College mandate

Duty to serve public interest

The College exists to regulate and develop a teaching profession that the public is confident puts the well being and academic success of students first.

Council members – both elected teacher members and appointed public representatives – work together on behalf of the public. Classroom teachers, administrators, parents or other members of the public make decisions as a Council based on society's shared interest in supporting and strengthening the teaching profession.

New legislation will underscore the duty of Council members to govern the profession in the public interest.

Candidates' nomination packages must include a statement describing their understanding of the duty to serve and protect the public interest. Candidates in the election will be expected to indicate if they belong to one of 13 specified organizations (see list in Q&As, page 72) and to attest that they will resign from any elected or appointed position they hold in that organization if they are elected.

Each member of Council will be required to take an oath of office and promise in writing not to take direction from any other organization. Those elected will also be required to report – in writing to the Registrar – all funding related to the election process, including amounts and sources.

A Public Interest Committee made up of non-College members appointed by the government will be established to advise Council on matters relating to the College and Council's duty to serve the public interest.