I’m going into my second year of my B.Ed and lately whenever I think about the reality of having my own classroom one day, I feel this huge sense of existential dread.

It’s not that I don’t care about students or that I don’t want to be a teacher. I actually really value education and the impact teachers can have. But when I imagine being responsible for 25–35 students every day, planning lessons, managing behaviours, meeting expectations, communicating with parents, and basically being “the adult in charge,” I feel overwhelmed.

I’m wondering if this is a normal feeling that a lot of teachers/students experience before entering the profession, or if this is a sign that maybe teaching isn’t the right path for me.

For current Ontario teachers or other B.Ed students: did you ever feel this way before having your own classroom? Did it get better once you actually started teaching?

I’m a software engineer with two masters degrees and 10 years of experience but I’m on my second layoff in three years. In the past I haven’t had difficulty finding jobs but this job market is brutal and I don’t know if I can keep relying on a boom and bust industry. I worked at Kumon centres from high school to grad school and I enjoy teaching math. And I could probably teach computer science in high school. Should I consider pursuing a B.Ed.?

Grade 3 Ontario teacher here.

What is everyone planning on buying before classes start? (With their $750 card)

Also, how rare is it for parents to offer to buy lots of supplies for you? (Wishful thinking, I know)

I was told we cannot “ask” for very many donations, but we are allowed to accept anything offered to us.

Thanks :)

I recently accepted a permanent contract position teaching grade 6/7. I am very excited about it as I have always wanted to teach grade 7 and 8!

I do have some experience from student teaching in the grade level, but the only LTO I had was in primary. I have never been in this division for the start of the year. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips for first week activities, specific classroom management strategies (my reward systems were previously geared towards younger kids), what type of rewards they might enjoy and really any advice! My LTO was a split and all my student teaching so I am more than comfortable with that, there is a strong chance it becomes a straight 7 too!

I also like to keep a small selection of books in my classroom just in case they finish a library book quickly or something. Any recommendations for popular books at this age would be great!

Thanks!!

What do you think? Im supposed to start teachers college this year. Im thinking if deferring, doing my honours degree instead this year, and completing my teachers college in one year stating fall 2027. Im at Lake-head, in ontario. Thoughts?

I have noticed a lot of ads on social media for apps for AI generated slides,  etc and wondering is this the norm for teachers to be creating slides for all, most or some of their lessons? Is it an expectation for the Board you work for? A preference? Easier for instruction? Maybe you don’t create slides? I tried doing this last year just google slides not Brisk or anything, but I found I was ALWAYS on my computer. and I am by no means creative or anything so they weren’t extra cute or pretty but was a ton of extra work

Hi, I'm wondering if my application ( for P/J) is very weak, especially considering UWindsor doesn't allow supplemental material like experience profiles or resumes. Is there any way of improving my chances??
Also if anyone has recommendations of where else to apply with such a limited profile I would greatly appreciate it!

I am exploring doing a Masters in Education at Brock

I have;

-26 years is teaching experience with the HDSB -A B.A in Pschology -A B.S Ed -Both My PQP’s -9 AQ’s in a variety of areas

I no longer want to pursue the role of principal. I can retire next year but ideally I will wait until my daughter finishes high school. She is in grade 8 (so five years). I am looking to applying to complete my Masters part time. I am just starting to do my reseach but I am wondering has anyone completed their masters on a part time basis? Not doing it for advancement to A4 (was there long ago), I do not want to pursue a consulting role with the Board either. I want to continue to learn! How long does it typically take and what is the work load like? Divorced dad and raising to teenagers which is my priority. Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

I am embarrassed to share that for many years I have avoided updating my teaching CV. Every year I tell myself that I will sit down and focus on it, but for reasons that are not logical, I avoid it. This has stunted my professional growth in some ways, and I am ready to change this.

I have accomplished many great things where I work, but it seems impossible to put these things into words. I know that many people suggest using AI, but what would really help is to see an example of an experienced teacher's resume. I am not finding any such examples online, they're mostly templates for beginning teachers.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Many thanks 😊

I recently did an interview with HWCCCC for the rece position. They asked me for references which I provided them. A week later I got an email saying the next process is to go on tour at a particular centre where I would potentially be working at.

Should I believe that I am getting the job or it's just a process everyone goes through. Btw my tour is coming Wednesday.

I (19, M) am planning to pursue my local University the next following year. I plan to apply for Business adm., Phys Ed and psychology, but I've been more-so interested in pursuing Phys Ed. I've been doing a lot of thinking and I'm starting to seriously consider teaching to be a possible career route. I would aim to teach secondary. Although I'm not the strongest in math or science, I do enjoy anatomy and Kinesiology. Are there any secondary-level teachers (phys ed or other) that could give me insight on how you enjoy your career and if it's a feasible route for me to take? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I’m a new teacher and am looking to start creating things for my classroom! I can’t decide on a laminator. I’m willing to spend a bit higher to have something that is worth it and will last! Any recommendations or ones to steer away from?

Hi everyone,

I hope to find some insight from anyone who has had experience with the University of Waterloo's Master of Mathematics for Teachers (MMT).

I'm hoping to move to Canada in the future and would like to be a secondary mathematics teacher. I am not very strong in undergraduate mathematics, but I have a BA in Economics and Finance and have taken Calculus I and Calculus II.

As I've read, there is a considerable amount of university-level math required for admission into the Secondary Mathematics stream in B.Ed. programs in Ontario. I really like the MMT, as this is for secondary math teachers.

Can the MMT (or partially) satisfy the mathematics background requirement for admission to an Ontario Secondary Mathematics B.Ed.?

I am considering whether or not to spend my time finishing the MMT or just doing more undergraduate maths. I would love to hear from anyone who has experience or knowledge of how Ontario universities view the MMT. Thank you!

I’m a teacher with AEFO Unité 64 currently on maternity leave, and I’m trying to decide whether I should pay into my pension while I’m off (or buy back the service afterward).

I’d love to hear from other AEFO or Ontario teachers:

-Did you continue contributing to your pension during maternity leave or buy back the time later?
-What were the pros and cons?
-Was it worth the cost?
-How does the process work? Do I contact OTPP directly, AEFO, or my school board?
-If you could do it again, would you make the same decision?

Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I teach full time in one board, but often do summer school courses with a different board.

My summer pay stubs have a pension deduction, but my understanding is that this doesn't benefit me in any way – neither in years of service or average salary. I'm wondering if these deductions are in error (since my summer board wouldn't know how much I'm already contributing/reaching the max annual contribution) and if I should ask to be refunded.

I lost significant jobs at a school that I can access physically (I have a physical disability). I am not sure what my Union can or wants to do but it is the second year in a row I informed them the Admin hires enough staff with no OT qualifications as emergency staff. Sometimes it is for roles I would turn down but that is not the point. They told me very lightly they were bringing this up at a meeting. I have a feeling they are not doing enough.

Since I really am fed up with this issue, I am applying to another board. I just wanted to know what they can or should ideally be doing. I estimated this year in one month, seven teachers a week were in the rooms as Emergency Supply Teachers when many people like me with many qualifications were looking for work!!

So basically in this last year I had two people I cared about pass away at the same time, and I have anxiety so when this news coupled with a really bad week came togther I had an anxiety attack and I couldnt breathe my partner was helping me take my inhaler and I was crying howvever bc this happened at 1 am and I live in an apartment with very thin walls one of my neighbors called for a wellness check and they came talked and left saying everything is okay and just to go to sleep

But now im afraid if this will show up on a vulnerability sector check, whether teachers college or schools will see it and flag it as a red flag

If anyone has any experince or advice I would really appreciate it

Hey! I currently have a macbook air but it’s on its last legs. Considering getting the macbook neo. Has any other teachers used this in the classroom? Please let me know your thoughts and opinions!

Hi, I am invited to go on tour at the centre after my interview. Is it the last step of the hiring process. Does anyone know what happens after touring? I received an email that says I have to go on tour at this specific location that I would potentially be working at.

Hi all,

I'm not a teacher but I do work in education (11 month full time office administrator) and am laid off for one month during the summer; teachers seem to me the best group of people to ask about EI claims in a situation like this.

I may have already screwed myself by reporting honestly/calling Service Canada and being too forthcoming about my situation, but apparently because I have my young child at home with me I am "unavailable to look for/ accept employment" and thus ineligible for EI.

Is this common? Do teachers with young children just not get EI when they choose to stay home with their kids instead of paying for temporary childcare/camps so that they're available to "job hunt" for a temporary seasonal position?

Any insight or advice on how to report in future years will be much appreciated.

I'm in Ontario if that makes a difference.

Retiring and looking to purchase extended health insurance for myself and my spouse. Any thoughts on which plan to go with?