Teacher Certification & Salary Evaluation 

Information for graduating teacher education students

Certification

Teachers who work in publicly funded schools in Ontario must be certified to teach in the province and be members of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT)  and many private instituations are also requiring their elementary and secondary teachers be OCT certified.  

For full details about the college, being a member, apply for your number and more, please visit the OCT website.

For information on obtaining your certification, please review this information tipsheet

Evaluation and Salary

If teaching for an Ontario school board your salary is determined by a standardized grid which takes into account your; education, additional qualifications, certificates, experience etc.

You are responsible for applying for the correct evaluating body in order to properly assess this information and ensure you are paid the appropriate amount. 

There are TWO evaluating bodies, ensure you are connecting with the right one.

1. If you are joining or are a member of AEFO (Association des Enseignanges et des Enseignantes et des Enseignantes Franco-Ontariens), ETFO (Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario) or  OECTA (Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association) you will be evaluated by the Qualifications Evaluation Council of Ontario (QECO).  

Visit the QECO website for full details. You are encouraged to apply for your evaluation well in advance, and BEFORE you begin teaching. If you wait too long, you may miss the deadlines (check the website as they change annually) you will be paid by the board at the lowest possible category. 

2. If you are a part or will be joining the OSSTF (Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation) then you will be assessed by their qualifications body.