Council meeting update

Remarks from Minister Calandra

At its December 11 meeting, College Council welcomed the Hon. Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. Minister Calandra expressed appreciation for the College’s collaboration with the Ministry, in particular to eliminate barriers and expand leadership opportunities for technological education, Indigenous ancestry and Indigenous languages teachers.

The Minister also commended the College’s engagement with Indigenous partners to explore new pathways for initial certification that reflect the diversity of Indigenous cultures, histories and languages.

New Council Chair appointment

Tammy Webster, OCT, concluded her tenure as Acting Chair of Council on December 31, 2025, after stepping in mid-year to fill a vacancy. Tammy, a member of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and the first Indigenous Chair in the College’s history, joined Council in January 2022.

We’re grateful for Tammy’s leadership and for her dedicated efforts in expanding leadership opportunities and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging across the teaching profession.

Joseph Fiorino began his role as the new Chair of Council on January 1, 2026.

Joseph, a lawyer specializing in labour relations and employment law, has served on Council as a public member since January 2025.

Bilingual in English and French, Joseph is the Canadian Director of Human Resources and Labour Relations at First Canada ULC and previously served as Legal and Labour Advisor to Ontario’s Minister of Education.

As Chair, Joseph will provide leadership to the Council including managing meetings, guiding the Council in carrying out its responsibilities and working collaboratively with the Registrar.

We are looking forward to working with Joseph in the year ahead.

2026 budget approval

Council also approved the College’s 2026 budget, maintaining the annual membership fee at $200.

Council meetings are livestreamed on the College’s YouTube channel. Meeting summaries and related documents are posted on our website.

Reminder to pay your 2026 annual membership fee

If your annual membership fee is not deducted through a payroll plan, ensure that you pay your $200 directly to the College.

You can pay by:

• credit card via our website
• online banking (add the Ontario College of Teachers as a payee)
• cheque or money order by mail.

Invoices have been sent by email to Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs) whose annual membership fee payment is outstanding. Print invoices have been sent to OCTs who do not have a valid email address on file with the College.

Your annual membership fee is tax deductible. You can download your receipt by signing into your online account on the College website.

Help shape the future of teaching by joining a College writing team

The College is updating several Additional Qualifications Guidelines and we are recruiting experienced OCTs to join writing teams this spring.

If you have current teaching experience in the following subject areas, or have taught them within the past five years, you can sign up to be considered for a writing team at the link below. Participants will be remunerated for their time.

• Communications Technology
• Computer Technology
• Construction Technology
• Green Industries
• Hairstyling and Aesthetics
• Health Care
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Manufacturing Technology
• Science and Technology, Grades 1-8
• Social Studies, Primary and Junior
• Technological Design
• Transportation Technology

Engage in professional learning through case studies from the Professional Advisory Addressing Hate and Discrimination

Based on real life examples, the appendix that accompanies the Professional Advisory Addressing Hate and Discrimination includes nine case studies designed to help OCTs work through and appropriately address acts of hate and discrimination.

Focus on case study 5: Diverging from the curriculum

Scenario: “I feel it is wrong to teach my Grade 8 students about gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation as indicated in the health and physical education curriculum. As an OCT, I can decide what is appropriate to teach to my students.”

Straying from or ignoring the curriculum can have repercussions, impacting both your professional standing and your students’ learning. It can also have employment consequences and can lead to a College investigation and potential outcomes directed by the Investigation Committee or the Discipline Committee.

What should OCTs do?

• Stay within the Ontario Curriculum as it outlines mandatory learning expectations.
• Review the Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusive Education program planning section of the Ministry of Education’s Curriculum and Resources website. This section includes policy and instructional guidance for all subjects and disciplines in Grades 1 to 12.
• Adhere to professional standards and boundaries, in particular, teaching within curriculum expectations, and being mindful of how personal views and conduct can impact students.
• Maintain professionalism, respect students’ diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and uphold ethical standards.

Recognize that your role is to facilitate learning within the curriculum framework set by the Ministry of Education and to create inclusive and supportive learning environments for students.

The Professional Advisory Addressing Hate and Discrimination and case studies are available online at oct.ca in both PDF and audio formats.

Each case study is divided into four parts:

1. Scenario: Describes a situation based on real life occurrences, presented from the point of view of an OCT.
2. Address it: Provides guidance on addressing the issue professionally.
3. Build awareness: Highlights professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities.
4. Know your role: Clarifies how an OCT’s actions reflect professional expectations.

Mathematics Proficiency Test winter 2026 test window open for registration

Registration is now open for the winter test window of the Mathematics Proficiency Test (MPT), which runs until March 21, 2026

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is responsible for scheduling, facilitating and evaluating the MPT. Refer to their website at mathproficiencytest.ca for the latest information and to register for a test sitting.

Passing the MPT is a certification requirement for most College applicants. To confirm whether this requirement applies to you, visit the MPT page on our website.

OCTs who held a general Certificate of Qualification and Registration (CQR) on January 31, 2025, are not required to pass the MPT.

Applicants who completed an initial teacher education program designed specifically to prepare teachers to teach an Indigenous language (Anishinaabek, Mushkegowuk, Onkwehonwe, Lenape) are exempt from the MPT requirement.

This exemption applies only to applicants who have completed one of these programs:

1. Lakehead University: Indigenous Teacher Language Diploma (ILTD)
2. Nipissing University: Teacher of Indigenous Language as a Second Language Program (TILSL)

In limited circumstances, the College may also consider exempting an applicant or member from the MPT requirement if acceptable documentation of their employment as an Indigenous languages teacher is provided to the College.

Teachers who are certified in another Canadian province or territory and are applying under the Ontario Labour Mobility Act (OLMA) are not required to complete the MPT.

Professional Standards review: Leaders in learning

OCTs play a vital role in cultivating collaborative, safe and supportive learning communities by fostering strong professional relationships.

As leaders in learning, OCTs recognize that student success is strengthened when educators work collectively and engage colleagues, families and community partners through reciprocal, trust-based relationships. By contributing to positive school culture, modelling collaborative professionalism and actively participating in the continuous growth of their learning communities, teachers help create environments where all learners and educators feel valued, supported and empowered to thrive.

One who contributed to the professional standards review offered this reflection on her leadership in a learning community:

“I have been an educator since 2002. I strive to empower and celebrate people through leadership roles in the school, including facilitating professional development sessions and supporting colleagues both professionally and personally. I engage staff in learning the Ojibwe language and collaborate closely with team members to strengthen our shared practices. In the classroom, I work with students to build meaningful learning communities, and I eagerly support inter-school learning whenever opportunities for land-based or cultural teachings arise at board-wide events. Additionally, I contribute to the school community in participating in leadership teams for literacy, culture/language, and as a principal designate. Our students are the centre of my approach to teaching through the Seven Grandfathers and 8 Basic Needs with the support and teachings of our Elders, Knowledge Keepers and our amazing team of educators. I engage with our students in cultural sharing circles, co-coach volleyball, baseball and teach brass instruments in Music throughout the year in addition to my full-time role as an Anishinaabemowin teacher and learner. Miigwech.”

Dee Walmsley (nee Stinson), Mnjikaning Kendaaswin Elementary School, Rama First Nation

Honouring Canadian stories during Black History Month

Thirty years after its formal recognition by the House of Commons, Black History Month continues to serve as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the diverse histories, cultures and remarkable achievements of Black communities across Canada.

This year, the federal government has chosen the theme “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.”

Learn more about Black History Month by exploring resources available from the Margaret Wilson Library, including:

Active brave conversations: classroom voices that support and advocate for belonging and inclusion by Andrew B. Campbell.

Guide pédagogique: l’histoire des Noirs au Canada, un projet de Historica Canada.

How?

1. Access your College account on oct.ca by clicking Member Sign-in.
2. On the left navigation pane, click Library.
3. On the right navigation channel of the library page, click on Featured Title.