College registration

Fair registration practices now law for Ontario teachers

Council’s recommendations toward a new regulation affecting fair registration practices are now law.

In August, the provincial government passed Ontario Regulation 271/09 (Fair Registration Practices) under the Ontario College of Teachers Act, making the College the only self-regulating body in Ontario to have its own law affecting fairness in registration practices.

The adopted regulation creates guidelines and structures for many College activities already entrenched or underway.

“In effect, the regulation becomes an unofficial bill of rights for people who apply to the College, particularly those new to the country,” says College Registrar Michael Salvatori, OCT. “Our goal – always – is to ensure that the process to register is fair, open, transparent, objective, impartial and easily understood.”

The regulation ensures that applicants receive clear information about how to apply, what the fees are, what documents are required, how long the process usually takes and how to appeal decisions.

In August 2007 the College conducted a comprehensive review of its registration practices. The review aimed to ensure consistency between College practices and Ontario’s Fair Registration Practices Code, identify areas needing attention, address concerns and inform the development of the new regulation under the Act.

The College formed an external advisory group to provide advice and feedback on principles, process and materials; created review guides; and consulted with internationally educated teachers, those denied certification, language test providers, teacher unions, parents and College members. It also sought input from the Registration Appeals Committee. An interim report went to Council in December 2007 and Council supported final recommendations in March 2008.

The Office of the Fairness Commissioner in Ontario recently highlighted “promising practices” of the College in review management, governance and communications in its Guide for Regulators of Ontario Professions.

The College is reviewing all registration materials and processes again and in November will launch an online application process for internationally educated teachers and those outside the province.

See the regulation under Education Legislation.