Tips | Applying to Teaching

Note: This Tip Sheet focuses on the requirements for Ontario undergraduate (i.e., B.Ed.) teaching programs. For information on graduate-level teaching programs, refer to the specific program websites.

1. What is a Teacher?

The role of a teacher is to use classroom instruction and presentations to help students learn and apply concepts such as math, English, and science. In today's world, a teacher's role is quite multifaceted. Their job is to counsel students, help them learn how to use their knowledge, and show them how to integrate it into their lives so they will become valuable members of society. Teachers are encouraged to adapt teaching methods to each individual student's learning style and to challenge and inspire their students to learn.

2. What University Background is Needed?

Entry into most teacher education programs requires that you first complete your undergraduate degree, and obtain teaching-related experiences.
Your specialist/major/minor can determine what subject(s) and grade level(s) you are eligible to teach.

3. Choosing a Level and Subject to Teach

1. Primary/Junior Level (Junior Kindergarten – Grade 6)

Applicants do not choose teaching subjects, except for French as a Second Language.
Applicants have an advantage if they have taken a variety of courses in English, Math, Science, Fine Arts Social Science/Humanities (Canadian History/Geography)

2. Junior/Intermediate Level (Grades 4 – 10)

Applicants choose ONE teaching subject. This means that applicants need a major or minor in one teachable subject.

3. Intermediate/Senior Level (Grades 7 – 12)

Applicants choose TWO teaching subjects. This means that applicants need a major or minor in two teachable subjects.

4. Technological Studies

For details on the technological studies stream please see the following websites:

Tips: Each Faculty of Education may have different admissions requirements for teachables (teaching subjects). Also, some subjects may have more prerequisites than others, even at the primary/junior level. Refer to the admissions information for each faculty you are interested in.

Tips: If you intend to apply to the Faculties of Education, check each faculty's academic requirements well in advance, particularly when choosing your undergraduate specialist/major(s)/minors(s) and elective courses.

4. Choosing to Apply to a Consecutive or a Concurrent Program

Consecutive Program: Complete an undergraduate university degree, and then apply to a Teacher Education Program.
Concurrent Program: Complete Education courses concurrently with Arts & Science courses. You usually receive a B.A./B.Ed. or B.Sc./B.Ed. at the same convocation. Currently, Lakehead, Nipissing, Windsor, York, and Laurentian University offer concurrent programs.

Tip: Think ahead! The application process requires a lot of time. Be sure to prepare in advance to meet deadlines!

5. How to Apply to Faculties of Education in Ontario

Apply online at the Ontario Universities Application Centre Teacher Education Application Service (TEAS) (you’ll need to create an online account). Application deadlines change year-to-year. Please refer to the website above for updates.

Apply early to ensure you receive your OUAC reference number (required to submit supplementary information by the deadline).
In addition to completing the online “COMPASS TEAS” application, you will need to complete the TEAS profiles supplementary forms of the faculties to which you are applying.
The supplementary information may include several components, weighted differently by each faculty. Possible components include reference letters, experience profiles, and statements on why you would like to become a teacher.
The online application service fee is $159, and entitles applicants to 3 choices of faculties of education/programs ($51 per additional selection after the first 3).
Fees are $12 - $ 21 per transcript requested, depending on the university. After creating your “COMPASS TEAS” account, you can order transcripts by completing the “transcript request section” of the online application.
Each Faculty of Education also charges an additional mandatory supplementary/ faculty service fee (between $60 - $100). These fee amounts can be found in the TEAS 2021 Instruction booklet, and on the TEAS website.

Tips: Consider volunteering in your former schools or school boards. Aim to arrange a year-long volunteer experience.

Tips: keep a log or diary of your teaching-related experiences, which will help you to reflect on your insights regarding teaching and learning. The reflection logs will help you to complete the experience profile forms required when submitting your application.

Changes to the OISE/U of T Faculty of Education

The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto focuses on providing graduate teacher education programs. Interested applicants can consider OISE/UT’s two graduate teacher education programs:

Faculties of Education in Ontario Offering B.Ed. Programs

Notes:

All of the above faculties offer consecutive teaching programs, and many offer concurrent programs. Apply to consecutive programs through TEAS. Concurrent programs have different application procedures; visit each school’s website for details.
The TEAS instruction booklet lists which programs (i.e. P/J, J/I, I/S) are available at each university. The booklet is available at TEAS.

Other Schools Offering Teaching Education in Ontario

Tyndale University College (Toronto, ON) offers programs for P/J and J/I. This is a 16-month program (full-time).
Redeemer University College (Ancaster, ON) offers programs for P/J and J/I. This is a 2-year program.

Want to Study Outside of Ontario?

These are some websites for further information:

Selected programs in Australia and other countries.
International Studies Abroad
OzTrekk
Canteach
Teaching in the UK

Other Sources of Information

Other Resources at UTM Career Centre

Our Graduate and Professional school fair, held annually in September, includes the Faculties of Teaching and Education from various universities. Speak with representatives from Faculty of Education Programs from Ontario, the U.S., and Australia.
Is Teaching In Your Future? – General information sessions are held in the fall and winter terms, to give students an overview of the application process in Ontario, and the recommended experience and preparation for applying to Ontario Faculties of Education. Sign up for an information session on CLNx
Job Shadow Program – A career exploration program - an opportunity to meet with people working in your preferred career area (e.g. job shadowing a school teacher, a principal, etc.)
Print Resources – Browse through the occupational binders in the Career Centre for teaching-related info. These resources are kept in our Career Centre Resource Library. As well, a listing of websites and brochures for Canadian and U.S. teaching programs and a selection of admission guides are available for your use.
Personal Statement Critiques and Practice Interviews – If you need assistance preparing for your applications (Applicant Profile, Personal Statement, please complete our Personal Statement e-module or attend our Personal Statement workshop which is offered a few times each semester. Once you have a draft prepared, book an appointment and we will critique your statement/response to questions. Students are entitled to 3 personal statement critiques per semester.
Career Counselling Appointments – If you need assistance with exploring alternative career options, book an appointment with us. We’re here to help!

Please note that this information is subject to change. It is best to refer to the original sources for the most up-to-date information.

Updated June 16, 2023.