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Teaching as a Second Career: Why the Timing May Be Better Than Ever

Jul 06, 2026

Teaching as a second career has always carried a certain strength: maturity, perspective, and a clear sense of purpose. With Ontario now moving toward a one-year teacher education model, that pathway may become even more accessible for people who are ready to bring their skills, life experience, and professional wisdom into the classroom. For many adults considering a transition, the shorter program changes the equation. A one-year...

Is Starting as a Supply Teacher a Real Career Path?

Jun 29, 2026

For many educators, supply teaching is their first step into the profession. Yet it is often misunderstood. Some see it as temporary work, a placeholder until a “real” job comes along. Others experience it as an introduction to themselves, a space where professional identity, visibility, and opportunity begin to take shape. The truth is that supply teaching can absolutely progress your career, but not always in the straightforward or...

New Board, New Chapter: The Courage to Start Over in Education

Jun 22, 2026

When an educator decides to change school boards, they’re not just switching jobs. They’re making a strategic life and career move that can reshape their work experience, growth trajectory, and even emotional well-being. As a coach who has supported many educators through these transitions, I’ve worked with clients wrestling with the weight of leaving a familiar board behind. They mourn the colleagues they’ve worked alongside for years, the...

One-Year Teachers’ College in Ontario: Is It Official and How Would It Work?

Jun 15, 2026

There has been a lot of conversation lately about Ontario returning to a one-year teachers’ college model, and for many aspiring educators, especially career changers, the question is simple: is it official yet? The answer is not entirely straightforward. The government has announced plans to reduce teacher education from two years to one year, structured across three consecutive semesters, with a stronger emphasis on practicum and...

AQ vs ABQ: What's the Difference and When to Take Each?

Jun 08, 2026

For Ontario educators, AQ and ABQ courses can shape both career direction and classroom opportunities. The difference is simple once you know what each one does: AQ courses deepen or broaden your professional practice, while ABQ courses expand the divisions or subject areas you are qualified to teach. What AQ Means AQ stands for Additional Qualification. These (AQs) are professional learning courses for certified teachers who want to...

What to Expect When Applying for Your First Education Job

May 15, 2026

New Ontario graduates, you're entering at peak demand. Teacher shortages create openings, but permanent roles still require strategy with 50+ applicants per posting. Most candidates start as occasional teachers ($286–$300/day) before moving into permanent roles ($51K–$68K Year 1). From years of hiring experience, here’s what the real process looks like. Market Snapshot Shortages are expected to intensify by 2027 as retirements and...

What Should Schools Look for in Early Childhood Educators?

May 08, 2026

Hiring Early Childhood Educators shaped how I built strong Full-Day Kindergarten teams in my roles as vice-principal and principal. The difference between good programs and exceptional ones showed up in interview responses. Here's what I'd focus on to identify the right hire. Play as Pedagogy "How do you make snack time a learning moment?" Standout candidates described passing fruit while teaching colors and vocabulary ("red apple,...

How Much Do Education Jobs in Canada Pay?

May 01, 2026

Ever wonder what your teaching degree is really worth? Teacher salaries in public education follow structured pay grids that reward experience and qualifications, making them predictable yet nuanced. Most school boards in Ontario use 10-year grids where pay rises annually until you reach the top (around Year 10–11). Ontario's system, governed by the Qualifications Evaluation Council of Ontario (QECO), places teachers in categories A0–A4...

What Types of Education Jobs Are in High Demand Right Now?

Apr 24, 2026

Navigating the job market in education can feel overwhelming, but the good news is there are clear bright spots. While some school boards are experiencing reductions or pauses in hiring, others are seeking to fill gaps that remain to address student needs, enrollment growth, and post-pandemic recovery. If you're certified and seeking a new challenge, these opportunities align with real priorities across the province. Geography matters, and...

What Unexpected Fields Are Hiring Teachers Right Now?

Apr 17, 2026

Pivoting from the classroom opens doors to exciting roles far beyond school walls. Teachers bring relationship-building, clear communication, curriculum design, and adaptability that employers in diverse sectors truly value. From banks to publishers and tech firms, your classroom experience is a hidden asset. If you’re certified and ready to explore, here’s what’s hot right now. Corporate Training and Talent Development Corporate...

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Interviewing for Education Jobs

Apr 10, 2026

Interviewing for a job in education is slightly different from interviewing in other fields. Schools look beyond credentials and knowledge. Administrators seek staff who can build trust, communicate clearly, support students, and forge positive relationships with the community. That means the interview is about more than answering questions correctly—it's about showing who you are and how you show up with people. Over the years, I've...

OT, LTO, or Permanent? A Simple Guide to Teacher Titles

Mar 18, 2026

If you’re just entering the profession, you’ve likely noticed that a "teaching job" is labelled in many different ways. When you start browsing for work, the variety of titles can be overwhelmin g: Occasional Teacher (OT), LTO, Teacher on Call (TOC/TTOC), Sub, Subbing, Substitute, or Casual Supply. These roles can be described as full-time or part-time due to the nature of their length but regardless of the label, the core of the job...

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