Job Discussion Forums

[mio]

Hi,
I am considering applying to universities in Ontario to get a B.Ed. I know the competition is tough, but since I don't live in Canada, I thought I'd ask around for some help. I earned my undergrad degree in Commerce from Egypt, with a B- avg. However, I've been an elementary school teacher in Egypt and Dubai for the last 3 years. I also have a TESOL cert. from TEFL int'l. I am a Canadian citizen and English is my first laguage.
So what do you think the chances of me getting accepted to UofT, Wilfred Laurier, or Ottawa are?? And if I move to Canada anyway, what sort of jobs would be possible for me.
I'd greatly appreciate any help.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

Sorry, but I think your chances are very low. Most of the applicants for the primary/junior level who get in have upper 80s through to 90s as their averages, because so many people apply.

Also, most of the B.Ed programmes for piomary/junior now require university level courses in virtually every subject taught up to grade 6.

Also, you might want to know that the Elementary Teachers Federation is lobbying the goverment to reduce the number of people in B.Ed programmes across the province because there are no jobs, thanks to the removal of retirement.

[mio]

Thanks for your quick response.
Do you think my chances would be any higher if I applied for junior/intermediate with my my main subject being math or senior with a main subject of business? I've taken the required subjects for both.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

I think if you have enough for an intermediate/senior application with your first teachable math and the second business that would be the strongest as far as chances go because math is one of the things they really need, I think.

But in general I think the intermediate/senior would be the best shot because there are less people with enough courses for the two teachables.

You know you can cover all bases and apply at every level that you meet the requirements for, right? It's just really, REALLY expensive.

[Jetgirly]

Most universities have a website that shows the average or minimum grades needed to enter that program for the last academic year. I go to U of Calgary, and last year students in my area (English Language Arts Education) had an average 3.2/4 GPA, which is just shy of a B+ average. However, they only looked at our last x credits, with x being equal to the equivalent of one full year of studies. U of C also has a "special entrances" program where students with not-great GPAs can apply for entrance based on criteria other than GPA, such as a proven record of committment to the subject (in this case, education) and an interview, etc. I'm embarassed to say that the Faculty of Education at U of C is responsible for about 80-90% of the ENTIRE university's special admissions.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

[ghost]

I graduated with a B.Ed. in primary/junior with FSL as a specialty (French as a Second Language) at the University of Windsor, 2001-2002.

If you have French qualifications your chances of getting in are much higher.

As it happens, I did not stay as a French teacher in Ontario, after a bad experience with the Catholic school board in Whitby, Ontario.

Let's just say that being a French teacher is a very tough job in Ontario because most students hate French as a Second Language, and treat French teachers accordingly.

To 'survive' as a French teacher in Ontario, you would need high level class management skills or other attributes.

After Ontario, I moved to Montreal, and became certified to teach ESL in the French school system in Montreal. This was better than being a French teacher in Ontario, although not entirely without problems.

Presently teaching in Korea, but it is good to have the B.Ed. because you can always pick up substitute teaching work in most places.

Teaching in Canada can be high stress. Teaching overseas is usually much lower on the stress levels. In Korea I save between $1500-$1700 per month on my $3000 (Canadian) salary, which would be hard to do in Canada. In Korea, free housing is part of the deal.

Ghost in Korea

[canadashirleyblue]

If you were to get into the program it would then be even more difficult to get a job if you want to stay in Canada when you graduate.

The last time I applied for a teaching job in Ontario was in the early 1990's. This was Durham Region RCSSB (the same one as ghost I presume). There were 1200 qualified applicants for 30 positions (primary and secondary). I was one of the 100 who got an interview!!!! But I didn't get a job. Catholic schools generally have more openings - most school boards didn't even have that many positions going.

After p_ssing about trying to get supply and support myself on it I was in debt. You will need to have someone else to rely on for support if you are intending to go that route. I couldn't afford to wait around any longer. So I went overseas. It was the best decision of my life.

I think if I knew the end from the beginning I would do the teacher training in the UK because it is recognized in more places and the international schools that are looking for UK qualifications generally pay better.

[Jetgirly]

I'm finishing up my B.Ed in Calgary this year. I know A LOT of students who graduated in April 2007 and started subbing for both the Catholic and regular school boards right away (like, the next day). That is the preferred route for most students here. Everyone here goes into it knowing that they may have to spend a year or two subbing, but that their patience will be rewarded. As part of my practicum last year I had to visit about a dozen different schools (both boards), and that usually involved hanging out in the staff rooms. Inside, I would meet TONS of newly-qualified teachers. If you think that most new teachers are going to get hired by a new board and start in a full-time, regular teaching position right away, you're probably too dumb to be leading a class. Those people are the exception. However, "the rule" is to put in a year or two of subbing and temp contracts (covering for maternity leave and holidays, etc.) and work your way into a permanent post.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

A year or two people don't mind. I've heard that it's about five years in Ontario and from the time you begin to wait until that time there are thousands in line for that job.

I notice that everyone seems to be going to the Catholic school board. If you aren't Catholic, you have a much harder time.

[ghost]

[GambateBingBangBOOM]