Page 34 - Essential Advice for the Teaching Profession - Vol. 8

ONTARIO COLLEGE OF TEACHERS
Additional Qualifications:
Extending Professional Knowledge
The Council of the College approved a professional advisory on extending professional knowledge through Additional Qualifications on March 28, 2008, to clarify for members the purpose of the regulated system of qualifications in a division or subject, commonly referred to as Additional Basic Qualifications (ABQs) and Additional Qualifications (AQs).
Ongoing professional learning is an integral part of teaching. The College mandate includes a requirement to provide for the ongoing educa- tion of members. The profession’s standards reflect the expectation that all members will participate in ongoing learning. Adding to professional knowledge enhances teaching practice, which improves student learning.
Ongoing learning, as expressed in the College’s Professional Learning Framework for the Teaching Profession, covers a wide range of activities that help members expand their knowledge, increase their skills and prepare for career changes.
Many valuable courses and opportunities are offered by universities, colleges, teacher federations, principals’ organizations, school boards, subject organizations and community organizations.
The regulated system of Additional Basic Qualifications (ABQs) and Additional Qualifications (AQs) is one form of profes- sional learning. ABQs/AQs are recognized in legislation, accredited by the College, offered by providers approved by the College and, when successfully completed, recorded on the member’s Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
The College works with experts to develop guidelines that providers must use in cre- ating ABQs and AQs. Guidelines establish content, learning expectations, instructional strategies and forms of assessment. The College itself does not conduct courses
or programs.
Learn more about Additional Qualifications and the various scenarios for which teachers may seek professional learning opportunities.
Read Professional Advisory — Additional Qualifications: Extending Professional Knowledge in its entirety at oct-oeeo.ca/AQs-Adv.
30 ESSENTiAL ADViCE FOR THE TEACHiNG PROFESSiON