Program is contingent on funding and enrolment.
Aanii, Boozhoo, Shé:kon, Tânsi, Wachiya, Kwe Kwe, Hello!
Designed for those working in Indigenous schools who would like to become certified educators while continuing to work in their community.
Bachelor of Education, Primary-Junior (JK-6)
In-person
Weekend classes (approximately 10 weekends per year) plus two three-week-long summer sessions in July
Two-year program, starting in May
In six communities (Anchor Link) across Ontario on weekends & the first July in Kingston, Ontario
Program highlights
- Become a certified teacher without leaving your community and commitments: Our face-to-face courses are delivered over four weekends per term plus in-person sessions for July. Choose one of six community sites for your weekend classes: Akwesasne, Lambton-Kent, Manitoulin-North Shore (Kenjgewin Teg), Mushkegowuk Territory (exact site in Mushkegowuk Territory to be determined based on enrolment), Pikangikum, or Tyendinaga
- Learn & earn (ANCHOR LINK to Learn & Earn Section): If you are already working in a school teaching Primary-Junior (JK-6), you may qualify for the Multi-Session Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration (MTCQR), which allows you to complete practicum requirements while continuing to teach in your current role. If you don't qualify for the Multi-Session Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration (MTCQR), you can complete an unpaid practicum placement in a First Nations or Ontario school.
- Flexible admission: Apply with a Grade 12 diploma or equivalent if you are of Indigenous ancestry (PDF 470 KB). Can also be admitted with an undergraduate degree. All candidates receive a Bachelor of Education.
- Hands-on learning: complete 18-weeks of practicum in First Nations and/or Ontario schools.
Summer 1 | In-person learning |
|
| Practicum | Three weeks | |
Fall 1 | In-person learning |
|
| Practicum | Three weeks | |
Winter 1 | In-person learning |
|
| Practicum | Four weeks | |
Summer 2 | In-person learning |
|
| Practicum | Four weeks | |
Fall 2 | In-person learning |
|
| Practicum | Four weeks | |
Winter 2 | In-person learning |
|
| Practicum | None |
This is a full-time professional program. Rather than thinking of yourself as a student, think of it as your first year as a teacher.
Our multi-session programs are designed to let you continue working while earning your degree by condensing coursework into intensive learning weekends. Because of the accelerated format, attendance at every weekend is mandatory. Missing a learning weekend may prevent you from successfully completing a course.
Admission Requirements and Information
Without an Undergraduate Degree
Applicants admitted without an undergraduate degree must be of Indigenous ancestry (PDF 470 KB) and submit documentary proof of their ancestry as specified by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) when they apply for certification. It is the candidate's responsibility to check the OCT website or contact the College in advance to determine what documentation is required.
With an Undergraduate Degree
If you are of Indigenous ancestry and have a University Degree, you can include transcripts from that degree instead of high school transcripts.
Applicants are required to have an acceptable undergraduate degree (minimum 3-year General degree).
Queen’s University attempts each year to admit a student body reflective of the general population of Canada. The Faculty of Education has developed an admission policy regarding equitable representation of groups that are underrepresented in the teaching profession, and has reserved a number of equity admission places in the Bachelor of Education and Diploma in Education Programs. Those who complete the voluntary Equity Admission form will be considered both under the general admission procedure and under the equity admission policy.
Official Transcripts
- All transcripts submitted must be official, bearing the institutional seal and/or original signature of the institution’s registrar. Photocopied or forwarded transcripts are not acceptable.
- All transcripts, once received, become the property of Student Services and are not returned to you.
- Your previous academic credentials must be obtained at an institution providing an academic environment and education that prepares students for potential success in advanced study at Queen’s.
Out-of-province and high school transcripts are to be sent directly to educstudentservices@queensu.ca or:
Student Services
Faculty of Education, Queen’s University
Duncan McArthur Hall
511 Union Street
Kingston, ON K7M 5R7
Attention: Jamie Kincaid
Official postsecondary transcripts should consist of:
- Postsecondary transcripts from each institution you attended.
- Ontario transcripts: Request your transcript through the TEAS application.
- Out-of-province transcripts: Request transcripts from the issuing postsecondary institution (including CEGEP, if applicable).
Candidates graduating without an undergraduate degree may be limited in the Additional Qualifications/Additional Basic Qualification courses they can take in the future. Please see the OCT website for further information.
English is the language of instruction at Queen’s University and in the schools in Ontario where our teacher candidates carry out their required practice teaching. Applicants who are non-native speakers of English are required to provide evidence of oral and written proficiency in English in one of two ways:
- Candidates must have studied full-time at least three full years (or the equivalent) at a university where the language of instruction and examination was in English in a country where one of the official languages is English. Time spent in ESL courses or in an ESL program is not counted toward this three-year requirement. Applicants who have attended university other than in North America must submit a letter directly from the university verifying that the language of instruction and examination was English.
Or
- Candidates must have achieved the required level of proficiency on one of the three tests of English language listed below.
The scores listed below are the minimum English Proficiency requirements for admission to our programs. We strongly advise you to complete your test and submit your scores to us well before the published deadline. It may take several weeks before your test results are released until they reach the Faculty of Education. The only acceptable way to submit your test results to Queen’s University is via the testing body.
To match your results to your application, please ensure that you use the same information as your application for admission to Queen’s. This includes first (given), surname (last/family name), date of birth, and gender. We are unable to match the results received with differing information.
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based (TOEFL iBT). The TOEFL iBT test code number 8573 must be used to ensure that the results are forwarded directly to the Faculty of Education. Required test scores: Minimum 24 on the Reading component, 23 on the Listening, 28 on each of the Writing and Speaking components, with a minimum 103 overall. Test results are valid for 2 years.
- The International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Request the Academic test. Required test scores: minimum 6.5 on both the Reading and Listening components, and a minimum of 7.0 on the Writing and Speaking components, with a minimum 7.0 overall. Test results are valid for 2 years.
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL). Select “Test Takers” from the top bar menu to access information, including test locations and dates. Required test score: Minimum 70 in all 4 categories and minimum 70 overall. Test results are valid for 2 years.
Candidates admitted to the program who are found to have an unsatisfactory command of the English language, either spoken or written, where their language skills interferes with their ability to communicate effectively in the classroom, may be required to take remedial work or may be asked to withdraw from the program.
Transitional Certification: Learn & Earn
If you're already teaching Primary-Junior in an eligible Ontario school, you may qualify for the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) Multi-Session Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration (MTCQR). This certificate allows eligible teacher candidates to complete some or all of their practicum requirements while continuing to work in a teaching position.
How it works
- Complete the qualifying practicum - In May of your first year, you'll complete a 15-day introductory practicum. If you're already teaching Primary-Junior in a school, this requirement may be completed through an online module.
- Complete the first term of the program - Attend three weekends of classes in your community (May and June) and the three-week in-person classes in Kingston in July.
- Apply for your Multi-Session Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration (MTCQR) - After successfully completing the first term, you may apply to the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) for your MTCQR. Once approved and employed in an eligible teaching position, you may be able to complete your remaining practicum requirements while you teach.
If you aren't eligible for the Multi-Session Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration, you complete an unpaid practicum placement with the support of an Associate Teacher in a First Nations or Ontario school.
Eligible teaching positions must:
- Be in an Ontario Primary-Junior classroom
- Follow the Ontario curriculum
- Inclide the full responsibilities of classroom teaching
- Be supervised by an OCT-certified principal, vice-principal, or designate who completes your practicum assessments
Our Program Sites
ITEP Office at Queen's Faculty of Education
educmultisessions@queensu.ca
Akwesasne
AKITEP@queensu.ca
Lambton-Kent
Sarnia, Ontario
LKITEP@queensu.ca
Manitoulin-North Shore
M'Chigeeng First Nation, Ontario
MNSITEP@queensu.ca
Mushkegowuk Territory
James Bay Region
MTITEP@queensu.ca
Pikangikum
Pikangikum First Nation, Ontario
PIKITEP@queensu.ca
Tyendinaga
Tyendinaga, Ontario
TYITEP@queensu.ca
