Ontario College of Teachers Membership Application Information
In order to teach in publicly funded Ontario schools (TDSB, Peel, York Region, etc.), you’ll need a license to teach. Membership with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), an organization that regulates the practice of teaching in Ontario, constitutes an Ontario teaching license.
When you have completed your MA at Jackman ICS, you can submit an application. To apply online, go to www.oct.ca → Become a teacher → New applicant. You can submit some required documents yourself; others will need to be sent directly to the OCT from an issuing authority (Ex. – university transcripts).
Documents you can submit yourself include:
- A photocopy of proof of identity document (birth certificate or passport)
- An original, signed criminal record check report, or “clearance letter” (no older than 6 months by the time the OCT receives it)
Use the following info to obtain a criminal record check report:
- Must submit your request for a clearance letter in person
- Toronto Police Headquarters:
- 40 College Street
- Service counter open from 8am-7pm, Monday - Friday
- Administrative fee: $26.25 (Visa, Mastercard, debit or cash accepted – but can only pay with cash prior to 4pm)
- You will be asked to provide 2 pieces of government issued ID, one of which must include your picture (Driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, visa, landed papers and citizenship documents accepted)
- You can obtain a clearance letter request form at:
http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/recordsmanagement/form.clearance.pdf - Allow 14 days for processing before checking back on your request
- Toronto Police Service Reference Check Office
- Tel: 416-808-7991
A photocopy of employment authorization, if you are not a Canadian citizen
A photocopy of any teaching certificate you’ve earned outside of Ontario (if applicable)
Documents submitted on your behalf include:
- Official postsecondary degree transcripts – undergraduate, and graduate studies if applicable
- A letter of verification, if the degree was completed outside of Canada or the U.S.
- An official teacher education transcript that indicates your degree has been completed (from Jackman ICS – can request through ROSI and ask that they be sent after convocation, www.rosi.utoronto.ca or OISE Registrar’s Office: 416-978-3384)
- A Statement of Professional Standing from every jurisdiction where you have been authorized to teach outside Ontario (if applicable)
Payment of fees:
- You are to pay a registration fee ($140.00) and a membership fee ($120.00) – a total of $260.00 (last updated: 2009)
- Can pay online via credit card: AMEX, Visa or Mastercard accepted
- You can also print an invoice and pay by cheque or money order
- Debit or cash payments can be made in person
- Please note that your registration cannot be completed until payment is received
Once you’ve applied online and paid the application fee, it should take the OCT approximately 10 days to set up your file. You can track your registration progress at www.oct.ca → Applicants. Keep your OCT registration number handy.
Address:
Ontario College of Teachers
121 Bloor Street East
Toronto, ON
M4W 3M5
Questions:
Please direct any remaining questions to OCT Client Services
Tel: 416-961-8800
Toll-free: 1-888-534-2222
Email: info@oct.ca