OCTs and applicants: new self-serve options available online

The College is continually introducing new self-serve options as part of our overall effort to enhance your service experience. These new services, available via your online account on oct.ca, enable you to:

• reset your College account via SMS text message or email. You can do this on the page where you log in:
  • members
  • applicants
• upload documents directly into our systems
• print or download your membership fee tax receipt (members only), and more.

Our new self-serve options are easy to use and accessible 24/7, at your convenience.

Now accepting 2023 scholarship applications

Do you know an outstanding teacher candidate in Ontario?

Every year, the College acknowledges four teacher candidates for their outstanding academic achievement, high levels of preparedness for teacher education and resilience.

The scholarship program is open only to individuals enrolled in an Ontario accredited teacher education program.

Applications are accepted until August 31, 2023.

Fair access to regulated professions

Recent amendments to the Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act (FARPACTA) will come into effect over the course of 2023.

These amendments specify that certain regulated professions, including the teaching profession, must abide by particular licensing timeframes.

Myth or Fact

Myth: I can say what I want on social media. It’s called freedom of expression.

Fact: OCTs need to understand their professional boundaries and responsibilities in the appropriate use of electronic communications and social media.

Consider whether any content may reflect poorly on you, your school, or your colleagues in the teaching profession before you post it.

Learn more about the College’s professional advisory on the use of social media and electronic communications.

Registration Appeals Committee

The College’s Registration Appeals Committee reviews and makes decisions on appeals from applicants who were not granted College membership, or who had terms, conditions or limitations placed on their Certificate of Qualification and Registration.

Not all applicants who apply to the College become certified. Those who are denied have the right to appeal the decision within 60 days of receiving their decision.

The committee’s work ensures that applicants are treated fairly, while maintaining the public's confidence in those admitted to the teaching profession. The committee considers appeals in both English and French.

In 2022, the committee received 32 appeals (not including seven carried over from 2021). Seven of these appeals were reassessed, four did not fall within the committee’s authority to review, and the committee rendered a total of 15 decisions.

Are you enrolled in an AQ course?

Members, are you taking an AQ course this year and need access to high quality educational research?

To support your professional learning, the Margaret Wilson Library provides free access to thousands of full-text scholarly and professional articles and publications.

How?

1. Log into your member account on oct.ca under Members
2. On the right-side navigation channel, click Library
3. On the left navigation channel of the library page, click Accessing EBSCO articles guide for easy, step-by-step navigation.

Don’t forget to pay your 2023 membership fee

If your annual membership fee isn’t deducted through payroll, please pay your $200 fee directly to the College. You can pay by credit card or debit through your bank, via E-Services on oct.ca or by cheque. The payment portal will be open until April 19, 2023.