College of Teachers Announces New Registrar and Chief Executive Officer
August 25 2000
August 25, 2000 (Toronto) The Chair of the Ontario College of Teachers,
Donna Marie Kennedy, is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Atkinson
as new Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the College. Atkinson’s appointment
comes into effect November 1, 2000.
"Joe Atkinson is an accomplished educator who has been with the College since
its beginnings and has in-depth understanding of education issues as well as
the College's role in protecting the public interest," said Kennedy. "He also
brings to the position a solid background in professional learning program
development and delivery, community volunteerism and public office."
Atkinson joined the College in February 1997 as Co-ordinator of Professional
Affairs and led the development of the first Standards of Practice for the
Teaching Profession in Ontario. He was appointed Deputy Registrar in June
1999.
Atkinson went to Lakeshore Teachers’ College where he received the Prince
of Wales Prize as the top graduating teacher of 1966. He holds a BA degree
from York University and an MEd degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies
in Education at the University of Toronto.
Atkinson began teaching with the Toronto Board of Education in 1966. His early
experience included working in inner city junior and intermediate classrooms
and in the outdoor education, gifted education and adult education programs
of the board. In 1972, he was named Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
of Curriculum and Program of the board.
In 1974, he joined the professional staff of the Ontario Public School Teachers Federation
and was named the federations first Director of the Professional Development
Services Department in 1991. Under his leadership, the OPSTF established an
international reputation for excellence in the development and delivery of
quality professional growth programs. In recognition of his contribution to
the professional learning of educators in the province, the Ontario Teachers Federation
awarded Atkinson a fellowship in 1992.
"The recognition of the professionalism of Ontario teachers through the establishment
of the College was a big step forward for educators in this province," said
Atkinson. "It is a great honour to help lead the College at this time. I look
forward to working with colleagues here at the College and throughout the teaching
profession to continue to build teachers professionalism and public confidence.
Under the leadership of the Colleges first Registrar Margaret Wilson, we laid
an excellent foundation of trust and respect for open and fair self-regulation
of our profession in the public interest. "
"Joe Atkinsons integrity and his commitment to public service and public
accountability make him an excellent choice for Registrar. His creativity and
energy will be greatly appreciated by teachers, parents and students alike," Margaret
Wilson said.
The College is the self-regulating body for the teaching profession in Ontario
and membership in the College is a requirement for anyone wishing to teach
in a publicly funded school in the province. With more than 178,000 members,
the Ontario College of Teachers is the largest professional self-regulating
body in Canada.
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For more information:
Denys Gigure,
Media Relations Officer
416-961-8800 ext. 221
Toll-free 1-888-534-2222, ext. 221
