Manitoba Enhances Teacher Registry for Increased Transparency

The Manitoba government has announced significant updates to its teacher registry aimed at improving public awareness regarding educators under investigation. This regulatory change, effective as of December 12, 2023, allows for greater transparency concerning teachers and clinicians who have voluntarily stepped away from their roles due to ongoing legal matters.

Education Minister Tracy Schmidt emphasized the importance of these changes, explaining that previously, teachers who voluntarily surrendered their licenses were not reflected in the registry. “In the past, a teacher could’ve voluntarily surrendered their certificate and that voluntary surrender would not have been reflected on the registry,” Schmidt stated in an interview. This lack of clarity meant that professionals under investigation were still listed as being in good standing.

Under the new regulations, temporary suspension notices will be attached to the profiles of educators who are currently under investigation. Once the investigations conclude, these labels will be removed, and depending on the outcome, the teachers may appear on a disciplinary outcomes list.

Addressing Concerns from Child Protection Experts

The updates were informed by feedback from child protection experts who identified gaps in the original registry rollout. Schmidt’s office had previously established an informal advisory council on teacher professional conduct to gather insights and recommendations. This council is set to reconvene in the spring of 2024.

One academic, Cameron Hauseman, an associate professor of educational administration at the University of Manitoba, welcomed the changes as “a step in the right direction.” Nonetheless, he noted that more work is needed to make the registry comprehensive. “There’s a ways to go for the registry to be as robust and meaningful as it could be,” Hauseman remarked, pointing out the absence of context surrounding the disciplinary actions listed.

For example, former high school teacher and football coach Kelsey McKay is recorded as having his license “cancelled” on June 19, 2024. McKay is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault involving nine teenage victims he coached. According to the registry, a total of 85 teaching certificates have been cancelled from 1990 to 2025.

The registry profiles include vital information such as current and former names, pay class, and certification status. They also detail any limitations or conditions pertaining to an individual’s teaching license. Hauseman has been advocating for the province to enhance these profiles to include a teacher’s qualifications regarding grade levels and subject areas.

Future Enhancements and Privacy Concerns

While the latest changes are a positive development, Schmidt expressed her willingness to consider further updates to the registry. She noted, however, that the province must balance these efforts with the need for “employment privacy.”

“We are trying to provide as much transparency, accountability, and information as we can,” the minister said. As the Manitoba government continues to refine its approach to educator accountability, the focus remains on ensuring that the public is informed while respecting the privacy of individuals in the teaching profession.