Teacher Certification and Standards

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The amendment to the Education Act concerning Teacher Certification and Standards Regulations (EC2024-889), approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council on October 1, 2024, introduces changes aimed at modernizing the certification process for teachers in Prince Edward Island. One of the most notable amendments involves changing the terminology from “Board” to “Registrar” throughout Section 3 of the Teacher Certification and Standards Regulations (EC534/16). This shift reflects a move toward a more centralized authority in the certification process, placing the responsibility of recommending approved courses and programs with the Registrar instead of a broader board.

Additionally, subsection 5.2(8) has been revoked and replaced with new criteria for determining equivalency to 30 credit hours of post-secondary study. The revised regulations now recognize two specific pathways: an interprovincial standards (Red Seal) endorsement on an occupational certification and the completion of 300 hours of occupational training approved by the Minister. This change broadens the avenues through which individuals can meet educational requirements for teacher certification, especially for those with practical training backgrounds. Furthermore, the new subsection 5.2(9) allows the Registrar to recommend specific occupational training courses or programs for the Minister’s approval, empowering the Registrar to play a more proactive role in identifying training options that align with educational standards, thereby facilitating a more systematic path to certification.

Moreover, Section 7 has been amended to specify that candidates for teaching licenses will be evaluated using the Language Competency Assessment for the Teaching Profession (LCATP), coordinated by Pathways to Teach Canada. This amendment emphasizes the importance of language proficiency in the teaching profession and establishes a standardized assessment method for both English and French language skills. The amendment also introduces a new fee structure by revoking and replacing the existing fee table in subsection 15(1). The revised fees include $125 for applications for academic and career/technical teacher licenses, $50 for new qualification levels, $25 for statements of professional standing, and $200 for appeals. A key change in this section is the removal of the higher fee for applications from individuals who completed their teacher education outside of Canada, aiming to make the certification process more accessible for international candidates and promote a diverse teaching workforce.

In summary, these regulatory changes are poised to create a more equitable and efficient framework for teacher certification in Prince Edward Island, ultimately benefiting the education system by ensuring that qualified and competent individuals are entering the teaching profession. The transition to the new structure is likely to contribute to an improved educational landscape, fostering better outcomes for students across the province.

Prince Edward Island (EC2024-889 October 12, 2024