Manitoba Updates Teacher Registry for Enhanced Transparency

Manitoba’s teacher registry is set to become more transparent following minor regulatory updates announced on December 12, 2023. These changes aim to inform the public when educators are under investigation, an essential step in enhancing accountability in the province’s education system.

Changes to the Teacher Registry

The update was disclosed by Tracy Schmidt, Manitoba’s Education Minister. Previously, a teacher could voluntarily surrender their certification without this action being reflected on 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 explained in an interview.

This modification will apply to teachers and clinicians who have agreed to step away from their roles as part of a legal undertaking. Despite being subject to investigations, these professionals were previously listed as being in good standing. Now, if an investigation is open, a temporary suspension notice will be added to their individual profiles. Once the investigation concludes, this label will be removed, and the teacher’s status may change based on the outcome.

Impact and Expert Opinions

These changes come after child protection experts identified gaps in the initial rollout of the registry. In 2022, Schmidt’s office established an informal advisory council focused on teacher professional conduct to gather feedback, with members expected to reconvene in spring 2024.

Cameron Hauseman, an associate professor of educational administration at the University of Manitoba, praised the update as “a step in the right direction.” However, he emphasized that more work is needed for the registry to be as robust and informative as possible. Currently, the registry lacks context regarding the disciplinary actions listed, which can leave the public with unanswered questions.

For instance, the case of ex-high school teacher and football coach Kelsey McKay highlights the need for clarity. McKay’s license was “cancelled” on June 19, 2024, after he pled guilty to nine counts of sexual assault and two counts of luring, involving nine teenage victims he coached. The registry indicates that a total of 85 teaching certificates were cancelled between 1990 and 2025.

The teacher registry profiles also include both current and former names, pay classifications, and certificate standing. These profiles note any limitations or conditions on an individual’s license. Hauseman has advocated for the province to enhance these profiles to provide details about a teacher’s qualifications, including their training and subject area expertise.

Minister Schmidt expressed willingness to consider further updates to the registry, acknowledging the need to balance transparency with “employment privacy.” “We are trying to provide as much transparency, accountability, and information as we can,” she stated.

As Manitoba continues to refine its teacher registry, these updates aim to better inform the public and enhance trust in the province’s educational system.