Canisius College, a private university, has been successfully providing teacher preparation to Canadian citizens for the past 15 years.
In Ontario, students may obtain an "Interim Certification of Qualification" (ICQ) or an "Interim Certificate of Qualification with a Condition" from the Ontario College of Teachers by completing both the New York State initial certificate requirements and the Ontario requirements in their particular field. The conditional ICQ is issued to secondary teachers who qualify in one subject area instead of the normal two subject areas.
As of March 1, 2007, once New York State (NYS)certification requirements are complete, a request for certification may be filed by the applicant to the NYS Education Department. The awarded certification may then be presented to the Ontario College of Teachers to issue the appropriate certification to teach in Ontario. Candidates must apply directly to the Ontario College of Teachers for certification in Ontario.
Candidates earn initial certification from the Childhood (grades 1-6) or Adolescence (grades 7-12) Education programs. Physical Education (grades 7-12) is also an option to achieve initial certification in Ontario.
Although U.S. students may take additional course work to earn certification from the Literacy, Special Education and Deaf Education programs, Canadian students should complete initial certification requirements in the programs above. Additional qualifications (e.g., special education, literacy, etc.) should be earned by taking required courses at faculties of education in Ontario to ensure that you meet Ontario standards.
To minimize travel requirements, Canadian students are able to complete some required course work online and take the pre-student teaching course (EDCH 570 for elementary candidates/EDAD 537 for secondary candidates, including the practicum requirement, at sites in Ontario. In addition, Canadian students complete their practice teaching requirements in Ontario through a local district school board. By taking pre-student teaching and practice training in Ontario, students are well positioned for employment in Ontario schools.
A number of states in the U.S. do not require citizenship as a pre-requisite to teach in that state. Therefore, teaching opportunities in the U.S. may be available for Canadian students completing certification requirements at Canisius.
Application procedures for non U.S. applicants include a financial statement (certification of finances) that must be completed before registration can take place. With this additional requirement, applicants are encouraged to apply at least 30 days in advance of our three start times: fall (August/September), spring (January), or summer (May).
Note: In accordance with Ontario College of Teacher policy, Canadian candidates may now register for Web-based or distance learning courses.
- Canisius is the only private university in Buffalo accredited by NCATE and New York State.
- Once you meet New York State requirements, you are eligible to apply for certification in Ontario.
- Thousands of our Canadian graduates have gained certification to teach in Ontario.