Manitoba appoints new commissioner of teacher professional conduct

Manitoba’s Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced the appointment of Noni Classen as the province’s new commissioner of teacher professional conduct. Classen, a longtime child protection advocate, will begin her role on May 18, overseeing professional conduct processes for teachers and certified educators. Classen joins the position after serving as director of education and support services at the Canadian Centre for Child Protection since 2004. During her tenure, she led the development of national programs like Commit to Kids, Kids in the Know, and Teatree Tells, which aim to reduce child sexual victimization and influence policies in schools and child-serving sectors across Canada. Before her work at the Canadian Centre, Classen spent 10 years as a resource teacher in the Louis Riel School Division. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Manitoba. Schmidt highlighted Classen’s extensive experience in child protection and safeguarding, emphasizing her ability to ensure safe, respectful, and professional learning environments for students. The commissioner’s responsibilities include receiving and investigating complaints against teachers, facilitating consent resolution agreements, and referring matters to hearing panels when necessary. The appointment aligns with Manitoba’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, public access, and reporting of disciplinary actions in the teacher registry. Classen expressed her commitment to strengthening child protection systems, stating that safe learning environments are essential for student well-being and public trust in the teaching profession. The province continues to implement changes to improve accountability and oversight in Manitoba’s education system.