Regulation - LGIC
The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 - Consequential Regulation Amendment: Transitional Certificate
Regulation Number(s):
298
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Education Act
Summary of Decision:
This regulation was filed on July 27, 2023 and comes into force on August 30, 2023.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
The proposed regulatory amendment is not expected to impose any new administrative requirements on regulated entities. Temporary teacher certificates are already in place. While the new model may require changes to processes, the proposed regulatory amendment will not create any fiscal impacts for the provincial government.
Further Information:
Proposal Number:
23-EDU007
Posting Date:
June 13, 2023
Summary of Proposal:
On June 8, 2023, The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 (the Act) received Royal Assent. A key element of the Act is modernizing teacher training to support the needs of students, including through modern certification processes.
Currently, eligible teacher candidates have access to a temporary certificate issued by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) that enables them to work as a teacher while finishing their Initial Teacher Education. These certificates and the ability to issue them will expire on December 31, 2023.
To continue supporting the needs of students, the ministry plans to amend Ontario Regulation 298 (Operation of Schools) to help create an ongoing path for eligible teacher candidates to teach with a transitional certificate while completing their Initial Teacher Education. This certificate would increase opportunities for teacher candidates to transition to employment and support school boards by increasing access to certified teachers to support classroom learning.
The design of the new certificate will build in lessons learned from the current model and will include criteria to ensure all teacher candidates have completed core elements of teacher education to support their success and the success of their students.
The ministry is working with the Ontario College of Teachers to update an Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996 (OCTA) regulation. The amendments made to Regulation 298 would be consequential to the amendments made to the OCTA regulation. The regulation may require some due diligence by the school board or principal respecting the eligible teacher candidates' successful completion of practicum and ensuring the suitability of the candidate to teach.
Once these regulations are in place, eligible teacher candidates will be able to apply to the OCT for a transitional certificate and can begin teaching on a daily occasional basis. The Ministry of Education will also release guidance to support implementation.
Currently, eligible teacher candidates have access to a temporary certificate issued by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) that enables them to work as a teacher while finishing their Initial Teacher Education. These certificates and the ability to issue them will expire on December 31, 2023.
To continue supporting the needs of students, the ministry plans to amend Ontario Regulation 298 (Operation of Schools) to help create an ongoing path for eligible teacher candidates to teach with a transitional certificate while completing their Initial Teacher Education. This certificate would increase opportunities for teacher candidates to transition to employment and support school boards by increasing access to certified teachers to support classroom learning.
The design of the new certificate will build in lessons learned from the current model and will include criteria to ensure all teacher candidates have completed core elements of teacher education to support their success and the success of their students.
The ministry is working with the Ontario College of Teachers to update an Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996 (OCTA) regulation. The amendments made to Regulation 298 would be consequential to the amendments made to the OCTA regulation. The regulation may require some due diligence by the school board or principal respecting the eligible teacher candidates' successful completion of practicum and ensuring the suitability of the candidate to teach.
Once these regulations are in place, eligible teacher candidates will be able to apply to the OCT for a transitional certificate and can begin teaching on a daily occasional basis. The Ministry of Education will also release guidance to support implementation.
Contact Address:
315 Front St. W. 9th Floor
Toronto, ON M5V 2A4
Toronto, ON M5V 2A4
Effective Date:
August 30, 2023
Decision:
Approved