[May 12, 2026]
The Manitoba government has appointed Noni Classen as the new commissioner of teacher professional conduct, bringing more than two decades of national leadership in child protection, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced today.
“Ms. Classen brings an exceptional depth of experience to this role,” said Schmidt. “Her distinguished record in child protection and her leadership in developing national safeguarding frameworks will ensure that every student in our province learns in a safe, respectful and supportive environment.”
Classen joins the commissioner’s office following her long‑standing tenure as director of education and support services at the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P). Since 2004, she has led the development of three national education programs: Commit to Kids, Kids in the Know and Teatree Tells. These tools help in reducing the sexual victimization of children across Canada and have helped shape policies and practices in schools, sport organizations and child‑serving sectors across Canada.
Classen also worked as a resource teacher in the Louis Riel School Division for 10 years and holds a bachelor of education from the University of Manitoba.
“I am honoured to take on this role and continue strengthening the systems that protect children,” said Classen. “Ensuring safe, respectful and professional learning environments is essential to student well-being and to upholding public confidence in the teaching profession.”
As commissioner, Classen will oversee professional conduct processes for teachers and certified educators, ensuring accountability, transparency and the highest standards of practice across the education system.
The commissioner plays a critical role in Manitoba’s independent framework for addressing matters of teacher professional conduct and competence including:
- receiving and investigating reports and complaints,
- facilitating consent resolution agreements, and
- referring matters to hearing panels where appropriate.
The Manitoba government has made major changes to the Manitoba teacher registry focusing on greater transparency, public access and clearer reporting of disciplinary actions.
Classen will begin her new role May 18.
– 30 –
For more information:
Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.
Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.