Frequently Asked Questions

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All faculties of education mail out acceptance offers in early April. Included are various forms and helpful information. The OISE package also includes information about choosing a SP (Secondary Program) cohort.

I have already taken teacher training in my country, can I teach in Ontario?

This would come under the jurisdiction of the Ontario College of Teachers and you need to check with them. There is also introductory information on the Canadian Teachers’ Federation website.

OISE seems big, will I get to know my classmates?

You will have many opportunities to work closely with classmates. The organization of the secondary program in a quasi-cohort model means that you will take three classes with the same group. In addition, events such as those organized by the Student Teachers Union help to create a community at OISE.

What will a typical week look like?

It is hard to describe a typical week. During the in-OISE weeks, you will spend about 20 hours per week in scheduled classes on four or five days of the week and in some cohorts there will be days in the schools outside of the Practicum. During the Practicum you will be full-time at a school and during the Internship, full time at a school or educational site.

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

You might be! Class work, assignments and collaborative work keep you busy and the Practicum weeks demand all of your days and evenings.

How much experience will I get in schools?

Two Practica of approximately four and a half weeks give you experience in two schools and the Internship in an educational setting could be in a school if you choose. Candidates also volunteer in classrooms to get extra experience.

Can I have a Practicum outside of Toronto?

OISE has agreements with Boards across the GTA and in the regions of Hamilton and Barrie, and teacher candidates can approach the Practicum Office about these possibilities. A more detailed list is available in the Practicum information booklet, available on the Practicum Office website.

Can I have a Practicum in a grade 7 or 8 setting?

Students wanting to teach in a grade 7 or 8 classroom choose the J/I option when applying to OISE.

Can I take graduate courses while in the initial teacher education program?

Graduate courses are developed for students who have been accepted into the graduate programs at OISE. In a few special circumstances students in the secondary program might be able to take a designated, cross-listed preservice graduate course as their Related Studies choice.

Where do I find information about curriculum policy (e.g. courses taught, provincial report card) for secondary schools in Ontario?

Information about curriculum policy for secondary schools in Ontario may be found at the Ontario Ministry of Education 'Elementary and Secondary Education' website.

What teacher federation will I join?

This will depend upon which Board you work for after graduation. While at OISE you are considered an associate member of the umbrella organization—the Ontario Teachers’ Federation. Most secondary school teachers in the province of Ontario belong to one of two teacher federations:
the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) or
the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association (OECTA).

What does it mean to be a member of the Ontario College of Teachers?

Please visit the Ontario College of Teachers for information about the College's services and what it means to be a member.