Election, Nomination and Quality Assurance

Election Committee

The Election Committee is a special committee of Council that reviews the regulations and procedures governing Council elections.

In 2008, the committee reviewed and recommended to Council the planning process and voting procedures for the 2009 Council election. The committee reviewed the nomination form which was made available on the College’s web site in December 2008. The online voting system will be available 24 hours a day during the voting period.

The committee also reviewed a communication plan to encourage College members to run for Council positions and more fully participate in the election process. The plan includes publishing expanded information on what a Council member’s role is and the various opportunities to serve on Council committees on the College’s web site and in Professionally Speaking, and including notices in other member organizations’ publications during both the nomination and voting periods to promote awareness of the election among College members.

Nomination Committee

The Nomination Committee is a special committee of Council. The Nomination Committee prepares recommendations for each new Council regarding nominations for the position of Chair and Vice-Chair of Council as well as recommendations regarding candidates for committee membership. During the term of the Council, the committee reviews and makes recommendations regarding committee membership and elected-member Council positions as vacancies occur.

In 2008, the committee made recommendations regarding appointed and elected member vacancies on various committees of Council and regarding an appointed member vacancy on the Executive Committee.

As well, the committee conducted a briefing session for Council members about the Nomination Committee appointment process and developed a process for the selection of Council members to ad hoc committees when required. This process included the development of an ad hoc committee membership questionnaire and the proposal of amendments to the College’s bylaws, which were passed in June 2008.

Quality Assurance Committee

The Quality Assurance Committee is a special committee of Council mandated to assess the performance of the College relative to the 11 objects, or purposes, set out for the College in the Ontario College of Teachers Act.

During each three-year term of Council, the committee undertakes to review each of the 11 objects and to prepare an overall report to Council on how well the College satisfies its mandated objects and protects the public interest.

In 2008, the committee continued their three-year review with in-depth discussions on the objects relating to investigation, discipline and fitness to practise issues and the establishment of professional and ethical standards applicable to members of the College.

In addition to the object review, the committee was tasked with investigating the possible establishment of a professional designation for members. Following extensive research and focus group activity, the committee recommended the establishment of a professional designation, which Council accepted. This designation will demonstrate that teachers have distinct knowledge and skill sets which distinguish them from other professionals.

Council also requested that the committee review the existing Council committee structure specific to membership and workload issues. This review will ensure that committees are able to meet the mandate of the College as described in the 11 objects defined in the Act.