Ontario Considers Longer Teacher Practicum and Shorter College Programs
Ontario — The provincial government is reviewing changes to how new teachers receive training.
Officials want to strengthen classroom experience while reducing time spent in formal coursework.
The proposal comes as Ontario faces ongoing teacher shortages.
Shortages affect French immersion, technology, and specialized subject areas.
Education leaders believe practical experience can better prepare new teachers.
They say classroom exposure improves confidence and long-term retention.
Why the Province Is Reviewing Teacher Education
Ontario currently requires teacher candidates to complete a two-year education program.
The program includes academic coursework and limited practicum placements.
Research suggests extended practicum periods improve teaching readiness.
New teachers with longer placements report stronger classroom skills.
Ontario’s practicum length remains shorter than several other provinces.
Some provinces require more than twenty weeks of supervised classroom teaching.
Officials believe increasing practicum time could improve outcomes.
They also hope it will reduce early career burnout.
What the Proposed Changes Could Include
Under the review, Ontario may shorten the academic portion of teacher training.
At the same time, candidates could spend more time teaching in schools.
Education officials say real classroom experience matters most.
They want graduates ready to manage classrooms from day one.
School boards support stronger practicum requirements.
They say new teachers often need more practical exposure.
Concerns From Educators and Institutions
Some educators worry shorter coursework could reduce theoretical learning.
They stress the importance of child development and inclusive education studies.
Teacher colleges may need curriculum adjustments.
Universities say they will need time to adapt programs.
Officials have not announced a timeline.
They continue consulting with unions and education partners.
Addressing Teacher Shortages
Ontario faces rising demand for qualified educators.
Population growth and retirements increase staffing pressure.
Officials hope training reforms will attract new candidates.
They also aim to keep teachers in classrooms longer.
The province says any changes will protect education quality.
Public feedback will shape final decisions.
