Ontario cuts teacher training program to 1 year amid educator shortage
· Toronto Sun
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The Ontario College of Teachers is introducing a new one-year teacher training program while keeping the current on-the-job practicum requirement at 80 days.
“On April 10, the Ontario government announced changes to the initial teacher education program. Effective May 1 of (next year) the current four-semester model will become a three-semester, 12-month consecutive program. The new model maintains the current 80-day practicum requirement,” the Ontario College of Teachers says in a June 11 post on its website.
The province estimates the move to a one-year program will save students up to $3,000 in tuition. The current four-semester program, spread over two years, was introduced in 2015 by the Liberal government. Under Kathleen Wynne, the province extended the Bachelor of Education degree to two years, partly to address an oversupply of teachers.
Essentially, the change is being made because Ontario is now facing a teacher shortage.
‘Into the classroom faster’
“This change would get future teachers into the classroom faster, jumpstarting fulfilling careers and meeting the needs of communities across Ontario,” Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Nolan Quinn said during an April 10 press conference.
“We need a system that removes unnecessary barriers, focuses on real classroom experience and ensures new teachers feel confident and ready from day one,” Minister of Education Paul Calandra added at the same press conference.
At 80 days, Ontario has one of the shortest practicum requirements in the country. The Ontario Teachers’ Federation has been calling for 100 days. Practicum requirements vary by province, with most requiring between 80 and more than 105 days of in-school teaching experience to meet certification standards. For example, the practicum requirement for a Bachelor of Education in Manitoba is 120 days.
“As the regulator for Ontario’s teaching profession, the Ontario College of Teachers sets certification requirements and accreditation standards that serve the public interest,” the release said. “The college’s priority is to maintain clear professional standards and to support a smooth transition to the new initial teacher education program model.”
At its June 11 meeting, the college’s council approved the proposed amendments to the accreditation regulation.