Inspiring Public Confidence

The Ontario College of Teachers was established in 1997 to allow teachers to regulate and govern their own profession in the public interest. Teachers who want to work in publicly funded schools in Ontario must be certified to teach in the province and be members of the College.

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 and
• provides for ongoing professional learning opportunities for members.

The College is accountable to the public for how it carries out its responsibilities. You can find the qualifications, credentials and current status of every College member on our public register of members at Find a Teacher.

The College’s legislation, the Ontario College of Teachers Act, was amended in 2006 to create the Public Interest Committee. The legislation determines the committee’s composition, membership and designation of a chair by ministerial appointment.