Candidates should be aware that, at some point, they may wish to become a School Principal or Superintendent.  To be admitted to the required courses, candidates will require certification in three of four teaching divisions, one of which must be the Intermediate division.  Qualifications in a third teaching division can only be added after the initial BEd is completed and once the candidate is registered with the Ontario College of Teachers. 

Intermediate-Senior candidates complete additional certification in either the Primary or Junior division.  No specific undergraduate prerequisites are needed for additional certification in these two divisions.   Primary-Junior candidates can take additional certification in either the Intermediate or Senior division, but in a specific teaching subject.  It is recommended that in planning, candidates have a minimum of 3 full-year university courses (or their equivalent) in a teaching subject.  (It is possible, ultimately, to be certified in all four divisions.)  For additional information, visit the Queen’s Continuing Education website at www.coursesforteachers.ca/

Grades can have an influence on salary category placement in some circumstances. Grades matter for admission to Master's programs (MEd, MA, MSc).  It is difficult to get into these programs without a B+ minimum overall average in an Honours degree.  In order to gain entry to the Principal's Qualifications program, either a Master's degree or a combination of Additional Qualification courses is required.

A 20-course honours degree is an advantage for salary and advancement. Teachers in Ontario are placed in a salary category either by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) or the Qualifications Evaluation Council of Ontario (QECO).  First year teachers with a 20-course honours degree are automatically placed in a higher pay scale.  Taking the Honour Specialist is the most common route to reach the highest category. Entry into the Honour Specialist course at Queen’s requires two years of teaching experience, a B- average and 9 full courses in one teaching subject or 14 courses across two teaching subjects (8+6 or 7+7).

For more detailed information about salary categories in Ontario contact:

OSSTF 800-267-7867 or 416-751-8300    www.osstf.on.ca/

QECO 800-385-1030 or 416-323-1969     www.qeco.on.ca/