Note: Article is written for Vancouver (British Columbia). The advice is applicable to all provinces in Canada
Finding employment for teachers is very difficult in BC currently. Budgets cuts have seen schools receive limited funding with many BC based teachers struggling to find work and often seeking work abroad. Overseas qualified teachers in BC don’t always get the same as Canadians.
To become certified to teach in Canada, you need to register and become accredited with the BC College of Teachers. This can be a slow process so best apply months before you arrive.
British Columbia College Of Teachers
Alberta College Of Teachers
Ontario College Of Teachers
This link also provides some useful information for teachers coming from each country:
Becoming a Teacher – Country-Specific Information
Independent school certification which allows you to teach in private independent schools (but a quicker process and more likely not to have to take extra courses).
Independent Schools – BC Ministry of Education
The two stages of schooling in North America are elementary school and high school.
Teaching English (TEFL) offers a great alternative to teachers that are struggling to find work as there is a high amount of English schools in Vancouver. See ESL / TEFL section for more information
Upcoming events:
On March 2-3rd, there is a conference for new teachers/those with less than 5 yrs experience. It’s $70 for two days, that’s 6 different talks and breakfast and lunch both days. You’re advised to bring a USB as there will be lots if resources available.
This is a worthwile article. I have spoken to a number of Irish teachers in Toronto, who were completely unaware of the jobs market and/or the steps required to find work. I am living and working as a teacher in Toronto. It is incredibly hard to find worthwile employment and like the article says; steps to ensure you are certified to teach in Ontario should be taken long before you set foot in Canada. It took me roughly eleven months to have my qualifications recognised by The Ontario College of Teachers. There are a number of different schoolboards in Toronto and f you are determined to teach here, there are avenues that can be used, but you must be determined, prepared and very resourceful, not to mention patient. Despite the perserverance required, my experience is that Ontario schools offer excellent working conditions. TEFL/ESL jobs are available, but often don’t pay well and many of the private ESL schools are of a poor quality. The TDSB which is the largest school board offer free ESL classes to newcomers, and jobs are hard to get with them. All in all, if you are committed you will find work but you will have to take a few steps back, initially. There is a huge oversupply of teachers in Ontario and elementary teachers are currently working to rule, that said there should be large amounts of teachers retiring it the near future which should help to free up some jobs.