Education · 1 of 4

The path

A degree in something, then a degree in teaching.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Any path. For high school teaching, focus on the subjects you want to teach.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   3 to 4 years

   For elementary, any subject. For secondary, you need enough courses in two teachable subjects, for example math and physics, or English and history.

3. 3

   Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)

   1 to 2 years

   Ontario requires 2 years. Most other provinces are 1 to 2 years. Includes practicum placements in real classrooms.

4. 4

   Provincial certification

   A few weeks

   Register with your provincial regulator, for example the Ontario College of Teachers or the BC Teacher Regulation Branch.

5. 5

   Supply list, then a contract

   Varies

   Most new teachers supply-teach first. Time to a permanent contract varies from months to years depending on region and subject.