O qualified teachers working in government, federations, and the private sector.

All teacher and occasional teacher members must be certified with the College before they are eligible to 
teach in a classroom in Ontario. Accordingly, members are required to pay an annual fee to ensure that 
they remain in “good standing” with the College.

If a member fails to maintain active membership in the College, their certificate of qualification will be 
suspended.

As part of its mandate, the Ontario College of Teachers investigates complaints against members and 
deals with discipline and fitness to practise issues.

The College’s Professional Misconduct Regulation outlines numerous examples of conduct that may lead 
to the investigation of a member. A few of these are as follows:

O failing to maintain the standards of the profession;

O abusing a student physically,

O abusing a student sexually,

O abusing a student verbally,

O abusing a student psychologically or emotionally,

O failing to keep records as required by his or her professional duties;

O failing to comply with the Education Act or the regulations made under the Act·

O conduct unbecoming a member;

O failing to co-operate in a College investigation.

It is important that all members are aware of this regulation and the impact it may have on their 
professional lives. Please refer to the College website www.oct.ca to access this regulation in its entirety.

Complaint Against You?

If you are contacted by the College and advised that a complaint has been made against you:

O listen to what the College staff is advising you about the complaint.

O ask questions to clarify, if necessary.

O DO NOT make any statement or respond to questions related to the complaint itself.

O you will receive a copy of the complaint along with the investigation procedures in the mail after 

they make the telephone contact.

O contact ETFO staff in Professional Relations Services immediately.

Contemplating a Complaint Against a Teacher?

O Members are advised to contact ETFO BEFORE making a complaint to the College about another 

member of the College.

O Every member of the Ontario Teachers’ Federation is bound by the Code of Ethics, in particular 

Section 18 (1) (b) of the regulation under the Teaching Profession Act which states that

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