek College accreditation for independent initial teacher education programs.

Additionally, Council received a report from the Audit and Finance Subcommittee (AFS), as well as the 2025 audited financial statements, and approved two motions, one related to contributions to the College’s reserves and the other related to the “Annual Budget Reallocations Policy.” This policy supports the Registrar’s discretion to cumulatively reallocate funds within the annual approved budget envelope, with reporting requirements to the AFS.

The Selection and Nominating Subcommittee’s report was received and their recommendations for Council and committee and roster appointments were approved. The subcommittee also acknowledged the contributions of Imran Syed, OCT, following his resignation from Council after serving since the College’s new governance model was introduced in 2022. Reports from the Human Resources Subcommittee and the Investigation Committee were also presented.

Council meetings are livestreamed on the College’s YouTube channel. Meeting summaries and related documents are posted on our website.

What Has Changed in the Updated Professional Advisory on Student Physical Safety?

The College recently released the updated Professional Advisory on Student Physical Safety in Learning Environments to Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs).

Originally issued in 2013 and last revised in 2016, the advisory has been updated to reflect today’s classrooms, student needs and safety risks. Key changes include:

• expanded reference to learning spaces and supervised contexts such as off-site learning, science labs and outdoor areas
• explicit consideration of exceptionalities, disability, medical conditions, accessibility and individualized safety planning
• a streamlined structure, organized once again around the 4Rs for Safety Framework (Recognize, Respond, Report, Reflect)
• greater emphasis on relevant legislation and Ministry of Education policies

Informed by extensive consultation with subject matter experts, specialists, education partners, interest holders and OCTs, the updated advisory was approved by the Standards of Practice and Education Committee and received by College Council at its meeting on March 26.

It is now available on the College website in English and French.

Mathematics Proficiency Test Spring Window Closing Soon

Registration for the spring test window of the Mathematics Proficiency Test (MPT) closes on June 2, 2026. The test window runs until June 6, 2026. There are no additional testing windows scheduled at this time.

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is responsible for scheduling, facilitating and evaluating the MPT. Refer to their website at mathproficiencytest.ca for the latest information and to register for a test sitting.   

Passing the MPT is a certification requirement for most College applicants. To confirm whether this requirement applies to you, visit the MPT page on our website.  

OCTs who held a general Certificate of Qualification and Registration (CQR) on January 31, 2025, are not required to pass the MPT.  

Teachers who are certified in another Canadian province or territory and are applying under the Ontario Labour Mobility Act (OLMA) are not required to complete the MPT. 

2026 Scholarship Applications Close June 30

Each year, the College awards four $1,500 scholarships to teacher candidates enrolled in an accredited teacher education program in Ontario who have demonstrated courage, perseverance, excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of teaching.

The deadline to apply for this year’s scholarships is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30.

Faduma Elmi, recipient of the 2025 Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship, shares why teacher candidates should apply for one of the College’s scholarships:

“[You] should apply for one of the scholarships, as it recognizes your accomplishments and achievements. It not only provides financial support, but also recognizes and honours your contributions prior to entering teachers college or the profession.”

If you or someone you know is interested in applying, more information about each scholarship, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, can be found on our 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 8: Treating students with exceptionalities differently

Scenario: “My colleague said they are purposefully and more often disciplining students who have been identified as exceptional (i.e., behaviour, communication, intellectual, physical, or multiple). They believe students with exceptionalities need more discipline and must be pushed harder to succeed in life. My colleague also does not provide accommodations identified in the students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and refers to these students using derogatory names.”

What should OCTs do?

• Report the behaviour immediately to your vice-principal or principal. If you are a member of a teachers’ federation, consult with the federation affiliate about your responsibilities when making an adverse report about a unionized colleague. If you are a vice-principal or principal, consult with your supervisor, follow board protocols and provide the appropriate support to students who are impacted directly or indirectly.
• Use appropriate pedagogy, assessment and evaluation, resources and technology in planning for and responding to the needs of individual students and learning communities.
• Practice with care and commitment to students’ well-being and learning through positive influence, professional judgment and empathy in practice.

Legally, OCTs must provide all accommodations, modifications, or alternative programming outlined in the IEP.

Discriminatory actions and behaviour are contrary to the College’s Ethical Standards and Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession. Such behaviour can lead to a College investigation and potential outcomes directed by the Investigation Committee or the Discipline Committee.

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.

Education Week: Recognizing the Work That Matters

In early May, we celebrated Education Week by recognizing the dedication and care educators show to students across Ontario.

Eighty percent of OCTs say student success is what motivates them most (2025 Focus on Teaching survey), which is reflected in their daily work to nurture student learning and well-being. Students are central to the College’s mandate, a shared focus that is expressed through the standards, guidance and resources that inform practice.

The Margaret Wilson Library is one of those resources. As the school year winds down, the Library has prepared a summer reading list on literacy, classroom strategies, well-being and leadership to help you plan ahead.

How to access the reading list:

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 channel of the library page, click on “Booklist” under Featured Title.

For support, contact the library team at library@oct.ca or 1-833-966-5588.