Ontario government announces $55.8M towards expanding Bachelor of Education programs

The Ontario government says it’s investing $55.8 million into training new teachers – with priority going to getting more teachers into underserved, remote and Indigenous communities.

The province hopes to train an additional 2,600 teachers by 2027.

“We are focused on helping students succeed, and that begins with having qualified and ready teachers in every classroom,” Paul Calandra, Minister of Education said.

In advance of the fall 2025 school year, 13 Ontario universities that offer a Bachelor of Education degree will receive provincial funding to expand their teaching programs. Funding will be prioritized to expand seats at universities with accelerated programs, French and technological education, as well as seats in northern, rural, Indigenous and remote regions where teaching staff is limited.

“We welcome this investment, which will help address the growing need for qualified teachers across Ontario,” Steve Orsini of the Council of Ontario Universities said in a statement.

“Expanding access to teacher education programs – particularly in high-need areas like French-language instruction, technological education, and northern, rural, and Indigenous communities – will give more students access to the high-quality learning experiences they need to succeed, while also ensuring universities can continue to train the next generation of educators who will inspire learning and shape Ontario’s future.” 

Approximately 12,111 full-time students are enrolled in teacher education programs at Ontario universities for the 2024-25 academic year.

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