BC College of Teachers (BCCT)
Teachers elect a democratic college
In 2003, the BC Liberals passed legislation to replace elected councillors with government appointees, eliminating teachers' ability to govern their own profession. Prior to the legislation, 15 college councillors were elected and five were appointed by government. Teachers in the province protested vigourously by withholding their college fees and constitutionally challenged the legislation. In May 2004, the BC Liberals amended the legislation to allow for 12 elected and eight appointed councillors.
BCTF-endorsed candidates
Active BCTF members are eligible for BCTF endorsation as candidates in the BC College of Teachers’ elections.
BCCT proposed governance changes
In response to the changes proposed by the college council, the BCTF has called for a more open, transparent, and collaborative dialogue between teachers and college councillors.
College fee and membership
BCTF policies and procedures
Policies and procedures regarding the BC College of Teachers have been established by the decision-making bodies of the BCTF and are in section 7 of the BCTF Members' Guide.
Complaints
Important advice for teachers who find that they are being investigated by the college is contained in the brochure What to do if the BC College of Teachers is investigating you.
Please use the printable request form when applying for legal aid for a college matter.
The college's complaint process outlines how parents and others can file complaints about teachers. However, the B.C. School Trustees Association's position is that local district complaint processes should be followed and all local avenues exhausted first. The B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils' position is that all local avenues should be attempted first before complaints are made to the college.
Parent Concerns: A Guide for Resolution
From time to time parents may have a query or worry about some aspect of their child's schooling. The processes outlined in this brochure represents some of the best practices for handling complaints fairly and respectfully. These brochures have been distributed by mail to school staff representatives and school PACs.
Standards
The college is required through legislation to set standards for the teaching profession.
The Ontario experience
When the Conservative government of Mike Harris formed the Ontario College of Teachers, the number of parental complaints doubled and a large backlog soon developed. College investigations resulted in long delays, and issues were often referred back to local school boards for the decisions that should have been made at that level in the first place.
Our Special issue of the Teacher newsmagazine, September 2003, reports on The Ontario experience.
View the webcast of representatives from Ontario teachers' associations who share their experiences with the Ontario College of Teachers and draw parallels with the education minister's College of Teachers in BC.
Updated November 10, 2008