2025 Focus on Teaching survey has closed – thank you to everyone who participated

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 Focus on Teaching survey, which closed on October 20. In total, 36,749 Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs) in good standing took the time to respond to the survey and share their professional experiences. This response rate represents 16 per cent or nearly 1 in 6 OCTs.

Our survey partner, Forum Research Inc., has begun their data analysis. As a reminder, the survey findings will be anonymized and reported to the College in aggregate form. The results will be shared with key system partners to support informed decisions that will shape the future of our profession and Ontario’s publicly funded education system.

If you missed the opportunity to participate in this year’s survey, we hope you will consider contributing your voice next time.

The final report will be published on the College website in 2026.

Meet our exceptional 2025 College scholarship recipients

We are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Ontario College of Teachers Scholarship Program! Each year, the College awards four recipients with a $1,500 scholarship to support them on their path to becoming teachers who inspire their students.

These scholarships celebrate diverse accomplishments while highlighting the special qualities of exemplary teachers:

• Christine Clark, OCT, Trent University, recipient of the Joseph W. Atkinson Scholarship for Excellence in Teacher Education
• Faduma Elmi, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, recipient of the Ontario College of Teachers Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate Scholarship
• Urooj Ahsan, York University, recipient of the Ontario College of Teachers Intermediate/Senior Scholarship
• Julia Havey, Queen’s University, recipient of the Brian P. McGowan Scholarship for Resilience

Visit the College website to learn more about this year’s recipients and the College scholarship program, including eligibility criteria and how to apply.

Our new online application platform launches next month

The College is launching a new online application platform in November. A launch date will be announced on our website as soon as it is confirmed.

The new platform features a simplified user interface that includes an upgraded Message Centre that will provide users with important updates throughout the application process.

Please note the information below if you have an open application with the College

To prepare for launch, we will decommission our current application platform two days prior to our confirmed launch date.

If you start but do not submit your application before the current platform is decommissioned, you will need to re-enter your responses to the application questions. We will transfer your previously submitted documents to your new application. You may be required to resubmit time-sensitive documents, such as a criminal record check. After you submit your application, your Status Page will let you know if you need to resubmit any time-sensitive documents.

If your application is submitted before the current platform is decommissioned, your responses and all supporting documents, including time-sensitive documents, will be transferred to the new platform. You will not be required to re-enter any previously provided information. Simply sign in to the new platform to continue tracking your application’s progress.

Celebrating World Teachers’ Day and the standards that guide OCTs

October 5 was World Teachers’ Day, a global celebration proclaimed by UNESCO to honour the profound impact teachers have in shaping lives and communities. It also commemorates UNESCO’s call for professional benchmarks, standards of practice and initial teacher education, which elevate the profession worldwide.

The day carries special meaning this year, as the College is currently undertaking a review of the professional and ethical standards that guide the daily teaching practices of OCTs. Read on to hear from a participant in our recent writing session about how she upholds the standards in and out of her classroom.  

One educator’s commitment to the professional standards

“As an educator, I believe that purposeful planning, consistent organization, and a commitment to ongoing feedback are the cornerstones of effective instruction. Every lesson should be designed with intention, rooted in clear objectives, and responsive to student growth.

I strive to cultivate an inclusive classroom where every learner feels seen, valued and empowered. High expectations are non-negotiable for all students, regardless of background or ability. I recognize that excellence looks different for each child, and I adapt my instruction to honour their unique cultural identities, interests and strengths.

Knowing my students deeply allows me to personalize learning experiences that are both rigorous and relevant. I aim to spark curiosity and model lifelong learning, encouraging students to explore the world with wonder and critical thought.

Technology is not just a tool; it’s a gateway to digital citizenship. I integrate technology meaningfully, helping students develop the skills to navigate digital spaces safely, ethically and intelligently. Staying current with what matters to students ensures that my teaching remains connected to their realities.

Finally, I hold myself to high standards of professionalism, especially in communication and conflict resolution. I believe that how we speak, listen and respond sets the tone for the learning environment and teaches students how to engage respectfully in a diverse world.”

- Cecilia Cheung, OCT

At the Ontario College of Teachers, we honour all OCTs whose commitment to excellence inspires generations. Happy belated World Teachers’ Day!

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

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 1: Freedom of expression

Should OCTs say anything they want on social media?

As a 2024 Ontario Divisional Court case stated:

“When individuals join a regulated profession, they do not lose their Charter right to freedom of expression. At the same time, however, they take on obligations and must abide by the rules of their regulatory body that may limit their freedom of expression.”

Before posting, “liking,” sharing or otherwise endorsing content online, consider the potential impact on students and the school community:

• Could your actions hurt the learning environment, damage your reputation, or reflect poorly on your employer, school, colleagues, or the teaching profession as a whole?
• Can the content demean or alienate others in the school community?

As an OCT, you always represent the teaching profession, both at work and outside of work, including online. Understand your professional boundaries and responsibilities related to the appropriate use of electronic communications, social media and other online platforms.

The Professional Advisory Addressing Hate and Discrimination and case studies are available on oct.ca in 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

Reminder: Mathematics Proficiency Test open for registration

Registration for the Math Proficiency Test (MPT) fall test window is open until November 22, 2025.

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) has also announced a winter test window, which will begin on January 12, 2026 and end on March 21, 2026. Registration dates have not been announced.

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, please 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.

For the magazine lover in you

Members, if you love magazines, you’ll love what’s waiting for you at the Margaret Wilson Library with its selection of online magazines and 24/7 access to publications including Maclean’s and L’Actualité.

1. Sign into your online College account on oct.ca, under Members.
2. On the right navigation pane, click Library.
3. At the top of the page, click Online Magazines.

Explore the Margaret Wilson Library’s FAQs to learn tips and tricks to navigate Flipster, and more!

Please note that the Library continues to offer free delivery and returns during Canada Post’s rotating strike, however, shipping delays are expected. For support, please contact library@oct.ca.

Still have questions? Contact the library team at library@oct.ca or 1.833.966.5588.