The Privilege of Professionalism. Ontario College of Teachers.

This paper provides an introduction to the mandate of the Standards of Practice and Education Unit of the Ontario College of Teachers and describes how the College is proceeding to address several challenging tasks. The tasks include the licensing of teachers trained in Ontario or other jurisdictions, disciplinary procedures, and in the Professional Affairs Department, the development of standards of practice for the profession, ethical standards, a framework for ongoing professional learning, and the registration of program providers and accreditation of programs of teacher preservice and inservice training. The Ontario College of Teachers was established in 1996 to license, govern, and regulate the practice of teaching. This report explores whether the creation of the College has enhanced the professionalism of teachers. It looks at the political context within which it was developed, the works of the College's various departments, and new professionalism in teaching. It concludes with a discussion of the privilege of professionalism. (Contains 14 references.) (SM)