Bachelor of Education

When does the BEd program start? 

Classes for the new program will begin on May 3, 2027.

Where will my classes take place? 

The Frazer Faculty of Education is located at Ontario Tech's downtown campus. The majority of your classes will take place at Charles Hall, with some classes at the Regent Theatre and/or Bordessa Hall (all within 500m, or a 5-7 minute walk). 

Is the program available in an online or part-time format? 

Per our accreditation with the Ontario College of Teachers, Ontario Tech's BEd program is delivered full-time and primarily in person. While a select number of courses or course components may be delivered online, students should anticipate regular in-person attendance during all semesters of the program. 

What are class schedules like? 

Students are grouped into cohorts in order to foster collaboration, consistency, and a strong sense of community as they move through the BEd program. Each cohort will have a predetermined schedule to ensure everyone has access to the courses required for their program. 

Schedules vary by semester and are subject to space and instructor availability. Classes are scheduled Monday to Friday, beginning as early as 8 a.m. and ending as late as 8 p.m., and students may have classes scheduled five days per week. Please note that cohort schedules cannot be adjusted to accommodate individual preferences or employment schedules.  

When will we find out about our class schedules? 

As a professional, post-graduate program, BEd course registration does not always align with the dates and procedures for Ontario Tech's undergraduate programs. Students are responsible for monitoring the Ontario Tech Course Registration page for updates about registration dates and times. Once cohort schedules have been confirmed, students will receive an email at their @ontariotechu.net address with registration details and instructions. 

Do I need to buy textbooks? 

No! All mandatory resources in the BEd program are accessible as Open Educational Resources and library-access materials. 

Some courses may facilitate access to resources or certifications that carry an additional cost (e.g., Mental Health First Aid certification). These additional costs will be clearly defined in the course syllabus and are provided as an opportunity for development, but are not required for completion of the course. 

Do courses have exams at the end of each semester? 

No, the BEd program does not have exams. 

Teacher candidates are required to complete a minimum 80 days of first-hand experience both observing and teaching. Under the supervision of an experienced practicing teacher, you will gradually increase responsibility for teaching classes over multiple teaching blocks. Please refer to our Practicum Guide for detailed information about placements. 

Where do students complete their Practicum? 

We work with 62 English public school boards across Ontario.

If a Teacher Candidate wishes to do their placement in a board with which we are not currently partnered, they may submit a request for consideration.

Can I find my own placement? 

All placements are coordinated through the Practicum Office following each school board's specific procedures. Teacher Candidates are not to contact schools or school boards regarding placements. Contacting a school could jeopardize your placement and the university's partnership with the board. Please address any specific questions or concerns to the Practicum Office (practicum.edu@ontariotechu.ca). 

Can I get a placement near my home? 

Shortly after confirming your place in the BEd program, you will be asked to fill out a Practicum Form where you will identify your top two preferred public school boards for placement. Depending on the size of the board, you may also be asked for a preferred ward or district.

It is important that you provide the Practicum Office with your address during placement, the method by which you will be commuting to your placement (transit or vehicle), and notification of any address change.

School boards often cover an extensive geographic area; therefore, it is possible that your travel time could be longer than you would prefer. Placements may be up to an hour commute from your residence.

Can I complete my placements in more than one board? 

Your field placements will take place in one school board. If a change in school board is required due to a new address or personal circumstances, notify the Practicum Office immediately.

Should a placement match not be available in your first preferred board, we will reach out to let you know and move to your second board choice to secure your placement.

Do I choose schools I want for my placement? 

Teacher Candidates do not choose. Placements are coordinated by the Practicum Office and partner school boards using the information provided on your Practicum Form.

When will I get information about my placement?

Placement assignments are released to Teacher Candidates beginning approximately two weeks before Practicum is scheduled to begin. 

When will I need to apply for my Vulnerable Sector Check? 

Applicants will be required to provide proof of having applied for a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) in early 2027. Instructions and deadlines will be shared as soon as they are available.  

Can placements be done part-time over a full semester instead of full-time during the four-week period? 

No, this is not an option for several reasons: 

1. A full-time practicum prepares Teacher Candidates for full-time teaching (including long-term routines, teaching within a short-, medium-, and long-term plan, etc.) 
2. There are increasing expectations for each successive practicum, aligned with the courses and learning that take place before the practicum begins. This curricular support and the critical reflection following each practicum block are essential for developing teacher candidates. 
3. The program is OCT accredited in its current form, and delivery must align with that accreditation. 

In the Intermediate/Senior program, am I required to teach both of my teachable subjects? 

Our program requires you to teach at least one of your teachable subject areas at the Senior level. While we make every effort to provide you with the opportunity to teach both of your subject areas, sometimes this is not possible due to limited availability. 

Who will evaluate me when I am on practicum? 

You will be evaluated by your Associate Teacher (AT) for each field placement. The Foundations Instructor and Practicum Specialist both read and approve all reports. You will receive a signed, electronic copy for your records and portfolio. 

Can I complete my field placement in a Catholic school? 

Teacher Candidates must be Catholic if they want to do placements in Catholic schools, and must be prepared to provide proof of Catholicity, if asked. This may be in the form of a baptismal certificate or pastoral reference. 

To secure employment in a Catholic school board, you must provide documentation that reflects your commitment to Catholic education, including a pastoral letter of reference. Check the Catholic school board websites for the required documentation to teach in that particular board. 

Can I choose a private school for placement? 

Teacher Candidates may be considered for a placement in an independent school for the third and final placement, provided the school is a member of the Conference of Independent Schools. The placement is at the discretion of the Practicum Specialist. 

Can I do a French placement? 

Ontario Tech's BEd program is accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers for teaching in the English classroom. French placements are not offered. 

Can I do placements out-of-country? 

International placements are not currently offered. 

Are practicum placements paid? 

Per the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), teacher education programs must include a minimum 80 days of practical teaching experience (i.e., Practicum) in a classroom or other approved setting. These practicum days are unpaid teaching practice. 

How can I gain certification in other divisions or teachable subject areas? 

After completing the BEd program and becoming a certified member of the OCT, you can take Additional Qualification (AQ) and Additional Basic Qualification (ABQ) courses through any accredited provider in Ontario. 

Graduates of the BEd program who have begun their application to the OCT may be eligible to register for AQ/ABQ courses offered by Ontario Tech before their OCT certification is finalized. See Continuous Learning for more information. 

What career support is available? 

In collaboration with the BEd program team, Ontario Tech's Career Services facilitaties: 

• School board and employer information sessions
• Career fairs and recruiting events
• Employment workshops
• Education-specific career development support
• ... and more! 

These supports are available to both current students and alumni. 

How much is tuition? 

Please see the Office of the Registrar for more information about tuition and fees, including a tuition calculator for your convenience. 

Are there extra fees for field placement? 

A "placement fee" will be included in your tuition and fees for the semester. See Miscellaneous and Administrative Fees. 

Where can I find financial aid information? 

Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA) is here to provide you with information regarding scholarships, bursaries, and financial assistance. For more information, visit the SAFA website. 

Is residence available for BEd students? For mature students who are also working professionals? 

Several residence buildings are located on Ontario Tech's North Campus (approx. 25 minute bus ride from Downtown Campus). These amenities are designed primarily for first-year undergraduate students, but applications from all students are accepted until June 1. 

ALMA Oshawa operates a student residence building adjacent to Charles Hall. Please note that ALMA is a private company not directly affiliated with Ontario Tech. 

What parking and public transportation are available? 

A select number of parking passes are available for the Charles Hall lot, provided space is available. See Parking Services for details. 

The City of Oshawa operates other parking options near Charles Hall, including a select number of street parking spaces ($1.75 per hour), as well as the Mary Street Parkade (approx. 5 minute walk from Charles Hall). See City of Oshawa - Downtown Parking for details. 

As a full-time student, you have access to the UPASS program, which provides unlimited travel on Durham Region Transit (DRT) routes. Several DRT routes serve the Downtown Campus, including the 900 Pulse (Highway 2), 901 Pulse (Simcoe), and 902 lines. The nearest bus stop to Charles Hall is DRT Stop #1185 (King Eastbound @ Mary). 

What student services are offered? 

Various student service teams are available to help you succeed in your university journey, including Student Accessibility Services (SAS), Academic Advising, the Student Learning Centre, and more. Explore available resources on the Student Services website. 

What supports are available for BEd students with diverse abilities and needs? 

Student Accessiblity Services provides support for Ontario Tech students with permanent, prolonged or persistent and temporary disabilities, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Policy on accessible education for students with disabilities and the Ontario Tech University Procedures for Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities.

What health benefits are offered? 

The student health and dental plan is provided through the Ontario Tech Student Union (OTSU), and is available for all full-time domestic students.