Complaints Process

We take concerns about our members seriously. Here is how to raise a concern about a member:

1. In some cases, it is appropriate to speak to the teacher, principal or school board/employer official first.
   If appropriate, see if the issue can be dealt with at the school or board/employer level.
2. Talk to us
   If you need further assistance, call our Investigations and Hearings Department.
   • Phone: 416-961-8800
   • Toll-free (Ontario): 1-888-534-2222
3. Submit information regarding your concern
   If the issue is not resolved, information regarding a concern can be filed with our Intake staff. Concerns are screened to ensure they are neither frivolous nor an abuse of process, and meet the other requirements under the Ontario College of Teachers Act. Anonymous concerns will typically not be investigated.

Submit information online regarding a concern

Submit information by mail regarding a concern

Concerns may be submitted in writing or by audio or video-recording and sent to:
Registrar of the College
Ontario College of Teachers
101 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON M5S 0A1

Submission checklist

In your submission, you must include:

• your name
• your address and phone number
• the nature of the complaint
• the name of the teacher
• any other supporting information.

Need help?

Call us:
Toronto: 416-961-8800
Toll-free (Ontario): 1-888-534-2222

Find more details about our process in our guide, Steps to Take: If You Have a Concern About a Member

What happens next? 

Intake staff evaluate the file. If they determine that the concern relates to professional misconduct and is neither frivolous nor vexatious, the matter is transferred to an investigator.

Formalizing the complaint

The College investigator prepares a document, called a Request to Initiate an Investigation. This document formalizes the complaint.

Informing the member

If the complaint falls within the College’s jurisdiction, the member will be informed of the complaint and given 60 days to respond. Their response will be shared with the complainant.

Complaint Resolution

If appropriate, certain complaints may be resolved through our voluntary complaint resolution program without an investigation or hearing.

Investigation

If the complaint is not suitable for or cannot be resolved through complaint resolution, an investigation will be conducted, which may include gathering documents and / or interviewing individuals who may be able to provide relevant information.