Mission Statement
OCSTA is a community of professional Christian school educators working to equip and enable its members to provide Christ-centred education.
OCSTA is the only organization of its kind serving professional Christian educators in Christian day schools in Ontario. It has a membership of about 900 full and part-time educators that includes teachers on leave, associate members and honorary members. Although the majority of our members teach in the schools affiliated with the organization known as the Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools (OACS), membership is also open to educators who work in other Christian day schools.
Historical Development
Organized in 1954, OCSTA (or OCTA as it was first named) was begun to promote the profession of Christian school teacher by initiating discussions around the direction for Christian education and by encouraging the development of Christian curriculum. Originally, these discussion groups were held on Saturdays. However, in due time, given the growth of the Christian school movement and the increase in the number of teachers, it became obvious that a more structured convention would benefit the larger group. As such, the first full day OCSTA convention was held in Hamilton on February 21, 1964. The next convention was a two-day event and took place on November 5 and 6, 1964. At this time, a constitution was adopted, a Board was elected and members started paying their dues.
Until the mid-80's, OCSTA was run by volunteer committees who did ground work and advised the Board on matters related to Christian teaching. One of the first decisions made (October 1964) was to strike a Credentials Committee mandated to establish criteria for a Christian Teacher Certificate (now known as the Christian School Teacher's Certificate). Today, this certificate has become a distinctive qualification for teachers in OACS schools and is often a requirement for employment.
Besides organizing the annual convention, OCSTA deals with educational trends, contractual concerns, accreditation and other matters related to professional development.
How does OCSTA Work?
The direction of OCSTA is set by the Board of Directors who are elected by and from the membership. The Board, in turn, works with the Executive Director who is responsible for the implementation of the direction. Much of the work is done by Board-appointed committees which meet up to four times per year. Each committee includes a Board representative whose task it is prepare the agenda (often done in consultation with the Executive Director) and to chair the meeting. All committee recommendation must be approved by the board.
Organization of Membership
In most cases, OCSTA members teach in OACS schools. These schools are divided into six geographic and one high school district. These districts are:
- Chatham
- Guelph
- Kingston
- Niagara
- Toronto
- Woodstock
- High schools
Teachers in each district get together for professional development, fine arts festivals, Battle of the Books competitions, track and field days or athletic events such as basketball, volleyball or soccer tournaments. Planning for these district events is done by a district executive, a specific school or a special committee.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors (BOD) consists of 12 members and meets up to six times per year to direct the business of the association. Members serve one four-year term, with the potential to serve two additional one-year terms. Elections are held at the annual general meeting. As much as possible, Board members represent the seven membership districts listed above.
It is the task of the Board to:
- set the direction for OCSTA and establish the policies needed to maintain this direction;
- direct and review the activities of the Executive Director;
- guide and oversee the work of the committees.
The Executive of the Board
Each year, after new Board members have been elected by the membership, the Board elects its Executive which consists of the following positions:
- chair person
- secretary
- treasurer
- vice-all
- Executive Director
Executive terms of office are two years, re-electible for one additional term. The Executive usually meets prior to the Board meeting to set the direction for the meeting. It also deals with special matters are they arise.
The Executive Director
The Executive Director is responsible to implement the direction the Board has set for OCSTA. She serves on most committees and is a non-voting member of the Board. The Executive Director writes regular reports to the Board and keeps the membership informed via the monthly OCSTA News.
Standing Committees
There are seven OCSTA committees and much of the preliminary planning is done at committee level. Each committee has no fewer than three and no more than seven members. Committees meet up to four times per year, usually in Ancaster at the OCSTA office; however, to cut down on cost and time, some telephone conferencing is also an option.
Convention Committee is made up of two components: a rotation Annual Convention Committee which plans the OCSTA convention and the Standing Convention Committee which provides continuity and direction by arranging the main speakers and by overseeing the work of the rotating committee.
Coordinating Committee is a joint OCSTA/OACS committee consisting of four OCSTA and four OACS members; is responsible for the OACS/OCSTA Personal Manual; encourages harmonious relationships between school boards and staffs by recommending salary schedules, dealing with contractual issues and giving advice regarding work-related concerns.
Credentials Committee consists of four OCSTA and two OACS members whose task it is to evaluate the credentials of teachers applying for the Christian School Teacher's Certificate (CSTC) and to propose criteria for upgrading the CSTC.
Education Committee advises the OCSTA Board on the formulation of policies for educational needs and direction; reviews and evaluates proposals and concerns presented by the OACS, OCSAA and other professional groups when determined relevant (e.g. OCT).
Finance Committee oversees the work of the bookkeeper, advises the Board on financial issues, prepares the budget and makes recommendations regarding membership dues.
Professional Development Committee organizes workshops and courses for ongoing professional learning throughout the year and during the summer; works in partnership with the Redeemer University College summer program; is familiar with the Professional Learning Plan (PLP) of the Ontario College of Teacher vis-à-vis the requirements for the Ontario Certificate of Qualifications and collaborates with the OACS on professional development opportunities.
Promotion Committee and Membership Committee promotes the work of OCSTA both internally and externally, prepares promotional literature and publishes the monthly OCSTA News.
In addition to these standing committees, occasionally an ad hoc committee is struck to investigate a specific issue or give advice. Once this task has been completed, the ad hoc committee is disbanded.
The Christian School Teacher's Certificate
The Christian School Teacher's Certificate (CSTC) is a unique certificate in that it attempts to integrate theory and practice in Christian education. The CSTC is awarded by OCSTA and endorsed by the OACS; hence, it is an important component in determining the teaching qualification for teachers in OACS-affiliated schools. The requirements for the CSTC are:
- a bachelor degree
- a recognized teaching certificate
- one course, taught from a Reformed Christian perspective at an approved degree-granting liberal arts institution or accepted alternative institutions, in each of the following four areas of study: [Theological Studies (Biblical Foundations) / Philosophical Studies (Philosophy of Education) / Instructional/Curricular Studies (Psychology of Education) / Christian Worldview Studies]
- membership in OCSTA
- a teaching contract in an OACS school
The Annual OCSTA Convention
Each year at the end of October, teachers in one of the OCSTA district organize the annual OCSTA convention. Usually held at Redeemer University College and Hamilton District Christian High School, the convention is attended by educators who work in the OACS schools in Ontario, as well as colleagues from New York state and elsewhere. the convention begins with an inspirational address and ends with an educational one; in between, participants can attend up to four workshops, browse exhibitors' display, share curriculum ideas or teaching strategies, and socialize.