GTA Catholic Option, 2013 – 2014

Primary/Junior/Intermediate

The Greater Toronto Area Catholic Teacher Education Program includes practice teaching experiences in selected partner Catholic Schools in the GTA, professional instruction at OISE, and further self-directed educational opportunities in diverse settings.

Program Description & Major Projects

The GTA Catholic program supports the formation of Catholic Teachers on three levels: Spiritual, Academic and Professional.

Spiritual: Teacher candidates are encouraged to pursue their own ongoing faith development and to become literate in the culture, heritage and tradition of the Catholic faith. Teacher candidates will learn to integrate Gospel Values and the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations across the curriculum.  Opportunities to teach the Religious Education component of Catholic Education will also be included.

Academic: Teacher candidates will participate in OISE's theoretical and practical academic courses to provide a solid foundation for teaching in Ontario. Major Academic projects and assignments include: Curriculum Unit Plans, Development of Personal Professional Portfolios, Inquiry Projects, and subject-based curriculum & field related assignments. Classes are held in the OISE building located at 252 Bloor Street West.

Professional: Graduates of the GTA Catholic program will be encouraged to be reflective practitioners who are able to critically examine teaching practice in light of educational, social, political, historical and spiritual contexts. They will be involved in ongoing professional development through assignments, practice teaching experiences, attendance at conferences, preparation for employment, the Internship, and reflective practice.

Special Focus

The GTA Catholic Program prepares teacher candidates to teach effectively in Ontario's Catholic Schools. It is highly recommended that those enrolled in the GTA program take the Religious Education "Learning and Believing in Catholic Schools" course.  This is a criteria for employment in the GTA Catholic School Boards.

Practicum Experience

Practical experience includes weekly involvement in Catholic schools and two four-week practice teaching sessions. Access to a car during the practicum is strongly recommended as public transportation to our wide range of partner schools can be challenging and time consuming.

Further Info

Contact: Karen Quinn or Mary Lynn Tessaro

Special Features: Primary/Junior; Junior/Intermediate.

Location of Practice Teaching Schools: Several schools in the Toronto Catholic District School Board; Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (Mississauga); and York Catholic District School Board