Frequently Asked Questions

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What is an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Option?

The consecutive elementary program (Bachelor of Education – BEd) has approximately 450 teacher candidates (student teachers). In order to make the program student-friendly and effective, we group teacher candidates into 6 sections. These learning communities of 70 are called Options.

The goal for each Option is to deliver a coherent and engaging program. The Option structure allows you to get to know your faculty team, be part of a professional learning community, and become well acquainted with a small group of teacher candidates. Most of your courses will be with your Option classmates. Your Option faculty team, led by two option coordinators, who will be your instructors for most classes, advise you, support you in the practicums, respond to your concerns, and help you capitalize on our professional program.

How should I prepare for Option Information Night?

Since you will only have the time to attend presentations for two of the six Options, we suggest that you do some preparation work ahead of time to decide which three are most likely to be suitable. PLEASE DO NOT call to get information.

Read the brief on-line descriptions of each Option
Consider your particular needs
Define your particular interests

When is the deadline for submitting my Option Selection and Candidate Information Form?

Please complete and submit all necessary information by Tuesday, April 16, 2013.

How do you decide which option I am placed in?

When placing teacher candidates in an elementary option, we consider a number of factors:

The teacher candidate’s preference and stated reasons for the preference
Availability of practice teaching placements in partner schools
The date/time you submitted our Option Selection Form
The teacher candidate’s place of residence and mode of transportation
Available space in each option
Special circumstances e.g. family responsibilities

When am I notified of my option placement?

You will be informed of your option placement by email by the end of June. Please DO NOT call to inquire about your placement. We will contact you as soon as the placements are made.

What will my average week entail in the Elementary Initial Teacher Education program?

Each week you will engage in learning in both the academic and field programs. In the Elementary program the curriculum and instruction course is comprised of 7 subject areas (Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Technology, Social Studies, Psychological Foundations, Arts, School & Society). Candidates in Primary/Junior and Junior/Intermediate divisions are expected to teach in all of these subject areas in their field placements. During the academic program, classes run 5 days a week from 9-4 pm (sometimes 5 pm). Leading up to each practicum, approximately one day a week will be spent in your practicum classroom. These are referred to as STEP days (Student Teacher Experience Program). There are also several cross program professional learning events in areas including special education, professional preparation etc.

What is a related studies course?

Related Studies courses allow teacher candidates to pursue individual interests and deepen or broaden their knowledge and skills. As part of the program you must complete one of these courses. For more information please go to http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/ro/Teacher_Candidates/Newly_Admitted_Teacher_Candidates/Related_Studies_Course_Info.html

These courses will be offered either in the Fall or Winter Session and will be scheduled on Wednesday mornings from 8:30 – 12:30.

Course changes may be requested through the Registrar's Office the first week of classes each term.

I need to work part-time during the school year, will I be overloaded?

It is a challenge to maintain a part-time job while in the program. Class work, assignments and collaborative work keep you busy and the Practicum weeks demand all of your days and evenings. Please note: the academic program runs from 9-4 pm five days a week just as it would in a school. Some classes run until 5 pm.

How are my practicum placements selected? How far may I be expected to travel to my placements?

All practicum placements are with partner schools connected to a particular option and are made through the School-University Partnerships Office (SUPO). The information you provide on the Candidate Information Form (CIF) is one of several sources of information your coordinator will consider in assigning you to your practicum school and every effort will be made to place candidates within reasonable travelling distance from the address indicated on the CIF. However, circumstances vary, and this cannot be guaranteed. In making your practicum placement, your coordinator's primary goal will be to place you in the best possible learning situation within your cohort schools. OISE makes all practice teaching placements (teacher candidates must not make their own arrangements).

If I am in the Junior/Intermediate division can I have a Practicum in a grade 9 setting?

J/I teacher candidates will teach in a grade 7 or 8 classroom. J/I candidates are not placed in a secondary school for either of their practica, however, you may choose a grade 9 setting during your Internship.

As a Primary/Junior candidate am I allowed to have a French practicum placement?

Teacher candidates in the P/J program are not placed in Core French classrooms because the P/J Curriculum and Instruction course does not address the French language instructional pedagogy required for a Core French placement.

Teacher candidates in the P/J program will be allowed to have one of their practicum placements in a French Immersion classroom only if:

they successfully pass the French Proficiency Test; and
enroll in the Related Studies course “Teaching in French Immersion EDU5552”; and
obtain the permission of the instructor of the EDU5552 “Teaching in French Immersion”

NOTE: Participation in the "Teaching in French Immersion EDU5552" course does NOT lead to certification in the Additional Qualification FSL Part 1 course. For further information visit French Testing.

What is the Religious Education (Learning and Believing in Catholic Schools) Course and do I need to take it?

Please see Religious Education for information about this course.

Note: This course is only for teacher candidates and is offered in Faculties of Education during the academic year. Catholic School Boards require this course as a pre-requisite for a job interview and as a condition of employment.

What are some important dates for the 2013-2014 academic year?

April 2, 2013 – Enrolment and payment opens for the Religious Education course for Initial Teacher Education Candidates
August 19, 2013 – Enrolment and payment closes for the Religious Education course

September 4, 2013 – Elementary Registration Day
September 9, 2013 – Classes Begin
October 14, 2013 - Thanksgiving Day
October 28 - November 22, 2013 – First Practicum Block
December 11(pm) – December 13, 2013 – Professional Preparation Conference
December 16 – January 3, 2014 – Holidays
January 6, 2014 – Classes Resume
February 17, 2014 – Family Day Holiday
February 24 – March 28, 2014 – Second Practicum Block
March 10 – March 14, 2014 – March Break
April 17, 2014 – Classes End
April 18, 2014 – Good Friday
April 28 – May 29, 2014 – Internship
May 19, 2014 – Victoria Day Holiday
May 30, 2014 – In-Faculty Day (term ends)