After reading the OCT standards of Practice, and the Catholic Graduate expectations, I noticed a couple of aspects in terms of the way the documents were written, which indicate some differences in the educational philosophies in each. The OCT standards of Practice is written with the "teaching profession" as the centre. The purpose of the document is written solely for the reputation of the "teaching profession". However, the Catholic Graduate expectations, is written with the "students" as the main focus. They are the ones that we are serving, and the document mentions what is the expected outcome for our students, by the end of their studies, as a result of our teaching. The Catholic Graduate expectations had a "student centred" approach to the way each standard was written. This is because, our paradigm of education in a Catholic school is different than in a secular one. (Institute for Catholic Education, 2018; OCT, 2018)

We learn from Christ, that if one wants to be first," they shall be the last, and servant of all". (Mark 9:35) As we can see, the Catholic graduate expectations, makes our teaching profession centred around those whom we serve, which is our students. We know our students will have a direct impact on our communities, and therefore as a result, we promote the Gospel value of "serving" our communities, by following "our vocation", and being responsible citizens. We recognize that our teaching, according to the Catholic Graduate expectations, has ripple effects, that in turn affect our parishes, families, and the world at large. (Institute for Catholic Education, 2018)

Although I found many similarities between some of the language used in the OCT Standards of Practice, and the Catholic Graduate Expectations such as commitment to "collaborative learning environments", "life-long learning", and being" self directed learners", there was a very important phrase which makes the whole educational philosophy distinct in a Catholic school, versus a traditional secular school, and it comes from the phrase, "in light of Gospel values". Everything that is done or taught, is based on the foundational principles and values found in scripture, and Tradition. In Catholic schools, teachers are called to see all bodies of knowledge, with the lens of Catholic theology and understanding. (Institute for Catholic Education, 2018; OCT, 2018)

The OCT standards of "Professional knowledge," is similar to the CGE of being: "A reflective, creative, holistic thinker, and a self directed, responsible life -long learner." Professional Knowledge is very important in both Catholic schools and public schools, because being "current" in professional practice and being a life-long learner are goals that both the OCT standards and CGE share. However, along with our professional knowledge, is our "knowledge" of the "Logos", who gives us the discernment and enlightenment to navigate through all forms of knowledge, to see what is true and what is not. Our teaching is integrated with Catholic teaching which is influenced and inspired by Tradition, Scripture, and the Catechism. We are committed to spiritual growth, as it opens our eyes to further forms of knowledge, like spiritual knowledge, which is missing in a public school education system. (Institute for Catholic Education, 2018; OCT, 2018)

The OCT Ethical standards of Care, Respect, Trust and Integrity are all integrated in the Catholic Graduate expectations, such as: being a Caring family member (CGE # 6), a Responsible Citizen (CGE 37), an effective communicator (CGE#2), and a discerning believer who practices moral living. The educational philosophy of the Catholic graduate expectations and the OCT Ethical Standards share common goals and outcomes, but their root may be coming from different places. From a Catholic perspective, each human being deserves care, and respect, because we believe in giving dignity to all human beings, who are made in the "image and likeness of God'. We believe that humans are eternal creatures, because we take into account each student's mind, body, and spirit, which is different than a secular system which denies the element of "the spirit". Catholic education educates not just the minds of students, but their hearts and spirits. We nurture and care for the "gift" of God which is in each student, and we help our students uncover it, and use it in the society, in a way that will glorify God's name. (Institute for Catholic Education, 2018; OCT, 2018)

Trust and integrity, may play a slightly different role in a Catholic school, because I believe that as Catholic teachers we will be held up to a higher moral standard, since we are claiming the Gospel as our authority for our morality, and we therefore will be held accountable to our actions, against the Gospel's message/Church's teachings. Students will trust us, and our system, the more we act in line with our Gospel mission and vision. (Institute for Catholic Education, 2018)

In Conclusion, although the OCT standards of practice identified each purpose for the teaching profession, we are distinct because we add the word: "Catholic" before "teaching Profession"; since all our policies and our mission is congruent with "the light of the Gospel". (Institute for Catholic Education, 2018; OCT, 2018)

References

D.Coogan , Michael. The New Oxford Annotated Bible. third. United States of America: Oxford University Press, 2001.

Institute for Catholic Education, " Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations." Accessed January 29, 2018. http://iceont.ca/resources/ontario-catholic-school-graduate-expectations/