COVID-19: Information, Resources and FAQs
February 01 2021
The safety of our members, staff and visitors is our top priority during these challenging times.
News
The College continues its work virtually, while the physical office remains closed to limit the spread of COVID-19
The safety of our members, staff and visitors is our top priority, which is why our physical office remains closed.
The College continues to conduct business virtually, including processing applications, as quickly as possible, although with some delays.
Our contact centre is open virtually to assist you from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, at 416.961.8800 (toll-free in Ontario at 1.888.534.2222).
In addition, our social media team is active and is responding during this same period on
Facebook,
Twitter,
Instagram,
YouTube,
Linkedin and Pinterest.
Our e-Services,
online application form
and other online services continue to be available, and you can still send mail to our attention.
As well, our Council and committees continue to meet, though meetings are being held virtually.
We have taken these measures to limit the transmission of COVID-19 in compliance with the prevention measures outlined by the federal, provincial and municipal governments.
To further assist you, the following links to a variety of information and resources are provided for your reference:
Messages to Members & Applicants
College Resources
Additional Resources
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Government of Canada
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Government of Ontario
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Anxiety Canada
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CAMH - Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
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Educational Programming
FAQs
Business / operations
Yes, our online services and call centre remain open as our staff are
working remotely.
We will reassess this as the situation with COVID-19 continues to unfold and
provide updates as soon as possible.
Yes. While our staff are working remotely, our processes and timelines are
delayed.
We will provide more information as the situation continues to evolve.
Please continue to check this page for updates. Thank you for your patience.
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We are receiving and processing mail, so wherever possible, institutions
should continue to send their documents.
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Any document received electronically will be verified through the issuing
institution.
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The College has pre-established mechanisms to receive electronic documents
from a number of institutions (OUAC, National Student Clearing house,
Parchment, My eQuals, TOEFL, IELTS, regulatory authorities and academic
institutions and will continue to contact institutions to arrange for
secure transfer of documents wherever possible.
Criminal record checks
The College understands that some police departments have recently made
changes to their process to issue criminal record checks due to the
situation with COVID-19. As a result, we are now accepting Criminal Record
Checks (CRC) in either original (hard copy) or electronic/digital form.
The submission and criteria differ slightly for each one:
-
If you have been issued an original (paper) CRC by a police department
within Canada, you can send it to The Ontario College of Teachers,
Membership Services, 101 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 0A1. Once
received, we will review it and be in touch if we need more information.
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If you have been issued an electronic/digital criminal record check by a
police department within Canada, you can send it to
info@oct.ca. Once received, we will
review it and be in touch if we need more information.
Please contact your local police department for more information on how to
obtain your CRC.
The College must be able to determine if these documents were sent directly from the issuing
institution in order to confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the
document received.
We are closing our offices for the health and safety of our employees,
Council members and the public. This is in line with the prevention measures
outline by the federal, provincial and municipal governments.
All of our online services, including
E-Services and our
online application
continue to be available. We continue to review, evaluate and process
applications.
As well, our Client Services team is available to take members’ calls.
No. Our physical offices remaine closed, but our staff are working remotely.
Our other payment options are still available, including:
-
Web/telephone banking. Add the Ontario College of Teachers as a payee to
your bill payment listing with your financial institution. The payment
number is under your College registration number. Payment numbers can also
be accessed online through our
Members’ area. Please allow up to 5 business days for payment processing.
-
Phone with a credit card, Visa debit or MasterCard debit card by calling:
416.961.8800 (1.888.534.2222 toll-free in Ontario only) and accessing our
automated payment system, which is available 24/7.
If members are unable to pay due to financial hardship, we will defer their
membership fee to a future date.
Our physical offices remain closed, but our staff are working remotely. We will reassess this as the situation with COVID-19 continues to unfold and provide updates as soon as possible.
Our Client Services team are available by phone from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,
Monday to Friday. Please call us at 416.961.8800 or toll-free (Ontario
only): 1.888.534.2222.
Please call us at 416.961.8800 or toll-free (Ontario Only): 1.888.534.2222.
You can also reach us
online.
Membership fees
The 2020 annual membership fee was due January 1 and payment must be received and processed by September 30, 2020 to maintain your good standing status.
You can pay by:
- Debit or credit card through E-Services.
- Phone with a Credit card, Visa debit or MasterCard debit card by calling: 416.961.8800 (1.888.534.2222 in Ontario only) and accessing our automated payment system, which is available 24/7.
Our automated voice system ensures that the College meets the highest standards of the international credit card payment system, and protects the security and privacy of your financial information. You will get a confirmation number immediately.
- Web/telephone banking. Add the Ontario College of Teachers as a payee to your bill payment listing with your financial institution. The 7-digit payment number is listed under your College registration number on the invoice that was sent to you. Payment numbers are also accessible online through our Members’ Area by logging into your account. Please note it can take up to five business days for your financial institution to remit payment to the College.
- Mail, via cheque or money order, payable to the Ontario College of Teachers. Reference your registration number. Our address is:
Ontario College of Teachers, 101 Bloor Street West, Attn: Finance Unit, Toronto ON M5S 0A1. We do not accept post-dated cheques. You will need your College registration number for this transaction. You can find your registration number on the invoice that was sent to you, on your membership card or at Find a Teacher.
If payment is not received and processed by September 30, your membership with us will be suspended for non-payment of fees.
This means you will lose the right to teach in a publicly funded school in Ontario and your Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) status.
To reinstate your membership, you will have to pay both the reinstatement and membership fees.
If payment is not received and processed by September 30, your membership with us will be suspended for non-payment of fees.
This means you will lose the right to teach in a publicly funded school in Ontario and your Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) status.
To reinstate your membership, you will have to pay both the reinstatement and membership fees.
Yes. If payment is not received and processed by September 30, your membership with us will be suspended for non-payment of fees.
This means you will lose the right to teach in a publicly funded school in Ontario and your Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) status.
To reinstate your membership, you will have to pay both the reinstatement and membership fees.
Certification
We are doing our best to ensure this does not happen.
While our staff are working remotely, our processes and timelines may be
delayed. The College is processing any mail received at the College and is
working with institutions to arrange for a secure transfer of documents in
situations where an institution may be unable to issue and mail official
documents.
Criminal record checks
The College understands that some police departments have recently made
changes to their process to issue criminal record checks due to the
situation with COVID-19. As a result, we are now accepting Criminal Record
Checks (CRC) in either original (hard copy) or electronic/digital form.
The submission and criteria differ slightly for each one:
-
If you have been issued an original (paper) CRC by a police department
within Canada, you can send it to The Ontario College of Teachers,
Membership Services, 101 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 0A1. Once
received, we will review it and be in touch if we need more information.
-
If you have been issued an electronic/digital criminal record check by a
police department within Canada, you can send it to
info@oct.ca. Once received, we will
review it and be in touch if we need more information.
Please contact your local police department for more information on how to
obtain your CRC.
We will provide more information as the situation continues to evolve.
Please continue to check this page for updates.
Yes, we are continuing to certify teachers, provided we have received
complete applications, including all applicable fees and documents.
We are doing our best to ensure this does not happen.
While our staff are working remotely, our processes and timelines are
delayed. These is due to a number of reasons, for example:
-
other organizations not being able to provide documents at this time;
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delays in mail delivery and processing due to government health and safety
guidelines.
We will provide more information as the situation continues to evolve.
Please continue to check this page for updates.
We are receiving mail from Canada Post on an intermittent basis. All mail is
then opened and routed to the appropriate department for appropriate action.
Please note that while our staff are working remotely, our processes and
timelines are delayed due to COVID-19.
Practicum
The exemption applies to applicants who:
- are enrolled in a program of professional education at an Ontario faculty of education on, or after, March 17, 2020;
- have successfully completed a portion of their practicum;
- are unable to complete the remaining practicum solely because of COVID-19 related school closures;
- complete all other program of professional education components by December 31, 2020; and
- meet all other applicable certification requirements and are certified by December 30, 2023.
If Ontario applicants are not able to qualify for the exemption, they must successfully complete their entire practicum requirement and meet all applicable certification requirements in order to become certified.
Math Proficiency Test
Ontario applicants can now be certified with a condition to pass the test by
August 31, 2021, provided they meet all other applicable
certification requirements. We have worked closely with the government to
provide Ontario applicants with more time to pass the math test, while
enabling them to teach in the classroom.
If they do not pass the test by August 31, 2021, their certificate will
expire and there will be no extensions. They will be required to pass the
test and meet all other applicable certification requirements
before
reapplication.
Ontario applicants are individuals enrolled in, or who have completed, a
program of professional education in Ontario. Please see the College’s
Math Proficiency Test landing page
to find out who is required to pass the test.
Ontario applicants certified with a math test condition must pass the test
by August 31, 2021. If they do not pass the test by August 31, 2021, their
certificate will expire and there will be no extensions. Before
reapplication, they must pass the math test and meet all other applicable
certification requirements.
In order for an Ontario applicant who is required to pass the math test to
become certified on or after September 1, 2021, they are required to pass
the test and meet all other applicable certification requirements
before they can become certified. They cannot be certified
with a condition to pass the test.
Ontario applicants who have written and successfully passed the test are
already considered to have met this certification requirement and will not
have this condition applied.
No. However, we have worked closely with the government to certify Ontario
applicants with a condition to pass the test by
August 31, 2021, provided they meet all other applicable
certification requirements.
This provides applicants with more time to pass the test, while enabling
them to teach in the classroom.
If they do not pass the test by August 31, 2021, their certificate will
expire and there will be no extensions. They will be required to pass the
test and meet all other applicable certification requirements
before
reapplication.
Ontario applicants who apply for a transitional certificate will be granted
one with a condition to pass the math test by
August 31, 2021, provided they meet all other applicable
certification requirements.
If they do not pass the test by August 31, 2021, their certificate will
expire and there will be no extensions. They will be required to pass the
test, complete their teacher education program and meet all other applicable
certification requirements before reapplication.
In order to become certified on or after September 1, 2021,
those applying for a transitional certificate will be required to pass the
test and meet all other applicable certification requirements before they
will be granted a certificate. They cannot be certified with a condition to
pass the test.
Please see the
Registration Guides
for more information on the transitional certificate.
All Ontario applicants who are certified with a condition to pass the test
must do so by August 31, 2021. Otherwise, their certificate will expire and
there will be no extensions. They will be required to pass the test and meet
all other applicable certification requirements
before reapplication.
If you are an Ontario applicant who does not meet the condition on your
certificate to pass the test by August 31, 2021, your certificate will
expire and there will be no extensions. You will need to pass the test and
meet all other applicable certification requirements
before reapplication.
As a result of public health measures taken to stop the spread of COVID-19,
many Ontario applicants would not have been able to meet the math test
certification requirement. This condition enables Ontario applicants to
enter the profession while ensuring that they must still meet certification
requirements.
Printed copies
These items are available through our
OCT Membership app. They are also available online through your Member account. You will be
able to print from there.
Council and committee
All Council and committee activities are limited to high priority critical items that are considered urgent, such as those driven by legislative, regulatory or bylaw compliance requirements or issues that would otherwise place the organization at risk. These meetings are being held virtually.
Hearings
We already conduct some panel meetings and committee meetings remotely. Our
Investigations & Hearings team will continue to facilitate panel
meetings as reasonable and appropriate, during this period. In-person
hearings are suspended until further notice.
Mail Services
While our physical office is closed we continue to receive mail from Canada
Post and couriers on an intermittent basis. All mail and packages are opened
in adherence with safety protocols and routed to the appropriate department
for action.
No. While our physical office at 101 Bloor Street West in Toronto is closed
due to COVID-19, we continue to work remotely. During this time, our
processes and timelines may be delayed and some services can only resume
when we reopen. However, when it is possible to do so, we will send
documents by email (examples: documents that require translation, statements
of professional standing).
Education and outreach
No. To limit the spread of COVID-19, these sessions are postponed until
further notice.
Private Tutoring
Yes. As an Ontario Certified Teacher, you are subject to the College’s jurisdiction at all times.
Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs):
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possess distinct knowledge and skills specific to teaching
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engage in ongoing learning throughout their careers.
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belong to a community of highly educated, responsible and caring practitioners who are committed to helping Ontario students develop and succeed.
All OCTs, along with their qualifications, can be found on our public register.
Yes. Regardless of your status, you are still an Ontario Certified Teacher, and therefore, subject to the College’s jurisdictions at all times.
No. This is outside of our mandate.
This should be discussed with parents directly.
This should be discussed between you and the parents.
However, the College strongly recommends that Ontario Certified Teachers follow the Ministry’s curriculum and safety guidelines. If in-person instruction is taking place, members should follow all public health and safety guidelines provided by their local public health unit.
Temporary Certificate
The College is creating a new Temporary Certificate of Qualification and Registration (temporary certificate) to help the province address shortages of qualified teachers as a result of COVID-19.
The new certificate will help the province address COVID-19-related teacher shortage. The College endorsed the creation of a temporary certificate to enable faculty of education students to begin teaching earlier as a partial solution to the shortage.
Students who:
- Have applied for membership in the College, supplied all required documents, paid all fees, and met our registration requirements (These registration requirements include the holding of an acceptable postsecondary degree unless you are enrolled in a Native Language, First Nations, Métis, Inuit Ancestry or technological education initial teacher education program.)
- Have applied for the temporary certificate
- Are enrolled in an accredited Ontario teacher education program and are expected to successfully complete their program by December 31, 2021, have made successful progress in their program and, at the time of application, successfully completed a portion of their practicum requirement
- Have ensured that they have been reported as being eligible for the temporary certificate by their faculty of education.
Teachers with a limited certificate issued from another Canadian province or territory can also apply if it is similar to the temporary certificate.
Teaching experience gained as a result of holding a temporary certificate may be used to satisfy a part of your practicum, subject to approval from your faculty of education. Important: remember to contact your faculty of education for information on acceptable documentation.
The temporary certificate will expire on December 31, 2021. However, this is subject to any condition to pass the Mathematics Proficiency Test as described below.
Yes. Ontario applicants are required to pass the Mathematics Proficiency Test. However, between January 30, 2021 and August 31, 2021, they can be issued a temporary certificate with a condition to pass the test by August 31, 2021.
If this condition is not fulfilled by August 31, 2021, their temporary certificate will expire and there will be no extensions. They will be required to pass the test and meet all other applicable certification requirements before re-certification.
If this condition is fulfilled by August 31, 2021, their temporary certificate will expire on December 31, 2021 and there will be no extensions. They will be required to reapply and complete their program and all other applicable certification requirements at the time of application.
Between September 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021, Ontario applicants must pass the test prior to being granted a temporary certificate.
The temporary certificate will reflect the same qualifications (areas of study) as part of your teacher education program. Teaching assignments are handled by the Ministry of Education.
Once you apply for the certificate, the College makes best efforts to review the application within 30 business days, after we have received and processed all required documentation including the general application and the annual membership and registration fees.
Apply early. Read the relevant registration guide to learn about our document requirements. Check your application status often.
There are some documents that you need to send us such as:
- a criminal record check,
- proof of your name, place and date of birth
- proof of name change (if applicable)
- proof of competency, work experience (for technological education teachers)
Some documents must come from an institution, such as:
- report indicating you are eligible for the temporary certificate
- transcripts
- statements of professional standing (when applicable).
In addition, some of these documents may need to be translated. Review the registration guide to ensure the correct documents are submitted to us.
If you are unsuccessful in obtaining the required documents, you can submit a written and signed request for the College to intervene on your behalf. All requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Please read the Protocol for Alternative Documents for next steps if it is impossible to provide us with documents.
Note: This may cause a delay in processing your application.
The temporary certificate will resemble other certificates issued by the College and will list the members name, registration number, academic and technological qualifications and teaching qualifications. Members can access their certificates via our OCT Membership app or by logging into their College account. All members receive a one-time print membership package at the time of initial certification.
Yes. The designation document is included in the membership package that is sent to all members at initial certification.
Yes. Holders of the temporary certificate are members of the College and are eligible and encouraged to use the OCT designation if they are in good standing.
The temporary certificate will be automatically converted to a CQR upon receipt, prior to January 1, 2022, of official evidence that you completed your teacher education program and passed the Mathematics Proficiency Test.
The temporary certificate will expire on December 31, 2021. You will need to complete your program, reapply to the College and meet the requirements in place at the time that you reapply.
No. You must have a general Certificate of Qualification and Registration to be eligible to take AQs.
The certificate would be a limited-time, emergency measure designed to address severe teacher shortages in Ontario’s public school system caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The certificate will expire on December 31, 2021. Members with a temporary certificate will have the same rights and privileges as all College members. They can:
- use the OCT designation
- teach in Ontario’s publicly funded schools
- access the member’s account and app
- use College resources, such the library
They are also bound by the standards of the profession and relevant legislation.
Messages to Members & Applicants
Temporary Certificate of Qualification and Registration
February 1, 2021
The Temporary Certificate of Qualification and Registration is a limited one-time, emergency measure designed to address severe teacher shortages in Ontario’s public school system caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary certificate was created at the direction of the College’s Council and based on a request from the Ministry of Education, the Ontario Association of Deans of Education and the Council of Directors of Education.
Who Can Apply?
Ontario teacher candidates can apply for the temporary certificate if they:
- are expected to successfully complete their Ontario program of professional education by December 31,2021*
- have, as of the date of their application, successfully completed a portion of the practicum* and
- have made satisfactory progress in their program*
*As determined by reports made by Faculties of Education and sent to the College upon request of the teacher candidate. In order to be granted the temporary certificate, applicants must have also paid all necessary fees and meet all other applicable certification requirements.
Labour Mobility applicants may also apply for this temporary certificate – please see relevant section below for more information.
What Can I Do With a Temporary Certificate?
The temporary certificate enables Ontario teacher candidates to be employed as occasional teachers. This teaching experience may be used to satisfy practicum requirements, as determined by the faculty of education.
How Long is the Temporary Certificate Valid?
The temporary certificate can be granted on or after January 30, 2021 and expires on December 31, 2021, subject to the Mathematics Proficiency Test condition as described in the next question and answer. There are no extensions.
The temporary certificate may be converted into a general Certificate of Qualification and Registration if the College receives satisfactory evidence that:
- practicum and program requirements are completed before January 1, 2022, and
- any conditions on the certificate are satisfied, including successful completion of the Mathematics Proficiency Test by August 31, 2021.
Do I have to pass the Mathematics Proficiency Test?
Ontario applicants certified between January 31, 2021 and August 31, 2021 – An Ontario applicant who is required to pass the Mathematics Proficiency Test can be granted a temporary certificate with a condition to pass the test by August 31, 2021. If they do not pass the test by August 31, 2021, their certificate will expire and there will be no extensions. They cannot be granted another temporary certificate. They will be required to pass the test and meet all other applicable certification requirements before re-certification.
If they pass the test by August 31, 2021, then their temporary certificate will expire on December 31, 2021. There will be no extensions to this expiry date.
The temporary certificate may be converted into a general Certificate of Qualification and Registration if the College receives satisfactory evidence that:
- practicum and program requirements are completed before January 1, 2022, and
- any conditions on the certificate are satisfied, including successful completion of the Mathematics Proficiency Test by August 31, 2021.
Ontario applicants certified between September 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 – In order for an Ontario applicant to be granted the temporary certificate between September 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021, they are required to pass the Math Proficiency Test before they can be granted a temporary certificate. They cannot be certified with a condition to pass the test.
Please see the College’s information on the Mathematics Proficiency Test.
Will I be a member of the College?
Yes, all temporary certificate holders are members of the College. As such, they are required to uphold the Standards of Practice and Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession and may be subject to investigation and discipline proceedings relating to complaints of professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity.
Labour Mobility Applicants
Holders of temporary certificates from another Canadian province or territory may be granted the temporary certificate if their out of province certification is deemed comparable to the temporary certificate and all other certification requirements are met. The Temporary Certificate may be granted on or after January 30, 2021 and expires on December 31, 2021. The temporary certificate may be converted into a general Certificate of Qualification and Registration if the College receives satisfactory evidence that practicum and program requirements are completed before January 1, 2022.
How to apply?
You can now request the temporary certificate online. Please see Registration Guides for application requirements.
A Message from the College
September 2
We sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well during these challenging times.
Many of you are returning to learning environments that look and feel far different from those you were required to leave abruptly earlier this year. You may also be considering re-entering the workforce.
You might be reluctant to return to school because you are worried about your safety, the safety of your students and the difficulties of teaching in a changed environment. As you know, supporting student learning in the COVID-19 world is challenging. However, our members are dedicated in the care and commitment to their students.
Earlier this year, schools were closed because of the virus and you adapted. The way you shifted by immersing yourself in new technologies, in a very short time, so that children and youth continue to learn shows how resilient Ontario’s teaching profession truly is.
Members should continue to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism as you navigate uncertain times. It is important that you follow provincial, municipal and employer guidelines.
College Resources
As you navigate a new reality this September, we’ve gathered various College resources to help guide you.
In addition to your employer and the Ministry of Education’s advice, the College’s professional advisories and video conferencing guidelines are designed to support your professional practice, be it in class or online:
Furthermore, those of you planning to provide private tutoring or teaching in learning pods can learn more here.
If you are retired or suspended for non-payment of fees, click here to reinstate your membership. You are required to be a member in good standing to be eligible to teach in the publicly funded system.
Since March, COVID-19 has impacted the entire world. Yet, through this time of uncertainty, we have seen how compassion, collegiality, friendship, and resilience have strengthened and brought us together.
Ontario’s teaching profession has always been united by our ethical standards of care, trust, respect, and integrity. Our collective traits – the way we collaborate with others, commit to students’ well-being and persist in the face of challenges – are needed now more than ever.
The College is Open, Virtually
We are available to assist you. We have begun a phased-in return of staff to our physical office, however, it will remain closed to visitors for the time being to ensure everyone’s safety. As we progress through the reopening phases we will keep you informed.
Although our office is closed to visitors, our call centre is open and available to answer your questions from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Please call us at 416.961.8800 (toll-free in Ontario at 1.888.534.2222).
In addition, our social media team is active and is responding during this same period on
Facebook,
Twitter,
Instagram,
YouTube,
Linkedin and
Pinterest.
You can also reach us through our
e-Services and other online services at
oct.ca.
To further assist you, the following links to a variety of additional resources are provided for your reference:
ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TEACHERS
COVID-19: Information, Resources & FAQs
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO
How Ontario is responding to COVID-19
Guide to reopening Ontario's schools
Operational Guidance: COVID-19 Management in Schools
Public Health Unit Locator
ANXIETY CANADA
7 Tips for Educators Returning to School During COVID-19
CAMH – CENTRE FOR ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH
Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Educators During COVID-19: Support during challenging times
COLLEGE LIBRARY SERVICES
Access a wide assortment of ebooks and research options
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
TVO
TFO
We are confident in your capacity to do what you do best: adapt, teach and inspire.
Please continue to take good care of you and yours.
Sincerely,
Nicole van Woudenberg, OCT
Chair of Council |
Chantal Bélisle, OCT
Deputy Registrar |
Message to Members and Applicants
April 8
On behalf of the Ontario College of Teachers, it is our sincere hope that you
and your loved ones are safe and well during these challenging times.
As you know, the Ministry of Education recently announced a Learn at Home
program to support student learning during the pandemic and the period of
school closure. This program will be supported by teacher led learning using a
variety of online tools. Used thoughtfully and appropriately, these new
technologies offer opportunities for members to guide learning through
innovative and engaging ways.
Please use your professional judgement and follow the guidance provided by the
Ministry of Education and your employer with respect to the use of video
conferencing and other communication tools that allow you to interact directly
with your students. We also hope that the College’s professional
advisories on the
Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media, the
Duty to Report
and
Supporting Students’ Mental Health, are of assistance in guiding your professional practice.
As you engage with your students online, we remind you of your unique role in
students’ lives and the importance of maintaining professional
boundaries in this new virtual learning environment. Applicants, be mindful
that professionalism in teaching includes the ability to adapt quickly to
changes in learning in all circumstances.
This is uncharted territory and we are confident in your capacity to do what
you do best.
For students everywhere, life has changed drastically. Routines are gone. They
are isolated from classmates, friends and extended families. Students, parents
and caregivers are looking to you for reassurance, guidance and leadership.
You have a unique opportunity to be a calming, reasonable voice.
The College remains open, virtually
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we are working from home and remain
available to assist you. Your safety – and ours, collectively –
drives our thoughts and actions.
Although our physical offices are closed, our call centre remains open and
available to answer your questions from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to
Friday.
Please call us at 416.961.8800 (toll-free in Ontario at 1.888.534.2222). Our
social media team is active and is responding during this same period on
Facebook,
Twitter,
Instagram,
YouTube,
Linkedin
and Pinterest. You can also
reach us through our e-Services,
online application form
and other online services at oct.ca.
To further assist you, the following links to a variety of resources are
provided for your reference:
- Ontario College of Teachers
-
Government of Canada
-
Government of Ontario
-
CAMH - Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
-
College Library Services
-
Educational Programming
Ontario’s teaching profession has always been guided by our ethical
standards of care, trust, respect and integrity. This is more important now
than ever.
By taking care of each other, we will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Paul Picard, OCT
Interim Deputy Registrar