Professionally Speaking Article: Healthier Relationships, Healthier Schools

The Ontario College of Teachers' landmark sexual abuse prevention program puts trust and care at the centre.

BY ANDREW FIFIELD

December 2021

"He's on our level. He was one of us … so he became a really relatable person. When I look back, I felt like I was putty in his hands."

Those words, spoken by a survivor who was sexually abused by a teacher, can be found among the video testimonials that are a powerful contribution to a new online sexual abuse prevention program developed in partnership between the Ontario College of Teachers and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P).

The program, which formally launches on January 3, 2022, was legislated by the provincial government to bolster the College's ability to serve the public interest by protecting student safety. All Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs) are required to successfully complete it by August 31, 2022, while new and returning applicants must complete it to be eligible for certification by the College.

"The College protects the interests and well-being of students, so C3P is a natural partner for us," says Paul Boniferro, the College's Transition Supervisory Officer. "While incidents of student abuse are rare, this program reflects our ongoing commitment to student safety by providing professional development opportunities to College licensees."

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