An Overview
Contact OPC immediately upon notification of a complaint. Do not discuss or answer any questions about the complaint with the investigator who calls to notify you.
The mandate of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) is to establish and regulate the standards of the profession, including teaching qualifications; register members; and investigate and discipline members charged with professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity. Teachers who work in publicly funded schools in Ontario must be members of the College. Some private schools also require their teachers be members of the College (www.oct.ca).
The College:
- ensures Ontario students are taught by skilled teachers who adhere to clear standards of practice and conduct
- establishes standards of practice and conduct
- issues teaching certificates and may suspend or revoke them
- accredits teacher education programs and courses
- provides for ongoing professional learning opportunities for members
- investigates complaints of misconduct or incompetence made against members
- investigates complaints that members are unfit to practise due to medical or other reasons.
The College is governed by a 37-member Council – 23 members of the College who are elected by members of the college and 14 members of the public appointed by the provincial government. It is a prudent practice to review the OCT information of every teacher you supervise.