The education system is notorious for endless acronyms and constantly changing vocabulary.
Here’s an overview that will help you decipher all the lingo.
Consecutive Program
A four-semester (typically two-year) university program leading to a Bachelor of Education or a Master of Teaching for those who have completed an undergraduate degree (i.e., completing an undergraduate degree first, then completing Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching afterwards).
Concurrent Program
Additional Qualifications (AQs)
Basic Qualifications (BQs)
Teachers who complete their teacher education program in Ontario have the required areas of study – commonly known as Basic Qualifications – to teach in two consecutive divisions that include Primary/Junior, Junior/Intermediate or Intermediate/Senior. It is the Basic Qualification that determines if you are qualified as a general education or a technological education teacher, and in what language, grades and subjects you may teach.
Pre-Service Teacher vs In-Service Teacher
Undergraduate Degree
For the purpose of teaching in Ontario, a degree (for example, a BA or BSc) must include the equivalent of at least three years of full-time study or 90 credits or the equivalent (in addition to the four-semester teacher education program) beyond the Ontario secondary school diploma (Grade 12) or its equivalent. Your degree must come from an accredited postsecondary institution acceptable to the College.
Bachelor of Education (BEd)
Master of Teaching (MT)
In Ontario, a Master of Teaching is a two-year graduate level teacher education program, with a mix of coursework and practice teaching; that leads to becoming a certified teacher.