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How to Apply to School Boards and Private Schools in Ontario

The process varies between DSBs and between private schools. The links below will help you find answers to your specific questions and will provide some guidance as you go through the application process.

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.

Certification

To teach in Ontario, you will first have to be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). To do this you need to apply to the OCT when you are in your final stages of your BEd /DipEd program. You will need to send them a number of documents, as outlined at their website under Becoming a Teacher.

To clarify a couple of points:

  • YOU will have to order and submit the required transcripts to the OCT. Your university will not automatically do this. This document must go directly from the university to the OCT. You may order your transcripts through the Queen’s Transcript Service or through The Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). You may order the transcripts in advance, but MAKE SURE that  your transcripts will be sent after your degree has been granted.

  • The Faculty Registrar will inform the Registrar of the OCT when a student has successfully completed the program of professional education, including successful completion of the practicum.

You can find more information about certification at the Ontario College of Teachers website.

When to Apply

Generally speaking, application deadlines for teaching positions in Ontario DSBs could occur as early as January or as late as the Fall. Sometimes you will need to apply 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 DSB’s web site to determine when applications are due and how they accept applications.

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. In some cases, you will need to make sure that your letters are dated appropriately – some boards want recent, current letters, rather than letter over 2 years old. Check each board’s requirements. It is acceptable to submit copies of letters - save the originals. If at all possible, please ask your referee to write the letter of reference on letterhead.

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.

Other Ways to Apply
  • 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 website 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 Job Search Links.
Additional Information for 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 a religious education course in the B. Ed program. At Queen's, this can be either EDST 456 or FOUN 416. However, please note that these courses are not substitutes for Religious Education Part 1, a course that Catholic boards may require you to take after certification. 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.
Public District School Boards Employment Web Sites
Catholic District School Boards Employment Web Sites
How to Apply to Independent Schools in Ontario

Independent (private) schools will be hiring and shouldn't be overlooked. There are hundreds of independent 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 independent schools is available online. Some 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 independent 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.