Teacher

Dec 29, 2025
3 min read

Ontario Teacher Licensing & Career Guide – Elementary and Secondary

For Internationally Educated Teachers (Ontario)

1. Introduction

Internationally educated teachers looking to work in elementary or secondary schools in Ontario, it is important to understand that licensing through the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) is mandatory. Without this certification, you cannot legally teach in publicly funded schools

2. Regulatory Body

Ontario College of Teachers (OCT)

The OCT is responsible for:

• Licensing and certification of teachers

• Evaluating international credentials

• Setting standards of practice and ethics

• Issuing Certificates of Qualification & Registration

3. Elementary vs Secondary Teaching in Ontario

A. Elementary Teaching (Primary/Junior Divisions)

Grades: Kindergarten to Grade 6 (sometimes up to Grade 8)

Teaching Focus:

• Teaching multiple subjects to the same group of students

• Literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, arts

• Strong focus on child development and classroom management

Best suited for:

• Teachers with general education backgrounds

• Those experienced with younger learners

B. Secondary Teaching (Intermediate/Senior Divisions)

Grades: 7–12

Teaching Focus:

• Subject‑specific teaching (e.g., Math, Science, English, History)

• Adolescent development

• Assessment, evaluation, and curriculum specialization

Best suited for:

• Teachers with strong academic backgrounds in specific subjects

• Those who taught high‑school level courses

4. Basic Licensing Requirements

To be licensed in Ontario, applicants must demonstrate:

• Completion of acceptable teacher education (e.g., B.Ed. or equivalent)

• Academic post‑secondary education

• Supervised teaching practicum

• Language proficiency (English or French, if required)

• Professional suitability (criminal record check, good character)

5. Education Requirements (Separated by Stream)

A. Elementary Teaching Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Teacher education qualifying for Primary and/or Junior divisions

• Broad undergraduate education (any discipline may be acceptable)

• Supervised practicum with elementary‑aged students

Common gaps identified by OCT:

• Ontario curriculum knowledge

• Classroom management

• Assessment & evaluation

B. Secondary Teaching Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Teacher education qualifying for Intermediate and/or Senior divisions

• One or two teachable subjects, supported by sufficient undergraduate coursework

• Supervised practicum at the secondary level

Common teachable subjects:

• Mathematics

• Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

• English

• History / Geography

• French

Common gaps identified by OCT:

• Insufficient credits in teachable subjects

• Ontario curriculum alignment

6. Step‑by‑Step Licensing Pathway (Internationally Educated Teachers)

Step 1 – Pre‑Assessment & Preparation

Timeline: 2–4 weeksCost: $0–$300 (translations if required)

• Review OCT eligibility tools

• Gather transcripts, degrees, practicum records

Step 2 – Apply to Ontario College of Teachers

Timeline: 2–3 months (initial assessment)

Cost: ~$200–$250 application fee

• Submit online application

• Provide official transcripts, teacher education proof

• Submit language proficiency (if requested)

• Provide statements of professional standing

Step 3 – Credential Evaluation by OCT

Timeline: Included in processing

Possible outcomes:

• Approved with no conditions

• Approved with conditions (additional courses/practicum)

• Requirement to complete a Bachelor of Education

7. If Additional Requirements Are Assigned

A. Additional Coursework (Common Outcome)

Timeline: 4–12 months

Cost: $600–$1,200 per course

Examples:

• Ontario curriculum & assessment

• Classroom management

• Special education or ESL methods

B. Practicum / Supervised Teaching

Timeline: 2–6 months

Cost: Often included with coursework

C. Bachelor of Education (If Required)

Timeline: 16–24 months (full‑time)

Cost: $18,000–$35,000

• University of Ottawa

• Queen’s University

• Other Ontario faculties of education

8. Timeline Scenarios Summary

Scenario	Timeline
Fully comparable credentials	4–6 months
Minor gaps (1–3 courses)	8–14 months
B.Ed. required	2–4 years
Temporary Certificate	2–6 months to employment

9. Cost Summary (Estimated)

Pathway	Total Cost
Direct certification	$500–$1,000
With additional courses	$2,000–$6,000
With B.Ed. program	$20,000–$40,000

10. Employment & Salary Outlook (Ottawa)

Elementary Teachers

• Entry roles typically begin as supply teachers

• Progression to Long‑Term Occasional (LTO) positions

• Permanent roles usually after 2–5 years

Secondary Teachers

• Hiring strongly depends on teachable subjects

• Higher demand for Math, Science, French, and Technology subjects

• Career progression similar to elementary but subject‑dependent

Salary Range (Both Streams)

• Average salary: $85,000 – $100,000+ annually

• Salary increases with experience and collective agreements

11. Ottawa‑Area Employers (Public School Boards)

• Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (English Public) – https://www.ocdsb.ca

• Ottawa Catholic School Board (English Catholic) – https://www.ocsb.ca

• Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (French Public) https://www.cepeo.on.ca

• Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre‑Est (French Catholic) – https://www.cecce.ca

12. Alternative Career Pathways (If OCT Certification Is Delayed or Not Pursued)

These options are suitable for both elementary and secondary teachers while completing licensing or transitioning careers.

Education‑Related Roles

• Educational Assistant

• Tutor / ESL Instructor

• Instructional Designer / eLearning Specialist

• Curriculum Developer

• Program or Training Coordinator

• Student Services / Academic Advisor

Additional Supporting documents: