Becoming an elementary teacher in Ontario is more than just a career choice; it’s a commitment to shaping the foundational years of the next generation. It is a challenging, dynamic profession that requires patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of how children learn.
If you feel called to the classroom in kindergarten through grade 8, you need to navigate a specific, regulated path to fulfill the requirements set by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to become a certified elementary teacher in Ontario, along with a realistic look at the financial prospects of the profession.
Step 1: The Foundation – Your Undergraduate Degree
Before you learn how to teach, you need a foundation of knowledge. The first requirement for teaching in Ontario is an acceptable post-secondary degree from an accredited university. This is typically a three or four-year Bachelor’s degree (B.A., B.Sc., etc.).
While you don’t necessarily need a degree in “Child Development,” your undergraduate studies are a good time to build expertise in subjects taught in elementary school, such as English, French, math, science, history, or geography.
Tip: Keep your grades up. Admission to teacher education programs in Ontario is highly competitive.
Step 2: The Teacher Education Program (B.Ed.)
Once your undergraduate degree is complete, you must apply to a Faculty of Education to complete a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program.
In Ontario, this is a consecutive, four-semester program that usually takes two years to complete. During this program, you will learn pedagogical theory (the method and practice of teaching), classroom management strategies, and child psychology.
Choosing Your Divisions: When applying, you must choose two consecutive divisions to specialize in. For elementary teaching, you will choose either:
- Primary/Junior (P/J): Kindergarten to Grade 6.
- Junior/Intermediate (J/I): Grade 4 to Grade 10. (Note: J/I requires you to have a “teachable” subject specialization from your undergrad).
A vital component of the B.Ed. is the practicum. You will spend significant time placed in real Ontario classrooms, observing certified teachers and eventually taking over lesson planning and instruction under their supervision.
Step 3: Certification with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT)
In Ontario, you cannot legally teach in a publicly funded school without being licensed by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).
Upon successful completion of your B.Ed. program, your university will recommend you to the OCT. You must then apply for membership. The OCT ensures that all applicants meet the professional standards, have completed the required education, and pass a criminal record check.
Once registered, you will receive the designation of Certified Ontario Teacher (OCT).
The Financial Reality: Teacher Salaries in Ontario
A major consideration for anyone entering the field is the financial viability of the career. Teaching offers significant benefits, including a strong pension plan and job security, but what about the actual paycheque?
Teaching in Ontario is public sector employment. The province maintains a high degree of transparency regarding government compensation, allowing prospective employees to understand the financial landscape through accessible data on public sector salaries.
Teacher salaries are determined by collective agreements between teacher unions (like ETFO for elementary teachers) and local school boards. Your salary is based on a “grid” that considers two factors:
- Years of experience (moving down the grid).
- Level of education/qualifications (moving across the grid, typically categories A1 through A4).
The “Sunshine List” Threshold
While starting salaries for new teachers can be modest, the earning potential grows significantly with experience and additional qualification courses (AQs).
Many experienced Ontario teachers eventually cross the threshold onto the “Sunshine List“, the annual disclosure of public sector employees who earn over $100,000 in a year. This is a common benchmark for senior educators.
To get a realistic view of what established educators earn, rather than just looking at starting wages, you can review historical data for the elementary teacher job title to see how salaries progress over the course of a career in various school boards across the province.
Step 4: Entering the Job Market
With your B.Ed. in hand and your OCT certification finalized, you are ready to apply for jobs. In Ontario, most school board job postings are managed through the “Apply to Education” website.
It is rare to land a permanent full-time contract immediately after graduation. Most new teachers begin their careers by:
- Supply Teaching (Occasional Teaching): Day-to-day substitute teaching. This is crucial for gaining exposure to different schools and networking with principals.
- Long-Term Occasional (LTO): Covering a classroom for a teacher on leave (e.g., maternity or sick leave) for several weeks or months.
Moving from the supply list to an LTO, and eventually to a permanent contract, can take several years depending on the demand in your specific school board.
Conclusion
Becoming an elementary teacher in Ontario requires dedication to roughly six years of university education and a commitment to lifelong learning. It is a demanding path, but for those passionate about fostering the intellectual and social growth of children, it offers a deeply rewarding and stable career.
