College of Teachers Not Consulted on Re-Certification Plan
April 22 1999
TORONTO The Ontario governments proposal to re-certify teachers every three
to five years came as a complete surprise to the regulatory body that licenses
teachers, says the Chair of the Ontario College of Teachers.
Chair Donna Marie Kennedy and College Registrar Margaret Wilson met this morning
with Minister of Education and Training David Johnson to seek clarification
of the plan announced by Premier Harris on Monday.
"Mr. Johnson assured us that his ministry will consult the College," said
Kennedy. "However, we still do not know any more about the thinking behind
this proposal than we did after reading the Premiers news release."
The re-certification proposal was part of the Charter of Education Rights
and Responsibilities announced by Ontario Premier Mike Harris on April
19.
"Since its inception two years ago, the College has made consultation with
members and the public a high priority," said Kennedy. "As part of its regular
outreach activities, the College regularly consults members of the College
and the community. The College's decisions and policies are based on sound
research and extensive consultations before implementation.
"The College is the independent licensing body for teachers in Ontario. In
its role as a regulatory body, the College should not and does not involve
itself in partisan political activities. We are responsible to the public and
the profession for the regulation of teaching qualifications," said Kennedy.
The College is governed by a Council made up of 31 members, 17 elected by
teachers across the province and 14 appointed by the government.
