Ontario Certified Teacher
Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) is the designation of professionals which is granted by the Council of the Ontario College of Teachers to qualified, registered members in good standing. OCT is the designation required of all teachers who teach in publicly-funded schools in Ontario. There are over 200,000 OCTs in Ontario.
An OCT is a teaching professional with specific knowledge and skills in the areas of child development, curriculum, assessment, teaching methods, and classroom management. OCTs must meet the education, experience, and other requirements established by the Ontario College of Teachers. As part of their commitment to career-long professional learning, OCTs may enhance their qualifications through Additional Qualification (AQ) courses established by the Ontario College of Teachers.
OCTs are members of a community of highly educated, responsible and caring practitioners who are committed to the growth and development of Ontario students. OCT or EAO in French (Enseignante agréée de l’Ontario or Enseignant agréé de l’Ontario) lets students, parents and the public know instantly that teachers’ professional practice is guided and informed by the profession’s standards of practice and ethical standards.
The designation is also testament to the respect, trust, care and integrity that Ontario’s teachers and school and system administrators demonstrate with students, parents and each other.