teacher

[Jellomellow]

What is the best way to become a teacher? I think I will want to teach highschool. have any of you been high school teachers?

[alijam]

My 30 years teaching experience was mainly at the elementary level although I was involved at the secondary level as an Autism Resource Teacher.

To teach in a publicly funded school in Ontario, both elementary and secondary, you need an Ontario Teaching Certificate from the Ontario College of Teachers. To get a teaching certificate you will need an undergraduate degree and one year of teacher education. Teacher education is available at Ontario universities offering the Bachelor of Education program.

The following site gives a list of Ontario universities which have teacher education programs: http://www.oct.ca/become_a_teacher/faculties.aspx

You can enroll in a Concurrent Program: an education program is taken at the same time as a program in an additional discipline leading to an undergraduate degree. or a
Consecutive Program: an education program is undertaken after you have completed your postsecondary degree. (ie. you get a B.A. and then a B.Ed).

It is getting increasing difficult to get into teaching programs. One thing the admission offices look for is volunteer work with children or youth.

I found teaching to be a challenging and rewarding profession which I wouldn't have traded for any other profession. In fact, although I am officially retired, I have now started a secondary career in teaching adults with seminars on Autism.

Good luck and keep in touch.