Professional Self Regulation | Ontario College of Teachers

In 1997, the Ontario government passed legislation to enable the teaching profession to regulate itself.

The teaching profession, through its College,

• sets the requirements for entering teaching

 To teach in Ontario’s publicly funded schools, a teacher must be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers. Certified teachers pay an annual membership fee to maintain their membership and certification.

• certifies qualified teachers

 To be certified, teachers must:

• have completed a minimum three-year postsecondary degree from an acceptable postsecondary institution

• have successfully completed a one-year acceptable teacher education program

• apply to the College for certification and pay the annual membership and registration fees. Application process includes providing proof of identity and a Canadian Criminal Record Check Report.

• develops and maintains ethical standards and standards of practice

• accredits teacher education programs and courses to ensure consistent high quality in the preparation of teachers

• disciplines those who breach provincial standards for conduct in teaching

Accountable to the public 

An important element of self-regulation for the teaching profession, and any other profession, is public accountability. The College operates in an open and accountable manner. We communicate with the public about what we do and how our work supports public education.

College activities are transparent to the public and information is easily accessible.

Professional Self Regulation | Ontario College of Teachers