Teachers' Certification Review Panel

Department

Authority

Remuneration

Purpose:

Under sections 5 and 10 of the Teacher Training Act, it is mandated that the Teacher Certification Review Panel may:

• suspend or cancel the certificate or licence of a teacher who is guilty of gross misconduct, incompetence or for other just cause; and
• suspend for up to one year the certificate or licence of a teacher who
• while required by contract to teach with one school board, accepts a position with a second school board without obtaining a written release from the first school board,
• having contracted to teach with a school board, terminates that contract before beginning service as a teacher with the school board unless, where special circumstances arise which the school board and the teacher agree make it inappropriate for the teacher to fulfil his or her contract, the school board has given the teacher a written release, or
• having contracted to teach with a school board terminates that contract without giving to the board the notice required by the collective agreement.

Under section 13 of the Teacher Training Act, it is mandated that the Teacher Certification Review Panel shall:

• at the request of a teacher, or the committee, review the cancellation or suspension of, or a refusal to cancel or suspend, a teaching certificate or licence made by the review panel, and make its decision in accordance with the Act and the regulations.

Structure:

Section 3 of the Teacher Training Act provides for the membership of the Teacher Certification Review Panel, as follows:

• a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association;
• a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador School Boards’ Association; and
• a representative of the general public, who is chairperson.

Competency Profile:

Members of the Teacher Certification Review Panel should collectively possess core competencies in the following areas:

• Human Resources;
• Labour Relations;
• Education; and,
• Arbitration/mediation.

Qualifications:

Key personal attributes required of members include:

• Ability to oversee a quasi-judicial review proceeding;
• Experience with quasi-legal proceedings;
• high ethical standards and integrity;
• appreciation of the responsibilities to the public;
• flexible, responsive and willing to consider others’ opinions;
• capable of a wide perspective on issues;
• ability to listen and work as a team member;
• no direct or indirect conflict of interest; and,
• strong reasoning skills.

Time Commitments:

Members of the Teacher Certification Review Panel should be available to meet as required to rule on teacher certification in accordance with its mandate. Typically, the members meet once a year. Members may also be expected to spend additional time reviewing materials and preparing for meetings.

Term:

Section 4 of the Teacher Training Act grants the minister authority to establish the terms of office. Members of the Teacher Certification Review Panel currently serve without term.

Vacancy Profile:

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