Released on December 3, 2014
Education Minister Don Morgan has introduced The Registered Teachers Act to establish the Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board (SPTRB). The board will be responsible for teacher certification and discipline in Saskatchewan.
Currently, the Ministry of Education is responsible for certification. Discipline processes are administered by the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF), the League of Educational Administrators, Directors and Superintendents of Saskatchewan (LEADS) and the Ministry of Education.
“This legislation is a major step toward the creation of one professionally-led, self-regulated body for the teaching profession in Saskatchewan,” Morgan said. “The board will operate in the best interests of students, families, teachers and the public, and will be committed to the safety of all students and the integrity of all teachers.”
The SPTRB will be governed by a nine-person board of directors which will be comprised of seven registered teachers and two members of the public.
Once established, the board will oversee teacher certification and discipline related to misconduct or incompetence. Government initiated this change to provide Saskatchewan teachers with the same authority and responsibility as other self-regulated professions in the province, resulting in a more transparent and clear process.
“This is a uniquely Saskatchewan solution that strengthens the current system and safeguards the interests of students and the public,” STF Executive Director Gwen Dueck said. “The process of creating this new board has served to bring greater understanding of the need to continue and build on the long-standing, collaborative relationships within the education sector in Saskatchewan. As partners in education, we have worked to maintain our shared responsibility for the broader system of teacher regulation.”
In early 2015, the Ministry of Education, STF, LEADS, the Saskatchewan School Boards Association and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, will establish an interim board of directors that will develop the bylaws and structure of the SPTRB.
The SPRTB is expected to be in operation by fall 2015 and the interim board of directors in place by spring 2015.
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For more information, contact:
Kelly Johnston
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: kelly.johnston@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 309-533-7506