Teacher Education

Teacher certification in Ontario is regulated by the Ontario College of Teachers.

Initial Teacher Education

Teachers who wish to teach in Ontario's publicly funded elementary or secondary schools must complete a teacher education program within or outside Ontario.

Once they have successfully completed a teacher education program, teachers apply to the College for a Certificate of Qualification and Registration, which is their licence to teach in Ontario.

Continuing Teacher Education

After they've been certified by the College, teachers may acquire additional qualifications. Additional Qualifications courses and programs provide opportunities to develop greater knowledge and expertise in a particular area of study.

Once a teacher successfully completes an additional qualifications course, the results are submitted to the College and listed on the teacher's Certificate of Qualification and Registration and in the Find A Teacher section of the web site.

Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs

Teacher education programs in Ontario must be accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers before they are recognized as valid by the College.

In Ontario, the College has the mandate of accrediting these teacher education programs through the Ontario College of Teachers Act.

In addition to initial accreditation, the College reviews programs on a regular basis to ensure requirements for accreditation, including the Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession and Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession are maintained.