OT: Anyone here applying to Teachers College in Ontario?
Hi guys,
Just wondering if anyone is currently, or has recently applied to teachers college in Ontario? The Deadline this year is December 1st and I've started my application (gathered my reference letters), know which schools and which programs etc.
Just wondering how the entire experience was for everyone? Ive heard some horror stories of how long the application process takes, but I've looked over the requirements for each of my schools and it doesn't look too daunting.
Any advice? Should I be looking to get something (record check) so it leaves me enough time before the Dec. 1st deadline?
Just wondering if anyone is currently, or has recently applied to teachers college in Ontario? The Deadline this year is December 1st and I've started my application (gathered my reference letters), know which schools and which programs etc.
Just wondering how the entire experience was for everyone? Ive heard some horror stories of how long the application process takes, but I've looked over the requirements for each of my schools and it doesn't look too daunting.
Any advice? Should I be looking to get something (record check) so it leaves me enough time before the Dec. 1st deadline?
My wife is a supply teacher right now. She's currently at a school. It really hard out there right now, especially if you don't have a unique specialty, like say french. Common teachables will lump you right in there with her and probably 1000 other teachers. I can't remember how bad/good her app. went, but she got into York, I believe, maybe U of T.
I HIGHLY reccommend you have a good teachable major. She is qualified to teach junior-intermediate just like everyone else out there. She's 32 and still on a supply list. If your willing to travel, or have more particular major, you may get a class in a year or 2. Good luck.
Wow.. very informative, hah. Anyone have any real experience though... doing this application?
I'd like to help you buddy as my GF is going to start this process in January. There is a program that lets you apply to all the teachers colleges in Ontario at once, is that what you're using?
I'm going the law school route and just finished my LSAT. Applying to schools is as simple as checking "yes" next to it's name and paying each individual fee via credit card.
My wife is a supply teacher right now. She's currently at a school. It really hard out there right now, especially if you don't have a unique specialty, like say french. Common teachables will lump you right in there with her and probably 1000 other teachers. I can't remember how bad/good her app. went, but she got into York, I believe, maybe U of T.
I HIGHLY reccommend you have a good teachable major. She is qualified to teach junior-intermediate just like everyone else out there. She's 32 and still on a supply list. If your willing to travel, or have more particular major, you may get a class in a year or 2. Good luck.
Oh wow. Ya I'm actually a history major and minor in Phys Ed. However, I'm not as worried or buying into this hype surrounding teaching jobs. I understand totally that its tough and not saying its a breeze, but I cant stress over something I can't control. I'm a guy going to teach primary/junior, so I'm basically going where the demand is for male teachers. Its the smartest path in my opinion, as they need guys teaching the younger kids. If I was a female then it'd be another issue.
I'm more looking for tips or time frames for the application process. Like writing the essays and stuff. I am already on the TEAS site and have selected my school, now I have to do the fun part and put all my stuff together for each one. I hear it's a lot of work, but fairly straight forward. I've also heard its not NEAR as bad as what people make it out to be.
Oh wow. Ya I'm actually a history major and minor in Phys Ed. However, I'm not as worried or buying into this hype surrounding teaching jobs. I understand totally that its tough and not saying its a breeze, but I cant stress over something I can't control. I'm a guy going to teach primary/junior, so I'm basically going where the demand is for male teachers. Its the smartest path in my opinion, as they need guys teaching the younger kids. If I was a female then it'd be another issue.
I'm more looking for tips or time frames for the application process. Like writing the essays and stuff. I am already on the TEAS site and have selected my school, now I have to do the fun part and put all my stuff together for each one. I hear it's a lot of work, but fairly straight forward. I've also heard its not NEAR as bad as what people make it out to be.
Are you enrolled in a school right now? Or have graduated within the last year? If you go to your schools career centre, at least at Ryerson, they'll help you do a lot of that stuff.
I'm applying to OISE, UOIT, and U of O under the Intermediate/Senior category. My teachables are English and History.
I'm currently working on my application. My only advice is you try to think of a lot of examples (volunteering or otherwise) where you have worked with those in the age group you want to teach. Try to think of what you learned from that experience and how it is a beneficial skill for a teacher to have.
It's not that bad. Most of the questions are fairly redundant so I've been able to copy and paste here and there.
Oh wow. Ya I'm actually a history major and minor in Phys Ed. However, I'm not as worried or buying into this hype surrounding teaching jobs. I understand totally that its tough and not saying its a breeze, but I cant stress over something I can't control. I'm a guy going to teach primary/junior, so I'm basically going where the demand is for male teachers. Its the smartest path in my opinion, as they need guys teaching the younger kids. If I was a female then it'd be another issue.
I'm more looking for tips or time frames for the application process. Like writing the essays and stuff. I am already on the TEAS site and have selected my school, now I have to do the fun part and put all my stuff together for each one. I hear it's a lot of work, but fairly straight forward. I've also heard its not NEAR as bad as what people make it out to be.
You should be fine, depending on where you apply for work. Hamilton is tough, but your teachables and (unfortunatly) gender will get you a job in short order.
I'm applying to OISE, UOIT, and U of O under the Intermediate/Senior category. My teachables are English and History.
I'm currently working on my application. My only advice is you try to think of a lot of examples (volunteering or otherwise) where you have worked with those in the age group you want to teach. Try to think of what you learned from that experience and how it is a beneficial skill for a teacher to have.
It's not that bad. Most of the questions are fairly redundant so I've been able to copy and paste here and there.
Sounds alright. How far along are you? The reason I ask is because I am just underway on mine with about 3 weeks left to go before the deadline (Ive been so busy with other classes). Do you have your reference letters (how many). Did you have to apply to have anything else printed besides your transcript?
Sorry for all the questions, but I'm just stressed with all my work and just want to get an idea of how long this application will take me.. Is there plenty of time before the December 1st deadline?
Sounds alright. How far along are you? The reason I ask is because I am just underway on mine with about 3 weeks left to go before the deadline (Ive been so busy with other classes). Do you have your reference letters (how many). Did you have to apply to have anything else printed besides your transcript?
Sorry for all the questions, but I'm just stressed with all my work and just want to get an idea of how long this application will take me.. Is there plenty of time before the December 1st deadline?
I actually asked for my reference letters from my professors and boss/colleague at the end of September, so I already have them. I have 2 letters from my professor and 1 from someone I worked with. My letters are for a UofT scholarship and for UOIT, which asks for 2 letters.
It really depends on the school. For example, OISE only asks three short questions (250 words each) and 3 places where you've worked in a teaching capacity. U of O's application is quite a bit longer. Three weeks is more than enough time to finish your application, but I would suggest you start thinking about those examples I mentioned earlier.
Oh, I missed part of your question. I have one more question left for my OISE and U of O application. I'll probably finish both of those up today. I plan on sending my applications out next week.
I actually asked for my reference letters from my professors and boss/colleague at the end of September, so I already have them. I have 2 letters from my professor and 1 from someone I worked with. My letters are for a UofT scholarship and for UOIT, which asks for 2 letters.
It really depends on the school. For example, OISE only asks three short questions (250 words each) and 3 places where you've worked in a teaching capacity. U of O's application is quite a bit longer. Three weeks is more than enough time to finish your application, but I would suggest you start thinking about those examples I mentioned earlier.
Oh, I missed part of your question. I have one more question left for my OISE and U of O application. I'll probably finish both of those up today. I plan on sending my applications out next week.
Thanks a lot for your help, its appreciated. I'm going to get a letter from a grade one teacher I did placement with, as well as a grade 6 teacher that I did time with. Grade six is not where I am applying to teach, do you think that letter would still be helpful?
When you send your applications your just mail them to the universities or is it all done online? I'm currently in the library doing work for another class. Did you order your transcript yet? Will you be taking the option to wait until the fall 09 marks are included??
I'd like to help you buddy as my GF is going to start this process in January. There is a program that lets you apply to all the teachers colleges in Ontario at once, is that what you're using?
I'm going the law school route and just finished my LSAT. Applying to schools is as simple as checking "yes" next to it's name and paying each individual fee via credit card.
nice, same here...where are you applying to?...the application for law isnt as easy as you say lol...anyways, in relation to teachers college, i've heard that it is easier to get in if you are a male as the majority of the applicants are females.
nice, same here...where are you applying to?...the application for law isnt as easy as you say lol...anyways, in relation to teachers college, i've heard that it is easier to get in if you are a male as the majority of the applicants are females.
I'm hoping so. Im sitting with a low 70 average in my major right now and hoping it will do. It's history so its incredibly difficult to get an 80 or above. I figure I'm a male applying for grades that are dominated by females that it might play a factor.
My 1st year grades were terrrible (differnt course), and I had a little trouble with my language credit (German). However, I figure that the poorer marks arent my major average anyways, so its not a big deal. I think certain schools look at different things. Like some take your top 10 marks. Some take your last 10. Anyone know anything about this?
I'm hoping so. Im sitting with a low 70 average in my major right now and hoping it will do. It's history so its incredibly difficult to get an 80 or above. I figure I'm a male applying for grades that are dominated by females that it might play a factor.
yup...i actually had a teacher in high school who taught history and phys ed. history is like political science which I'm taking, lots of readings and essaying
Wow.. I have been on the TEAS site for hours looking at schools, so its comforting coming in here at 3:30am Korean time to procrastinate finding someone in a similar dilemma. I'm also trying to apply and it's been a real pain in the butt. I have to get my reference letters going but aside from that and writing the essay (which I'm sure one can be written and used for all of the schools) this should only be a little tedious.
My only real problem is that I'm currently teaching English in Korea and seeing as I've left this to the last minute its going to be a race to the finish line. Hopefully this Korea thing kind of works out to my benefit in the end though.
Concerning the essay- I was told that it was really important to make it clear that you intend to teach the kids as individuals. Write that you realize that the material is integral to teaching, but the children are the important thing... now if you get into schools and I don't, I'm gonna be pissed.
Wow.. I have been on the TEAS site for hours looking at schools, so its comforting coming in here at 3:30am Korean time to procrastinate finding someone in a similar dilemma. I'm also trying to apply and it's been a real pain in the butt. I have to get my reference letters going but aside from that and writing the essay (which I'm sure one can be written and used for all of the schools) this should only be a little tedious.
My only real problem is that I'm currently teaching English in Korea and seeing as I've left this to the last minute its going to be a race to the finish line. Hopefully this Korea thing kind of works out to my benefit in the end though.
Concerning the essay- I was told that it was really important to make it clear that you intend to teach the kids as individuals. Write that you realize that the material is integral to teaching, but the children are the important thing... now if you get into schools and I don't, I'm gonna be pissed.
Good luck- but not that good
Thanks for the reply and advice. I have a buddy actually who is in Korea right now teaching English as well. I'm not as worried, just cause Im not half way around the world haha.. But it sounds like you know what your doing so hopefully it all works out for you.
It doesn't look like it will be too hard, just confusing at times. I'm starting to grasp it though I think.
Anyone elses advice or input would be awesome too, the more the better.
how off topic is too off topic for the Leafs board?
I think the thread title is fairly clear. There are threads about commercials and the blue jays so I don't think having a thread dealing with something I'm sure a few people are currently completing isn't hurting anything.
I ask why you feel the need to post in a thread you had no intention of contributing to? Get a life and stop being so negative.
My only real problem is that I'm currently teaching English in Korea and seeing as I've left this to the last minute its going to be a race to the finish line. Hopefully this Korea thing kind of works out to my benefit in the end though.
I can't see how it could hurt! I've a few friends who have taught/are teaching in Japan/Korea/Switzerland for the same reasons, largely. Good luck!
Oh wow. Ya I'm actually a history major and minor in Phys Ed. However, I'm not as worried or buying into this hype surrounding teaching jobs. I understand totally that its tough and not saying its a breeze, but I cant stress over something I can't control. I'm a guy going to teach primary/junior, so I'm basically going where the demand is for male teachers. Its the smartest path in my opinion, as they need guys teaching the younger kids. If I was a female then it'd be another issue.
going from my experience this is dependant on the principal that is hiring. yes, there is a belief and need to have male teachers in the elementary system, but there are many principals out there that believe females are better suited to teach elementary school and that's why there's this 'demand' for male teachers in elementary school, because principals keep hiring females.
granted this is just from my experience and talking with teachers that i know, and can vary from school to school and from board to board.
poor irish trash is pretty much bang on from what i've heard and seen. if you don't have a unique/in demand talent (french, math, physics) you may be better served to apply to many schools just in case. at the univeristy my grilfriend went with her kinesiology degree, the cutoff grade was 85% for people with her background, wheras mine was computers/math, and the cutoff was ~74% (i declined in the end).
what i'm saying is that given the generality of your teachables and teaching field (pri/junior) you're gonna be in tough competition with many many people and you're gonna have to have the grades for them to even look at your application if i remember correctly. getting thousands of applications per school, they have to have a first filter to weed people out, and that will be the first one.
then have any experience you can mention dealing with teaching, working with kids, etc. and if you have time, understand what the common teaching practices are being used in the elementary system now. the cirriculum changes quite rapidly, and showing and understanding towards these may help a little. but generally a passion towards kids/teaching and how you demonstrate that will help the most.
trust me that if the application process for teachers college is what you're hearing horror stories about, just wait until you graduate and get on the ot list. as it stands now there are over 1800 ot's on a certain school board list here in ottawa. yes, that means there's 1800 teachers waiting to get a job before you. so unless you have french/math/physics/computers, be prepared to be an ot for 5+ years.
what i'm getting at, it don't get too frustrated with the process at any step because it will get frustrating.
Just to re-iterate the difficulty in this profession here in Hamilton, they changed how they do hiring here and it is now decided by the board and union as a commitee. They decide on credentials, then seniority in the board. It works fair, considering not any hump gets to be even a supply, but my wife finally paid her dues and earned a spot in a school by covering an LTO. When it came time for that principal to fill a science position for a .71 class, she suggested my wife, but told her in the interview that it wasn't up to her anymore. Now that she has taken mat leave last year, she is down in the seniority list another year.
In this system you will eventually get your position, but it sucks that she would have been full time this year, and now has to wait likely another year, maybe 2.
I reccommend you don't apply in Hamilton. The only reason we decided on her applying here is that I have a decent job and we can be patient to make sure she gets the job she wants. Problem is we didn't think we would have to be this patient. I want my media room in the basement!!!
Back on topic, I've heard the college app process is the hardest thing about it all. Once your in, everything else is a cakewalk, apparantly redunantly simple.
