| DECEMBER 2020 | PROTECTING THE PUBLIC INTEREST |
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In this edition: | Better student protection | | New College Registrar | | Addressing systemic racism | | Tech educator qualifications | | Education Minister commends College |
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| | | Professional boundaries | | Annual report highlights | | Electronic communication | | Mental health resources | | Who’s your child’s teacher? |
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| Better student protection On November 5, the Ontario Government introduced changes to the College’s legislation that will better protect students. The legislation reinforces recommendations the College Council has made to government in recent years. |
| | | New College Registrar We are very pleased to inform you that the College’s Council has appointed Dr. Derek Haime, OCT, as its next Chief Executive Officer and Registrar. Dr. Haime will begin his four-year term on January 1, 2021. |
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| Addressing systemic racism The College’s Professional Misconduct regulation now includes hateful remarks and behaviour as acts of professional misconduct. The recent changes to the regulation, which is part of the Ontario College of Teachers Act, reflect the College’s commitment to inclusion, diversity and addressing systemic racism. |
| | | Tech educator qualifications Soon you’ll know more about the qualifications of your child’s technological education teacher, thanks to regulatory amendments approved by the College Council. Ontario’s tech ed teachers will now be formally recognized for their education, work experience and competencies, which will start to appear on their certificates and the College’s public register, Find a Teacher. |
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| Education Minister commends College Education Minister Stephen Lecce addressed College Council on December 3. He commended the College for its commitment to protecting students and modernizing College operations. |
| | | Maintaining professional boundaries The College released its new advisory, Professional Boundaries, which provides practical advice to teachers on maintaining appropriate boundaries with students. From social media use to physical contact, the advisory focuses on professional boundaries between educators and their students, and aims to clarify grey areas. |
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| Annual report highlights The College’s annual report is now online. The report includes member demographics, highlights of Council and committee activities from the past year, achievements, statistics and more! |
| | | Advice on electronic communications The College regularly publishes professional advisories that provide advice to teachers on a number of topics such as bullying, student mental health, and safety in learning environments. The December issue of Professionally Speaking shows how teachers are applying guidance from the College’s advisory on electronic communication and social media. |
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| Mental health resources As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it’s important to practise self-care and address common mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. These free online resources can help: BEACON provides free digital therapy to all Ontarians age 16 and older during COVID-19. Morneau Shepell offers insightful articles about depression and the pandemic. For children who have a lost a loved one, Light House provides peer support for grieving families. |
| | | 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 Certified Teachers. Hiring a private tutor? Ensure they are certified by the College. Read our Q&A and learn why your best choice is always an Ontario Certified Teacher. The College Council grants the Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) designation to qualified, competent members in good standing only. |
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