Dear Teacher Candidate,
Welcome to Teacher Education at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Education!
The Teacher Education Team is delighted that you have accepted our offer of admission. We look forward to meeting you, and to supporting you as you pursue your goal of becoming a certified teacher in the province of Ontario.
As a member of the incoming class of 2025-2026, you are joining a professional community of incredibly diverse, talented, dedicated, and experienced colleagues who are (and will be) entrusted by the public to teach every child in our schools. During our program, we hope you will take advantage of every opportunity to learn, to actively question, and to reflect on the profound responsibilities that we, as teachers, assume and uphold.
As you know, our B.Ed. program is a full-time, intensive 16-month (4-semester) program that includes 80+ days of practicum placement in local schools. Our professors include internationally acclaimed educational researchers committed to critical and innovative educational theories and practices, as well as expert practitioners, whose wealth of experience as teachers, principals, superintendents and curriculum leaders will help you understand contemporary issues and teaching methods used in local classrooms. Moreover, our program prides itself on developing reflective, critical practitioners who are committed to making a difference in the world and in their students’ lives.
Most Teacher Candidates are especially excited for their practicum placements. Our practicum team are experts in matching candidates with placements that fulfill degree requirements and that provide rich and varied opportunities for candidates to learn. We invest deeply in a process of intentional candidate matching because (a) it reflects our commitment to equity for all candidates, (b) we have brilliant school board partners across Eastern Ontario with whom we have worked for decades, and who are looking to hire our candidates, and (c) this approach enables us to respond quickly if challenges arise for the candidate at any time in their placement.
During our program, you will grapple with big questions – some of which may push you to think in new ways. This is not always easy; with new learning, there can be discomfort. Your professors, Faculty Supervisors, Associate Teachers, and Community Partners will, however, support you along the way. Your classmates will benefit from your presence in their learning community too. At all times, and even when we are discussing difficult topics, we trust everyone to bring an open mind and a commitment to respectful, professional dialogue. As a valued member of our University community, we invite you to review our Policy on Student Rights and Responsible Conduct. As a program accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers, we also invite you to review the Standards of Ethical Practice for the Teaching Profession. These policies guide our work and our expectations for all teacher candidates.
In preparation for the start of classes in September, there are a few details to take care of now.
Please review the online registration kit, and submit all required materials by the specified deadlines. Also, please get in the habit of using your new uOttawa email account. This is the only email that we will use to communicate important updates with you now.
We look forward to meeting you in person at our mandatory orientation meetings in September and to all that lies ahead as you begin this professional journey with us at uOttawa.
On behalf of the Teacher Education Team,
Michelle Schira Hagerman, PhD | OCT
Director, Teacher Education Program