FAQs

How do I know if the program is suited to me?

The following are some areas of emphasis that make the OEE program unique from that of the regular education program. If you find yourself drawn to these areas then you are probably suited to our OEE program.

• There is a field camp which initiates the community building process that the OEE program emphasizes and builds upon throughout the school year despite the time required to be spent in regular classroom settings.
• To the extent allowed by Ministry guidelines, teaching practicums cater towards Outdoor/Environmental or Experiential education settings. OEE students design a practitioner's workshop as part of their teaching practicum.
• If you want a course in which you will be outside for the majority of the time and obtaining guiding and leadership certification training, then this program may not be for you. Our program occurs within a Faculty of Education directed at providing teacher certification. We place emphasis on introducing students to various outdoor skills that can be used within a variety of educational contexts.

What type of employment situations exist for OEE graduates?

Generally graduates tend to be employed in three areas. About one third find employment in the public school system, one third enter the private school system and one third go into other service, education or environmental areas. Many OEE graduates have gone on to propose and implement various integrated curriculum programs existing across Ontario. Others work within their school setting to introduce strong experiential education curriculum projects like boat building and outer clubs. Some go on to work in private schools that offer extensive outdoor programs or they become administrators or directors of camps and independent Outdoor programs such as Outward Bound or private eco-tourism lodges. Many private OE programs like to hire OEE graduates that can match their curriculum to the present Ministry's guidelines. Some graduates find employment in a wide diversity of settings that relate to experiential education or draw upon their communication skills such as large firms that want environmental oriented/ friendly sales people or green-oriented marketing people.

How integrated is the OEE program into the Bachelor of Education program?

Beyond the two OEE courses which are only for OEE students, all the other courses taken are integrated with the other teacher candidates.

Is the program specifically designed to create teachers for the public schools?

Yes and No. Although the program is structured to adhere to all the Ministry of Education guidelines for teachers, many occupations from parenting to tourism require people who understand teaching and the variety of ways a learning situation can be developed. A teacher certification just states you have awareness of educational practices and Ministry curriculum guidelines. It opens up many doors for employment, some of which are in a public school setting.

Can I get a course syllabus or list of class texts?

No, because we prefer to use a reading kit revised each year so that it can reflect upon the constantly changing ideas the program addresses. There is also a relatively new OEE coordinator, so the courses are being revised yearly to accommodate new changes, new Faculty practicum procedures and new Ministry policies.

If I have questions concerning admissions

Review the Entrance Requirements and Steps to Applying or contact the Education Registrar’s Office at 613 533 6205, or email Education.Registrar@queensu.ca.

After graduation from OEE, am I able to teach regular PJ classes?

Yes!

Answers with respect to Swimming Certification

There are many lakes and rivers in Canada, especially in Ontario and the majority of outdoor activities that occur are on or near water, so to be a professional OEE instructor you need to have some awareness of how to ensure aquatic activities are safe.  This awareness is best done through equatic safety lessons.

Many OEE students do not have a history of swimming lessons upon arrival to the program but they are able to get their swimming certification providing they are reasonably fit and sign up for a class upon arrival in the fall.  Those students in the program with experience often help out their peers by creating extra lessons or joining them at the pool for practise swims.  It is best to take classes to obtain certification before arrival at the program because your Faculty of Education year will probably be the busiest of all your university years.