Pursuing a teaching career in Canada requires meeting specific certification requirements, as the profession is regulated. Individuals must obtain official teaching credentials to work legally in the education sector. Since the regulation of education falls under provincial and territorial jurisdiction, the criteria for certification vary across different regions of Canada. Therefore, aspiring teachers must familiarize themselves with and fulfil the requirements of the particular province or territory where they intend to teach.
Internationally trained teachers must meet certification requirements to teach in Canada, which vary by province or territory. This article explains the certification process, where to apply, and the types of teaching jobs available. With teaching in high demand across many regions in Canada, job prospects are strong in 2025. Furthermore, the federal government's inclusion of Education in the Express Entry system has made it easier for teachers to obtain permanent residency.
Canada offers several teaching roles, including full-time positions, temporary supply teaching, and long-term substitute roles for extended absences.
Full-time permanent teachers in Canada work about 10 months a year, with breaks during Christmas, March, and summer. They are typically unionized, with pay scales based on experience and certifications, and receive defined benefit pension plans, which provide a fixed income in retirement based on their salary and years of service.
Supply teachers are on-call substitutes who fill in for absent full-time teachers, often working in different classes and schools each day. They are paid daily and may choose supply teaching for the flexibility or as a way to gain experience before securing a full-time position.
Long-Term Occasional (LTO) teachers fill full-time contract roles, typically replacing permanent teachers for extended periods, such as during parental leave. These positions can last from a few weeks to a full school year, and once the contract ends, so does the job. In some regions, LTOs may be unionized and contribute to a defined benefit pension.
Due to rising demand for qualified educators and labor shortages in several provinces, Canada has added education-related roles to the Express Entry system. This includes positions like teachers, assistants, and instructors for those with disabilities. Qualifying for these category-based draws increases the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.
An Outline of the Process
Each province has unique certification requirements, and this outlines the process for internationally trained educators.
Step 1: Assess eligibility based on the grade level and subject area.
To teach in Canada, internationally trained educators must meet various requirements, including:
Additional requirements may apply, such as Ontario’s Sexual Abuse Prevention Program and BC’s familiarization course for internationally trained teachers. Requirements can also vary by teaching category.
Step 2: Apply for certification through the provincial regulatory body where you plan to teach.
Once eligible, applicants must apply for certification through the provincial regulatory body, submitting required documents such as identity proof, police certificates, language proficiency evidence, transcripts, and name change records. Non-English/French documents must be translated. An application fee, which varies by province, is also required.
Step 3: Some provinces may require an additional step before full certification is granted.
In most provinces, teachers must be certified before working in educational institutions, but some allow teachers to work with temporary certification. For example, Alberta issues an Interim Professional Certification for up to three years, after which teachers can apply for full certification after gaining required teaching experience. Other provinces follow similar processes, granting full certification once specific experience criteria are met.
Provincial application guidelines
Each province and territory in Canada has a specific regulatory body or department responsible for teacher certification. For example, Alberta has Alberta Education, Ontario has the Ontario College of Teachers, and British Columbia relies on the Ministry of Education and Childcare. These agencies process applications and ensure that teachers meet the necessary qualifications to work within their respective regions.
Additionally, in 2024, many provinces collaborated with Pathways to Teach Canada, a new service designed to simplify the certification process for internationally educated teachers. This initiative provides a single-entry point for applicants across various provinces, streamlining the application and certification procedures, thus making it easier for internationally trained educators to work in Canada.
Comparing Public and Catholic Schools
In many provinces, there are two publicly funded school boards: secular public schools and Catholic schools. Both offer similar curriculums and diplomas, but Catholic schools provide faith-based education, while public schools are secular. Catholic school boards often require teachers to be practicing Catholics, while public schools have no religious employment requirements.
Transferring Certifications Between Provinces
The Canadian Free Trade Agreement enables teachers to transfer their certification between provinces, though they may need to complete an application process, including submitting required forms and documents.
Check if you qualify to migrate to Canada. Check out Owlspriority Immigration’s Canada Settlement Resources to learn about finding employment in Canada, making your initial days stress-free, etc.
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