Standards Spotlight: Celebrate World Teachers’ Day Through Your Commitment to Students and Student Learning

World Teachers’ Day on October 5 recognizes the contributions teachers make to learners, communities, and society. In 2026, the day also marked the 60th anniversary of the ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers — an international framework that recognizes teaching as a profession grounded in specialized knowledge, professional judgment, rights and responsibilities, and ongoing learning.

In Ontario, these foundational elements are reflected in the College’s refreshed Professional Standards. Developed with significant input from Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs) and the public, the nine standards describe the knowledge, skills, values, and responsibilities that guide professional practice and support public trust in the teaching profession.

Above all else, OCTs are committed to students and student learning. This foundational standard is the connective thread among all nine standards. It calls on OCTs to draw on students’ strengths, needs, identities, and lived experiences, and to create culturally safe and accessible learning environments where every student feels respected, supported, and empowered to learn.

How can you demonstrate a commitment to students and student learning in your daily practice?

• Use what you know about students’ strengths, needs, identities, and lived experiences to plan for student success, remove barriers, and make learning more accessible.
• Work with colleagues, families, and other resource professionals to identify what students need to participate, progress, and feel supported.
• Make timely, student-centred decisions when learning, well-being, or safety may be affected, including seeking guidance or additional assistance when needed.
• Engage in professional learning to strengthen your knowledge and skills and enhance student learning.

On World Teachers’ Day, we recognize the care, expertise, and professional judgment OCTs bring to this commitment every day. By protecting students, empowering them in their learning, and supporting their success and well-being, OCTs help strengthen public confidence in the profession and serve the public interest.

Council Meeting Update

Council Chair Joseph Fiorino began the September 29, 2026, Council meeting by recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. He highlighted the College’s pledge to continue working in partnership with Indigenous peoples and to uphold our commitments to Truth and Reconciliation. He also welcomed Justin Morin-Carpentier as Council’s newest publicly appointed member.

During the meeting, several key updates were presented, including a quarterly report from Registrar and CEO, Linda Lacroix, OCT/EAO. The Registrar and CEO’s update also included recognition of the College’s 2026 scholarship recipients. Bylaw amendments were approved, with the primary changes made to reflect the refreshed Professional Standards.

Next, an update on the College’s Governance Enhancement Plan was provided, with Council receiving and approving the policy review risk criteria and risk-based review cycle.

Council then received a report from the Audit and Finance Subcommittee, along with quarterly financial results and a situational analysis and key considerations for the preliminary 2027 budget, including a proposed annual membership fee increase from $200 to $235 in 2027. Membership fees are the College’s primary source of revenue and reflect the costs required to fulfill our core mandate. The annual membership fee has remained at $200 for four years, but the increase is now necessary to reflect rising operating costs and service demands. The proposed budget will support the College’s 2027 operations by addressing inflation, increasing service demands, new legislative requirements, and the need to maintain adequate reserves. Council will consider the final 2027 budget at its December meeting.

The Chair of the Selection and Nominating Subcommittee provided an update and brought forward two motions related to appointing a selection of individuals to committee and roster positions for terms commencing January 1, 2027. Those motions were approved. A report from the Human Resources Subcommittee was also received.

Finally, the Chair of the Accreditation Committee, Dr. Robert Kyle joined to provide a report on behalf of the committee.

Following the Council meeting, Council members and Committee chairs and vice-chairs joined Alan Clamp, CEO of the Professional Standards Authority in the UK, for an education session on the challenges, choices, and governance of good regulation.

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

Addressing Hate and Discrimination: A Professional Resource for OCTs

Ontario's classrooms and learning environments bring together students, families and educators from a wide range of backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. In these settings, OCTs may encounter situations involving bias, discrimination or hate that require thoughtful and professional responses.

The College's Professional Advisory Addressing Hate and Discrimination provides guidance to support members in recognizing and responding to such situations while upholding their professional, ethical and legal responsibilities. The accompanying case studies illustrate how these principles can be applied in practice through examples based on real-life occurrences. We encourage all members to review these resources and consider how this guidance can inform their professional judgment and practice.

Meet the 2026 College Scholarship Recipients

Mathematics Proficiency Test Still Open for Registration

Registration is still open for the fall test window of the Math Proficiency Test (MPT), which ends on November 14, 2026.

The winter and spring test windows have been scheduled but registration dates have not yet been announced. Please note that all dates may be subject to change.

Winter test window: January 28, 2027 – March 20, 2027

Spring test window: April 13, 2027 – May 29, 2027

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, please 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.

Celebrating the Profession while Supporting Your Practice

On October 5, we joined people around the world in celebrating World Teachers’ Day and recognizing the knowledge, skills, and professional judgment OCTs bring to the profession.

In recognition of this day, the Margaret Wilson Library staff curated a reading list that explores teacher leadership and approaches to navigating changes in education.

How to access the reading list:

1. Sign in to your College account.
2. On the left navigation pane, click Library.
3. On the right navigation channel of the library page, select the World Teachers’ Day reading list under Featured Titles.

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