General Information

Ontario District School Boards

General Applications to Boards

Most District School Boards (DSBs) are now using electronic application procedures, wherein you will need to upload copies of your documents to a data storage area. Some DSBs will be using their own electronic procedures, while many others will be using applytoeducation.com. There are still others that continue to use a paper-based application procedure, although this is becoming extremely rare. The DSBs web sites should indicate which documents are necessary for applications for teaching positions.

When to Apply 

Generally speaking, application deadlines for teaching positions in Ontario DSBs could occur as early as January or as late as when specific positions become vacant in any month of the year. It is important to note that some DSBs accept general applications before specific positions are known, while other DSBs only accept applications when teaching positions are open. (And some DSBs use both of these procedures!).

It is imperative that you check each DSBs web site to determine when applications are due and how they accept applications.

Information regarding the specific procedures for Ontario DSBs can be found on their web sites; direct links to the employment sections of their web sites are found below.

Documents Needed

In general, you will need to have the following documents for applications.

• application form (possibly)
• a well-written covering letter
• a concise and clear résumé
• copies of your summative practicum reports
• a list of people who can act as references (also known as referees), usually around 3
• letters of reference, the number of which will vary
• transcripts, normally from your undergraduate study, photocopies or unofficial copies acceptable
• pastoral reference, for Catholic DSBs

However, not all boards ask for all of the above. The boards' employment web sites will clarify for you what documents you will need to submit.

Letters of Reference

Please make sure that all letters of reference are signed. It is acceptable to submit copies of letters - save the originals. 

Application Forms

For some boards, you will have to fill out an application form and upload it (or return it) with your covering letter, résumé and other documents. These forms are usually found at the boards' web sites. Fill the form out as completely as possible - do not say, ‘See Résumé' as a short cut, even if there is overlap.

For those DSBs that do not require an application form, just upload (or send in) the other required documents.

Some boards have different application forms for elementary and secondary positions, and for supply teaching positions.

Terminology

There will be a section on certification on the application form. Most forms will take into account that education students will be applying before graduation, but some may be generic forms that cater to experienced teachers. Fill out all application forms as if your B.Ed year is complete. There will also be a place on the form for you to add your teaching divisions and subjects and any additional qualification courses you intend to take in the summer.

Please note that you will be eligible for a Certificate of Qualification (CofQ). Indicate this on the form even though you may be applying before you have received your CofQ or your OCT Registration Number. If the form asks for date of certification, indicate that your certification is "2010 Pending".

Application forms may ask for information that does not yet apply to new Education graduates.

• QECO or OSSTF Category refers to salary category placement. Leave blank until you apply for and receive your salary category (see page 58 of What's Next?).
• Teaching Experience is reserved for experienced teachers; leave this section blank unless there are specific instructions to include your student teaching experience.
• Letter of Standing, Eligibility, or Permission are certificates granted to people trained out of the province or lacking an Education degree.

Other Considerations

• Applications Made Directly to Schools: If the instructions are to apply directly to individual principals, and if an application form is required, put an application form with EACH package for EACH position. Address your letter to the principal concerned. Names and addresses of individual schools are available at the Ministry web site and sometimes at the school boards' web sites.
• Applications in Response to Ads: Some boards ask you to wait for an advertisement to appear either on their web site, or on job posting web sites, in the Globe and Mail or, occasionally, in a local paper. While waiting for ads to appear, you could approach individual schools and make yourself known to the principals, asking them if they would like to see your application package before any jobs are posted. Otherwise, sit tight until vacancies are posted.
• Job Posting Web Sites: A list of job posting web sites can be found on page 97 of What's Next? Direct links to these web sites can be found at the Education Career Services web site, under Canadian Opportunities.

Applications to Catholic DSBs

• Applications to Catholic District School Boards: When writing covering letters to Roman Catholic district school boards, consider including a paragraph on your commitment to Catholic education or your desire to teach in Catholic schools. A standard requirement is a letter of reference from a Parish priest. Most Catholic boards want teachers to have taken the religious education course in the B. Ed program (EDST 456 - please note that EDST 456 is not a substitute for Religious Education Part 1, a course that Catholic boards may require you to take after certification). Usually there is a place on the application form asking if you have taken the course. You could also mention this in your résumé or cover letter.
• To better prepare for interviews with Catholic boards, we strongly recommend that you take a look at Readings for Catholic Teachers. Education Career Services has several copies that can be borrowed for a day or two.

Links for Ontario Public and Catholic District School Boards

Private Schools

Private schools will be hiring and shouldn't be overlooked. There are hundreds of private schools in Canada - about eight hundred in Ontario alone. Some have religious affiliations, but many do not and they vary widely on salaries and benefits, size, philosophy, student population demographics and program style.

A directory of Ontario private schools is available online. Some private schools' web sites can be accessed through Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS). Directories of the schools in Ontario and most other provinces can be found in Education Career Services and links are listed on page 98 of What's Next?

A good time to apply to private schools is February through April. Application packages should be addressed to the principal or head teacher. As well, check the Globe and Mail and other papers throughout the spring and summer for job postings. Check the schools' web sites regularly.

Other Provinces

Please note that if you intend to teach in a publicly-funded school in another province, you must be certified to teach in that particular province. To acquire certification in another province, as Ontario graduates, you must first be certified in Ontario. Please see the section on Teaching in Other Provinces and in The North on pages 68-78 of What's Next? 

Teaching vacancies tend to be posted on educationcanada, Jobs in Education and/or applytoeducation. Other general job search web sites such as Workopolis may also list teaching vacancies. Also be sure to check the web sites of the Ministry of Education for each province or territory for specific information about teaching in that province or territory.

The direct approach can also be very productive. Going to the district offices, trying to meet with the superintendent or personnel director and leaving your résumé and application in person can be an effective strategy.