Governing Ourselves informs members of legal and regulatory matters affecting the profession. This section provides updates on licensing and qualification requirements, notification of Council resolutions and reports from various Council committees, including reports on accreditation and discipline matters.
ENHANCED TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Spring features intense consultations on future of Ontario teacher education programs
OVER THE COURSE OF THE PAST FEW MONTHS, the College has been a lead partner with the Ontario Ministry of Education in a series of consultations on the enhancement of Ontario teacher education programs.
In its election platform last summer, the Ontario government announced its commitment to enhance the content and duration of teacher education programs, with an emphasis on more practical hands-on experience before entering the classroom. Changes to the initial teacher education program were also recommended by the Drummond Commission earlier this year.
The series of consultations included participation from education stakeholders across the province and focused on core content for an enhanced program, increased practicum and program delivery models.
“Beginning in March, the College shared its expertise as a lead partner in the consultations. Working together with education stakeholders, we considered a wide range of options that support the high quality of teachers in Ontario and aim to improve student achievement,” said Michelle Longlade, OCT, Director of the College’s Standards of Practice and Accreditation unit. “Our discussions helped address some of the kinds of issues the College raised in our 2006 report, Preparing Teachers for Tomorrow.”
An enhanced program supports the College Council’s previous recommendations to lengthen the program of professional education, ensure a minimum of 60 days of practice teaching, include Special Education as core content and add a core component that addresses Ontario’s diverse classrooms and communities. The College Council will consider data from the consultations and their previous recommendations before recommending to the Minister changes to the teacher qualification and accreditation regulations.
The College is responsible for accrediting teacher education programs in Ontario. In addition to initial accreditation, the College reviews programs on a regular basis to ensure that requirements for accreditation are maintained.
The College is also responsible for developing and administering the requirements for certification of members.
