Dear UTFA Colleagues:
The provincial government introduced and passed Bill 101, Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, earlier this summer. The Bill makes significant changes to teacher education programs, namely shortening them from two years to one year.
For more information, please see the information below provided by the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA).
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Ontario's government is rushing major changes to teacher education programs through the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, (or Bill 101) without meaningful consultation, adequate planning, or respect for the expertise of Ontario's educators.
This Bill represents a clear and unacceptable form of political interference in the academic decision-making of Ontario’s universities who have processes that ensure educational excellence. These are being undermined by Bill 101.
Across Ontario, faculties of education are being required to redesign programs under compressed timelines and fast-tracked approval processes. Universities are being asked to implement significant changes in a matter of months without meaningful opportunity for consultation and careful curriculum development.
Faculty associations at 13 of Ontario's publicly funded universities with faculties of education, along with faculty members, chairs, and associate deans from across these institutions, have signed this letter calling on the government to reconsider these changes. You can view the full list of signatories here.
Add your name to show your support for high-quality teacher education, academic freedom, and a stronger public education system in Ontario.
By signing this letter, you are calling on the provincial government to:
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Pause the implementation of these changes to allow for meaningful consultation.
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Respect academic freedom and university autonomy.
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Invest in Ontario's universities and public schools so future teachers receive the high-quality education students deserve.