New Council, Committees and Rosters
February 01 2022
The Ontario College of Teachers, Ontario’s teaching regulator, has completed the transfer of governing authority from Paul Boniferro, Transition Supervisory Officer, to its new Council, effective February 1, 2022.
The new Council, alongside committees and rosters of panellists, are the result of the College’s year-long transition to a more diverse, efficient and effective governance structure.
“It has been an honour and privilege to support the College’s work and evolution to a new governance structure that will better serve the public interest,” says Boniferro. “I am proud to have been part of a team that has introduced an updated model of self-regulation that aligns with new global standards.”
Boniferro was appointed by the government in February 2021 to act in place of Council and oversee the transition.
“Our government modernized and transformed the Ontario College of Teachers by giving parents and the public a stronger voice to better protect students, drive accountability and to maintain quality learning in the classroom,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “I want to express my gratitude to Paul Boniferro for his leadership and service to Ontario’s educators, parents and students, and I offer the College’s new Council my strong support as they continue to advance the interests of students in all of their decisions.”
“I would like to thank Paul for his leadership and support during the College’s transition period,” said Dr. Derek Haime, OCT, Registrar and CEO, Ontario College of Teachers. “With his help, we now have a governance structure that enables us to work more efficiently. Moreover, it empowers us to work more closely with both the public and members of the profession.”
“We are starting a new and exciting chapter in the College’s history, with our new Council, committees, and rosters of panellists,” added Dr. Haime. “I look forward to working with everyone to better support the College’s mandate of protecting Ontario’s students.”
Joining the College’s Council as its new Chair is Diana Miles. One of six public appointees to the 12-person Council, Miles is a lawyer and the CEO of the Law Society of Ontario.
“Having the right mix of individuals in governance is critical to protecting the public interest,” said Diana Miles, Chair of Council, Ontario College of Teachers. “The Council will provide balanced leadership and greater diversity while working closely with College staff. Together, we will strengthen and enhance student safety and well-being.”
About the new structure
For the first time in the College’s 25-year history, there is an equal number of Ontario Certified Teachers and members of the public on Council and on statutory and regulatory committees. Future Council and committee members will be appointed based on specified selection and eligibility criteria needed to do the job and reflective of diverse geographic, linguistic, and Indigenous perspectives of Ontario.
Why governance matters
Much like accounting, nursing, and engineering, teaching is a regulated profession. Only licensed professionals – Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs) – can use the OCT designation, which is entrenched in law, and teach in the province’s publicly funded elementary and secondary schools. In Ontario, there are two million students attending these schools. The College’s governing Council, committees and rosters ensure the College meets its mandate of protecting these students and safeguarding their well-being.
