Associate Teachers
What is an Associate Teacher (AT)?
An Associate Teacher (AT) is an experienced, OCT-certified classroom teacher who hosts and mentors a Teacher Candidate (TC) during their practicum in the Master of Teaching program. ATs provide day-to-day classroom guidance by sharing instructional practices, modelling effective teaching, and offering regular feedback. They also support TCs in understanding classroom routines, expectations, and school procedures, while gradually introducing them to teaching responsibilities within the classroom setting.
The Role of the Associate Teacher (AT) in the Master of Teaching program
Associate Teachers are essential partners in the Master of Teaching program, supporting Teacher Candidates (TCs) as they bridge theory and practice during their practicum. Through mentorship, modelling, feedback, and ongoing professional dialogue, ATs foster TCs’ growth as reflective, agentic, and responsive educators. This collaborative relationship strengthens the connection between academic learning and classroom practice, helping TCs build confidence, develop competence, and shape their professional identity.
Top 5 reasons Associate Teachers (ATs) Volunteer
To support the preparation of new teachers
To give back to the profession
To refresh their own teaching practice and learn new ideas from TC's
To gain experience as a mentor
To collaborate with teacher educators at OISE
*taken from the Ontario College of Teachers Survey
Benefits of being an Associate Teacher
Play a key role in mentoring future educators
Develop and refine mentorship skills
Strengthen coaching and feedback practices
Collaborate with and learn alongside an aspiring teacher
Reflect on and enhance your own teaching practice
“My TC was outstanding, and we built a strong collegial relationship where we learned from each other. Expectations and communication from OISE were clear and consistent, and I would gladly take on another TC.”
Thinking of becoming an Associate Teacher in the MT Program at OISE?
Are you considering becoming an Associate Teacher (AT) with OISE’s Master of Teaching program and want to learn more? Explore the role of the AT and access helpful supports and resources:
The MT Program works with 11 partner school boards and various independent schools across the GTA.
For prospective ATs who are currently employed by the TDSB, DPCDSB, or TCDSB, you can speak with your principal directly about being nominated to host an OISE TC.
For prospective ATs who are currently employed by PDSB, DDSB, DCDSB, YRDSB, YCDSB, HDSB, HCDSB, HWDSB, these boards have their own centralized process for assigning TCs. Please connect directly with your board office for additional information and be ensure to request an OISE TC!
The Practicum Team is happy to help you best navigate how to become an Associate Teacher. Please reach out with any questions you may have - mtpracticum@utoronto.ca
Associate Teachers (ATs) must be OCT-certified and have 3–5 years of full-time teaching experience. They should also demonstrate the following:
- A strong commitment to the responsibilities of mentoring a Teacher Candidate (TC)
- The ability to model effective teaching practice and professional collaboration
- A willingness to provide scaffolded opportunities for the TC to gradually assume increased teaching responsibility during the practicum
- Strong communication skills
- Demonstrated subject-area expertise
- A consistent model of professional conduct and ethical practice
- The capacity to mentor an adult learner, including skills in observation, constructive feedback, and professional dialogue
- Organizational skills, including the ability to share or provide access to key information (e.g., staff handbook, expectations for arrival/departure, dress code, and school/classroom procedures)
- A commitment of time and support, including providing a dedicated workspace for the TC where possible
- The ability to help the TC access necessary teaching resources (e.g., photocopying, internet, textbooks, library materials)
- Openness to supporting a diverse range of Teacher Candidates
Associate Teachers (ATs) are responsible for completing and submitting both the Formative Assessment—typically due at the midpoint of the practicum—and the Summative Evaluation, which is due on the final day of the practicum.
The Summative Evaluation determines the Teacher Candidate’s final pass/fail standing for the practicum.
Throughout the placement, ATs are also expected to engage in ongoing feedback and professional dialogue with Teacher Candidates (TCs), supporting their gradual assumption of increased teaching responsibilities.
ATs are invited to host TCs across any or all of the Fall, Winter and/or Spring practicum blocks.
ATs are provided an honorarium for each practicum block in which they host a TC. The current rates of compensation* are: $250 for hosting a Year TC and $300 for hosting a Year 2 TC. *rates based on 2025/26 academic year
The MT Program schedules a Fall and Winter practicum for Year 1s and a Winter Practicum for Year 2s.
Each Teacher Candidate (TC) in the Master of Teaching (MT) program is assigned a Faculty Advisor (FA). The FA supports the TC during the practicum, conducts an in-school observation, and facilitates a post-lesson debrief following an observed teaching session.
Faculty Advisors also provide program support and resource guidance to Associate Teachers (ATs). They visit the classroom at least once and remain available to answer questions, discuss the TC’s progress, and support ATs in navigating the practicum experience.
Have questions? A member of our practicum team would be happy to help. Please contact us at mtpracticum@utoronto.ca
