A Record Number of New Teacher Certifications

The responsibility to certify qualified individuals to teach in Ontario’s publicly funded school system is not only key to the College’s mandate as Ontario’s teaching regulator, it’s also our most important contribution to alleviating the province’s teacher shortage. This year, the College devoted significant resources to expediting teacher certification without eroding professional standards. Through this effort, as of Sept. 30, the College has certified 6,791 new teachers – including 588 French-language teachers – in 2022. This total, due in part to the Temporary Certificate program, is already more new certifications than any year since the introduction of the Enhanced Teacher Education Program.

One Year of the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program

More than 211,000 Ontario Certified Teachers and applicants for certification have completed the College’s mandatory online Sexual Abuse Prevention Program since it launched on January 2, 2022. The Program, which was developed in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, provides teachers with an updated understanding of signs that a student may be at risk of abuse or disclosing that they have been abused. All applicants must successfully complete the Program to be eligible for certification.

Linda Lacroix, OCT, appointed as Registrar & CEO

College Council has appointed Linda Lacroix, OCT, as CEO & Registrar of the Ontario College of Teachers.

Linda is a seasoned educator with more than 30 years of experience in the education sector, most recently as the College’s Interim Deputy Registrar.

Prior to joining the College as Director of Investigations & Hearings in 2020, Linda held several leadership positions, including Director, French Language Teaching and Learning Branch at the Ministry of Education. Her term will begin on January 1, 2023.

New College Contact Information and Holiday Office Closure

The College has introduced a new dedicated telephone number for members of the public to contact us for all inquiries, including to report a potential concern about an Ontario Certified Teacher. The new telephone numbers are 437-880-3000 and 1-833-966-5588 (toll-free in Ontario only).

Please note that our offices will close for the holidays at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 23. We will return to regular business hours at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, January 2.

Annual Meeting of Members

The College’s Annual Meeting of Members was held online on Wednesday, September 28. Attendees were provided with updates on key College operations and priorities by Council Chair Diana Miles, Interim Registrar & CEO Chantal Bélisle, and Audit & Finance Subcommittee Chair Jonathan Davey. The meeting then closed with an audience Q&A. A video recording of the meeting is available to watch on oct.ca.

December Meeting of College Council

College Council convened for its final meeting of 2022 on Thursday, December 8. Key items included consideration and approval of the organization’s operating budget for 2023. An agenda, summary, and related documents will be posted to oct.ca as they become available. College Council meetings are all virtual and open to the public. More information about registering to attend a Council meeting is available online.

Qualified members of the public are invited to apply for vacant positions on the College’s Council, committees, and rosters. More information is available on oct.ca.