Picking the perfect teacher's college is a process. It’s more than just distance and cost that play a factor; accreditation, availability of grade divisions, program duration, flexibility and—of course—pedagogical values all contribute to your decision.

Unlike undergraduate programs, there aren’t as many education programs based in Ontario, making your decision uneasy.

Lucky for you, I was a student in one of Ontario Tech University’s Bachelor of Education (BEd) program.

So, if you’re considering our university as a potential school for your BEd, here are four reasons why you’re leaning toward a great choice:

1. Ontario Tech’s ideas are fresh 

The school is still young in terms of university years. Our doors first opened to students in 2003, and we continue to grow in our mission to develop with the evolution of technology. As an educator of the 21^st century, you want to have skills relevant to the digital age. That's why Ontario Tech is constantly updating our programs to keep you up-to-date on the ever-changing world of technology. 

If you know education is the pathway for you, you can take one of our new Educational Studies programs to satisfy the degree requirement for the primary/junior BEd program. These programs also set you up for a wide variety of careers such as a program and policy developer, military trainer, instructional designer, workplace educator and so much more!

Whether it's the Digital Technologies, Lifelong learning with Technology, Early Childhood Studies or Equity, Diversity and Inclusion specialization, these programs will help you harness technology skills for problem-solving, creativity and forward-thinking. 

2. Ontario Tech tames your math anxieties

Recently, legislation was passed by the provincial government requiring a compulsory math exam to obtain and maintain a teaching license, causing anxiety for those who do not specialize in math.

Fortunately, our Dean of Education assured us that “the university will do everything to prepare its teacher candidates for this examination, considering that our school takes its maths and sciences very seriously.”

Even before this legislation was proposed, we were ahead of the game and had already implemented a mandatory math course in the curriculum. So don't fret! We've got you covered. 

3. Ontario Tech teaches skills of the future

Circling back to my first reason, our teaching program keeps your skills relevant to the growing workplace. We offer a mandatory coding class to prepare teacher candidates to use their technological resources to find new and applicable teaching methods.

Knowing how to code is not only valuable to your resumé, but will teach you how to be self-sufficient, how to engage with your critical thinking and logical skills, and introduce new opportunities. By having this essential skill-set of the future, teacher candidates can re-imagine the dynamic of the 21st-century classroom.

4. Ontario Tech opens doors for the future

Our university's educational program is known for far more than just keeping teacher candidates in tune with the digital age. Our 16-month programs allow you to graduate early and prepared, giving you an upper hand when applying for employment.

Additionally, 96 per cent of students in our programs find a job within six months of graduating and work in a wide array of positions because our programs effectively prepare you to enter the workforce. 

Before graduation, our programs will prepare you for your Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) certification and help you build your resumé. As well, the Faculty of Education holds an annual end-of-the-year Teacher Development Expo, where you can apply for job opportunities within different school boards—nationally and internationally. More than 30 companies attend the fair!When you reach the end of your program and the Teacher Development Expo comes around, don’t forget that you will be more than ready to work. You will hold valuable and relevant teaching skills, be OCT certified and have a wealth of knowledge behind you.

Plus, you will be available earlier than most teacher candidates within the province—who are still halfway to completing their BEd degree.

Unsure of which program is for you? Take our quiz to find out!

Want to learn more about our Faculty of Education?