Honouring Canadian Stories During Black History Month

Thirty years since it was formally recognized by the House of Commons, Black History Month continues to serve as an opportunity to learn more about the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of Black communities across Canada. For teachers, Black History Month also offers a chance to honour the enduring contributions of Black Canadians.

This year, the federal government has chosen the theme “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.”

Learn more by exploring resources available from the Margaret Wilson Library.

How?

1. Log into your College account on oct.ca under Members.
2. On the left navigation pane, click Library.
3. On the right navigation channel of the library page, click on Featured Title.

The Math Proficiency Test certification requirement is in effect

As of February 1, 2025, passing the Mathematics Proficiency Test (MPT) is a certification requirement for most applicants.

For more information about how this requirement may apply to you, please visit the MPT page on our website.

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is responsible for developing, facilitating and evaluating the MPT. Registration for the current test window is now open at mathproficiencytest.ca.

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

Interested in expanding your teaching skills or qualifying in another division?

Are you thinking about an Additional Qualification (AQ) course to deepen your teaching skills or explore a new subject area? The College’s Find an AQ tool at oct.ca makes it easy to search for courses by name, provider, schedule, or division.

Discover the right AQ for you and take the next step in your professional journey!

Myth or Fact?

OCTs must personally inform the College after completing an Additional Qualification (AQ) course.

This is a myth.

Fact: Approved AQ providers automatically report successful course completions to the College on the OCT’s behalf. Once received, the College adds the qualification to their certificate and sends an acknowledgment within 30 business days to the email address we have on file.

If you are having trouble signing into your member account, please refer to our FAQs for instructions to reset your account.

Reminder to pay your 2025 annual membership fee

If your annual membership fee (AMF) isn’t deducted through a payroll plan, please ensure you pay your $200 fee directly to the College.

You can pay by:

1. Credit card via E-Services at oct.ca;
2. Web banking (by adding the Ontario College of Teachers as a payee);
3. Cheque or money order by mail.

The payment portal will be open until April 16, 2025.

Did you know? Your AMF is tax deductible!

You can access tax receipts for 2024 and the past seven years anytime through your member account on our website. Here’s how:

1. Sign into your College account on oct.ca under Members.
2. Click on Request a service.
3. Click Download tax receipt.