Ontario planning to reduce teacher training to 1-year course

Training for teachers in Ontario is getting a major overhaul if legislation soon to be introduced by the Ford government passes.

Currently, teacher education programs run for four semesters over two years, introduced by Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal government in 2015. The proposed changes would condense the programs to 12 months over three consecutive semesters, saving students up to $3,000 in tuition, the Province estimates.

“This change would get future teachers into the classroom faster, jumpstarting fulfilling careers and meeting the needs of communities across Ontario,” said Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, Nolan Quinn during a press conference on Friday.

The changes are aimed at addressing the teacher shortage in Ontario. They will reduce the “time and cost barriers to becoming a teacher,” he said, modernizing the system and making it a more “nimble and responsive teacher education pipeline.”

The one-year model will prioritize in-classroom learning, facilitated by a longer practicum length, “so students graduate ready to lead in the classroom,” added Quinn. The length of practicum will be determined in consultation with colleges, education boards and educators.

“We need a system that removes unnecessary barriers, focuses on real classroom experience and ensures new teachers feel confident and ready from day one,” said Minister of Education, Paul Calandra.

“Hands-on experience supported by strong mentorship is what helps future teachers succeed. New teachers who feel prepared are more likely to stay in the profession and make a lasting impact on students.”

To that end, Calandra announced more support for Associate Teachers – experienced educators who mentor, supervise and evaluate student teachers during their classroom placements.

“Previously these mentor teachers would receive a stipend of $100-300 a year. With today’s announcement we are increasing that six-fold to $635 per mentor placement,” he said.

The legislation also opens up the possibility of recognizing prior learning and work experience, including early childhood educator diplomas or youth work experience. Quinn said it would allow the government to “explore new pathways into the teaching profession.”

“We know there are talented, passionate individuals with relevant experience that would make them a better teacher and we believe they should be recognized for it,” he said.

“By recognizing prior learning we’re attracting the best and the brightest to join the teaching profession.”

Martha Hradowy, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, said teacher working conditions and class sizes must improve if the province hopes to actually retain all the new teachers it graduates.

“I believe that this is a step in the right direction, but it only opens the front door, and right now, teachers are walking out the back,” she said.

Shirley Bell, first vice-president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, said to help on the retention side, the province must also put more supports in schools in the form of educational assistants, social workers and psychologists, to name a few.

“That will help address the needs of our students because that’s what this is about,” Bell said.

“What we need is for our professionals — our teachers and our educators — to get the support in their classrooms to support student learning. When we can do that, then we can address the complexities of what’s happening in the classroom and that’s how we can retain more teachers in the profession.”

The Ontario Teachers’ Federation has estimated that there are about 48,000 teachers who are certified but not currently working in the province’s education system.

Jeff Maharaj, president of the Ontario Principals’ Council, said he is hopeful the announcement will make a difference, but more still needs to be done.

“Do I think it’s going to fix the recruitment and retention issues?” he said. “I think it will help. I don’t think it’s a one-stop solution.”

If the legislation passes, Ontario’s 14 public universities as well as three private universities will change their teacher education programs to the one-year model.

Universities that offer teacher education stand to lose out as students attend for one fewer semester. Steve Orsini, president and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities, said in a statement that universities recognize the importance of getting teachers into the classroom in a timely and affordable manner.

“Continued collaboration with the sector will be essential to address financial impacts, ensuring that teacher education programs are positioned to deliver the high-quality preparation that leads to excellent teachers in Ontario’s classrooms,” he wrote.

Applications for the updated program will open in September and the first full-time cohort is expected to begin training in May 2027, graduating a year later in May 2028, aligned with the K-12 school year.

Files from The Canadian Press were used in this report

Training for teachers in Ontario is getting a major overhaul if legislation soon to be introduced by the Ford government passes. Currently, teacher education programs run for four semesters over two years, introduced by Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal government in 2015. The proposed changes would condense the programs to 12 months over three consecutive semesters, saving  Local 

Training for teachers in Ontario is getting a major overhaul if legislation soon to be introduced by the Ford government passes.

Currently, teacher education programs run for four semesters over two years, introduced by Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal government in 2015. The proposed changes would condense the programs to 12 months over three consecutive semesters, saving students up to $3,000 in tuition, the Province estimates.

“This change would get future teachers into the classroom faster, jumpstarting fulfilling careers and meeting the needs of communities across Ontario,” said Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, Nolan Quinn during a press conference on Friday.

The changes are aimed at addressing the teacher shortage in Ontario. They will reduce the “time and cost barriers to becoming a teacher,” he said, modernizing the system and making it a more “nimble and responsive teacher education pipeline.”

The one-year model will prioritize in-classroom learning, facilitated by a longer practicum length, “so students graduate ready to lead in the classroom,” added Quinn. The length of practicum will be determined in consultation with colleges, education boards and educators.

“We need a system that removes unnecessary barriers, focuses on real classroom experience and ensures new teachers feel confident and ready from day one,” said Minister of Education, Paul Calandra.

“Hands-on experience supported by strong mentorship is what helps future teachers succeed. New teachers who feel prepared are more likely to stay in the profession and make a lasting impact on students.”

To that end, Calandra announced more support for Associate Teachers – experienced educators who mentor, supervise and evaluate student teachers during their classroom placements.

“Previously these mentor teachers would receive a stipend of $100-300 a year. With today’s announcement we are increasing that six-fold to $635 per mentor placement,” he said.

The legislation also opens up the possibility of recognizing prior learning and work experience, including early childhood educator diplomas or youth work experience. Quinn said it would allow the government to “explore new pathways into the teaching profession.”

“We know there are talented, passionate individuals with relevant experience that would make them a better teacher and we believe they should be recognized for it,” he said.

“By recognizing prior learning we’re attracting the best and the brightest to join the teaching profession.”

Martha Hradowy, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, said teacher working conditions and class sizes must improve if the province hopes to actually retain all the new teachers it graduates.

“I believe that this is a step in the right direction, but it only opens the front door, and right now, teachers are walking out the back,” she said.

Shirley Bell, first vice-president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, said to help on the retention side, the province must also put more supports in schools in the form of educational assistants, social workers and psychologists, to name a few.

“That will help address the needs of our students because that’s what this is about,” Bell said.

“What we need is for our professionals — our teachers and our educators — to get the support in their classrooms to support student learning. When we can do that, then we can address the complexities of what’s happening in the classroom and that’s how we can retain more teachers in the profession.”

The Ontario Teachers’ Federation has estimated that there are about 48,000 teachers who are certified but not currently working in the province’s education system.

Jeff Maharaj, president of the Ontario Principals’ Council, said he is hopeful the announcement will make a difference, but more still needs to be done.

“Do I think it’s going to fix the recruitment and retention issues?” he said. “I think it will help. I don’t think it’s a one-stop solution.”

If the legislation passes, Ontario’s 14 public universities as well as three private universities will change their teacher education programs to the one-year model.

Universities that offer teacher education stand to lose out as students attend for one fewer semester. Steve Orsini, president and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities, said in a statement that universities recognize the importance of getting teachers into the classroom in a timely and affordable manner.

“Continued collaboration with the sector will be essential to address financial impacts, ensuring that teacher education programs are positioned to deliver the high-quality preparation that leads to excellent teachers in Ontario’s classrooms,” he wrote.

Applications for the updated program will open in September and the first full-time cohort is expected to begin training in May 2027, graduating a year later in May 2028, aligned with the K-12 school year.

Files from The Canadian Press were used in this report