Last updated: November 8, 2005 @ 09:04AM

Education - Native Teacher Education

Director
Merle Richards

Co-ordinator
Romaine Bomberry

General Information

Administrative Assistant
Lesa Mansfield

905-688-5550, extension 3341
Welch Hall 123

The Tecumseh Centre for Aboriginal Research and Education offers a concurrent program combining a Bachelor of Education in Aboriginal Adult Education and a Bachelor of Education degree for students interested in teaching at the Primary/Junior level (grades K-6). As well the Centre offers two certificate programs to prepare Native elementary school teachers.

The concurrent Bachelor of Education in Aboriginal Adult Education and Bachelor of Education program incorporates Aboriginal learning preferences and cultural diversity. This community-based curriculum model relies on qualified local Aboriginal educators to facilitate the learner's educational journey. Courses are offered in a facilitated learning cohort model, face-to-face at locations across the province.

Please consult the relevant entries for a listing of courses and program requirements.

The Primary/Junior Certificate Program prepares candidates for teaching grades K-6 in elementary schools. The basic courses are adapted for the needs of Native pupils. Along with the basic requirements, the program includes experiences in the Aboriginal languages and cultures of the participants. At least eight weeks of practice teaching will be completed by each candidate.

The Native as a Second Language Certificate program is open to speakers fluent in a Native language. It focusses on teaching methods for language specialists, as well as on the grammar and writing systems of the candidates' Native languages. At least eight weeks of practice teaching will be completed by candidates in this program.

Successful candidates of the concurrent Bachelor of Education in Aboriginal Adult Education and Bachelor of Education program will receive a Bachelor of Education in Aboriginal Adult Education degree and a Bachelor of Education degree. Upon successful completion of a teacher education program, teacher candidates are normally recommended to the Ontario College of Teachers for membership and to receive their Ontario Certificate of Qualification.

Successful candidates of the Primary/Junior Certificate Program of the Native Teacher Education program may be recommended by the Dean of the Faculty of Education to the Ontario College of Teachers for certification to teach in Ontario at the Primary/Junior level.

Successful completion of the Native as a Second Language Certificate Program of the Native Teacher Education program leads to certification in Native as a Second Language (NSL). To qualify for the NSL certificate, candidates must complete at least one year of successful teaching after completing the first year of the NSL program.

Aboriginal candidates who hold an undergraduate degree may apply to the regular Pre-service Education program.

Those interested in a teaching career in Ontario are advised to refer to the Ontario College of Teachers Act 1966 and Regulation 184/97 Teachers Qualifications with respect to teachable subjects, definitions, basic qualifications and regulations.

Ontario College of Teachers Criminal Records Screening Policy
1.  The Ontario College of Teachers requires both a criminal record check and a criminal record declaration by the applicant as necessary components of registration for new applicants.
2.  The costs associated with the provision of the criminal record check and any appeals are to be borne by the applicant.
3.  All positive reports of criminal offences will be examined by the Ontario College of Teachers' Registrar to determine whether the record of offence(s) is relevant to the applicant's honesty, integrity and/or suitability to practise the profession and whether the offence(s) constitute reasonable grounds for refusal to issue a certificate of qualification and registration, or to impose terms, conditions or limitations on registration, in accordance with Section 18(2) of the Ontario College of Teachers Act.
4.  Applicants for registration by the Ontario College of Teachers will be advised of the reasons for the decisions of the OCT Registrar to refuse certification or to impose terms, conditions or limitations and that appeals to these decisions will be determined in accordance with Part III of the Ontario College of Teachers Act.
  Questions regarding the policy should be directed to the Ontario College of Teachers.

Admissions

Aboriginal candidates who hold an undergraduate degree may apply to the regular Pre-service Education Program (see Education-Pre-service Education).

Primary/Junior Certificate Program

Aboriginal candidates may be admitted to this program with Grade 12 or equivalent. Preference will be given to applicants with university credits.

Native as a Second Language Certificate Program

Candidates must be fluent in a Native language.

Certificate Program

Primary/Junior Certificate Program
·   EDUC 8L09, 8P08, 8P10, 8P11, 8P30, 8P33, 8P48, 8P91, 8Y04, 8Y05, 8Y31, 8Y36, 8Y38, 8Y39, 8Y61 and 8Y63
·   EDUC 8P35 or 8P94
Native as a Second Language Certificate Program
·   EDUC 8P08, 8P10, 8P11, 8P33, 8P91, 8P93, 8P94, 8P96, 8P97, 8P98, 8P99

Description of Courses

See relevant calendar entry for course descriptions.