Ontario to cut length of teachers’ college addressing shortage of educators

The Ontario government is expected to introduce legislation Monday that, if passed, would shorten the length of teachers’ college programs across the province.

The government aims to cut the length of teachers’ college to be cut in half, from two years to one.

It also says it will establish a minimum practicum length as a way to emphasize real, in-class experience.

“This is to address — to make sure that when that shortage is deemed to hit the hardest, we’ll have the teachers in place to meet the challenges that we’re facing,” said Minister of Education Paul Calandra at a press conference in Oakville Friday. “That’s why we’re acting today.”

The province says the move will save teachers in training up to $3,000. It also says it will increase funding for associate teachers who mentor teachers during practicum placements.

Calandra has been hinting for several months that changes are coming to how school board trustees are selected.

As of now, they are publicly elected through local elections.

Last fall, the Ford government passed Bill 33, the Supporting Children and Students Act, which expands the province’s authority over educational matters, including school boards.

As of today, eight school boards in Ontario are under direct supervision of the province, after its trustees were suspended and replaced with government-approved supervisors.

READ MORE: Ontario’s controversial education Bill 33 passes despite opposition

Currently accredited teachers’ colleges programs are four semesters across two years — a result of the lengthening of the program back in 2015.

Prior to that, the program was originally two semesters over a single year.

“I had a reaction when they put it up to two years, it was what a terrible idea,” said Jennifer deCatanzaro, a retired high school teacher. “So when I heard this, my first reaction was good — doing the eight month program was perfect for me. I wouldn’t have even considered it if it had been two years.”

The province says the move is aimed at building what it calls a “robust workforce of teachers” and while the move is supported by those in the field, there are concerns over its consequences and its reasoning.

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario says the move fails to address what it says is the more dire issue of teacher retention.

The organization says there are thousands of qualified teachers in the province who choose not to work in schools, due to deteriorating working conditions.

The Ontario College of Teachers said in a statement, that it is currently reviewing the announcement to understand its potential implications for applicants, members, accredited programs and other interest holders.

It added that its priority is to ensure that professional standards remain strong.

Calandra confirmed Friday that the legislation would be announced Monday.

With files from The Canadian Press.

READ MORE: Ontario to cut length of teachers’ college, increase practical element