Cancellation of Professional Learning Program

On December 19, 2003, the Ontario College of Teachers announced that Minister of Education, Gerard Kennedy, was taking steps to introduce legislation in the Spring of 2004 to cancel the Professional Learning Program. When approved by the Legislature, the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996 would be amended to remove the requirement for teachers to complete 14 courses every five years to maintain their certificate of qualification and registration, and their membership to the College.

Education Minister Kennedy has committed to working with education partners to develop a learning framework that recognizes the learning needs of teachers and supports them with the delivery of programs to support student learning.

For Peel and all other providers, this means that the College will no longer be processing provider or course applications. Providers(including the Peel District School Board) have been asked to retain all outstanding course completion information.

Over the past few days, we have received inquiries from teachers and administrators in the system regarding the status of the Professional Learning Program in Peel. As a result of this announcement we have suspended the submission of all PLP course results to the College. The Peel District School Board remains committed to providing staff development and training opportunities for teachers. As future changes are announced we will ensure that they are conveyed to the system.

Wishing you much success in your professional development endeavours.

Wendy Nearing, Staff Development Co-ordinator
Tina Delaire, Staff Development Officer
Kim Ball, Staff Development Co-ordinator
Jane Mason, Superintendent of Staff Development and Student Support