Mediating the Catholic Graduate Expectations

I think mediating the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations helps teachers meet and
exceed the standards I chose in many ways. Looking at both the standards of practice, which
provide a framework of principles that describes the knowledge, skills and values inherent in
Ontario’s teaching profession, as well as the OCSGEs which provide a list of expectations of a
future graduate; all share similar qualities. These qualities represent the distinctive vision that
Catholicism has for its members and reflect the gospel values located at the heart of the
Church.
Although the OCT standards of practice are not specifically addressing Catholic schools,
when we overlap the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations with them, we are able to see
further into their meanings and that the standards can all relay back to God’s path for us, and
how he would ensure the students are receiving the education needed to ultimately lead them
to the path he has destined for them to lead.
I think creating this chart was very useful, as I was able to create my own scenarios
where I believe us teachers can cross over the OCT standards with the OCSGEs and directly put
into use in the classroom. Taking the time to sit down and compare both, really opened up my
mind to the many ways we already are addressing these standards on a day to day teaching life,
without even realizing it. Without having my own classroom, it is hard to compare my
experience of planning lessons that cover curriculum and the standards etc., but supplying
allows me to ensure that I am doing the best I can to show these standards through example,
conversation, knowledge, etc.
Even though the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations are required of the
students as opposed to the teachers like that OCT Professional Standards are, it is so important
for the teachers to mediate and facilitate the achievement of these expectations to their
students. Otherwise, without us teachers, our students would have no guidance in their journey
from kindergarten to graduation in grade 12. We need to do our best as Catholic teachers to
help our students commit to their life long learning far beyond our time with them, and ensure
they keep their faith intact.