The Ontario College of Teachers licenses, governs and regulates the province’s teaching profession in the public interest and to protect students. All publicly funded school teachers and administrators in Ontario must be licensed by us and be Ontario Certified Teachers (OCT).
The College regulates the teaching profession to protect students. Teachers in Ontario’s publicly funded elementary and secondary schools must be certified by the College, keep their membership in good standing, and follow the profession’s ethical and practice standards.
Explore everything related to your Ontario College of Teachers certification, including how to pay your annual fees, keep up to date with the College, and stay informed about ongoing professional learning.
You must apply to be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers and remain in good standing to teach in Ontario’s publicly funded elementary and secondary schools.
The College provides information and resources to support Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs), applicants and education system partners to strengthen the teaching profession and promote student safety.
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The Discipline Committee hears and determines allegations of professional misconduct or incompetence by College members. These hearings are typically held publicly and online, though in some instances the Discipline Committee may direct that the public be excluded from a hearing.
Discipline Committee panels are made up of Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs) in good standing and members of the public. The parties to a hearing are the College and the member who is the subject of the complaint.
It is the responsibility of the Discipline Committee to determine if the member is guilty of professional misconduct and/or is incompetent (as defined in the Ontario College of Teachers Act) and, if so, to determine and impose the appropriate penalty.
If the Committee finds the member guilty of professional misconduct or incompetent, they may:
The Committee may also:
If the act of professional misconduct involves the sexual abuse of a student or child pornography, the member may be ordered to reimburse the College for funding provided under the Therapy and Counselling Program and to post security for these costs.
You can find more information about the Discipline Committee and its work in these resources:
