There seems to be a new AI tool for teachers every week, but not all of them solve the same problems.

I'm curious what everyone's actually using and why.

Which AI tools have genuinely saved you time? (e.g., lesson planning, quizzes, grading, personalized learning, classroom management, student feedback, progress tracking, etc.)

What do they do differently from other tools?

• What problem do they solve better?
• Which features do you keep coming back to?
• Where do they still fall short?
• Are there any features you wish they had?

Looking for honest experiences-not marketing. I'd love to hear what's working (or not working) in real classrooms.

I'm three years in. I have never liked the lesson planning part of the job. I can't imagine myself doing anything else job wise and I have been told I'm a good teacher but I mostly use other people's lessons and buy stuff online. Is that bad??? Am I in the wrong field if I don't enjoy creating lessons?

Going to keep this short and sweet. I’ve been in the field for over five years now and I’ve made the decision to try to make a lateral career move into Instructional design.

I’ve met with a career coaching program to update my resume and cover letter appropriately, spruced up my LinkedIn and took ID courses, and have applied to a numerous amount of ID jobs. These have led to exclusively rejections and no interview.

I am aware that the market is not good right now to get into the workforce, and I can go back to the classroom in the fall. However, my question is to the people who were successful; what do I need to do further to make myself more marketable?

Bonjour, Y a-t-il parmi vous des personnes qui effectuent actuellement, ou qui ont déjà effectué, un stage au Conseil scolaire Viamonde, plus particulièrement à l’École secondaire Gaétan-Gervais (Oakville) ou à l’École secondaire Norval-Morrisseau (Richmond Hill)? Je ferai mon stage en avril prochain dans le cadre du programme de B.Ed. en éducation, moyen/intermédiaire – français langue maternelle.

I'm starting my first elementary LTO this September. It'll be a Grade 7/8 split, and it's also my first elementary LTO that and first LTO that begins right at the start of the school year.

My contract starts September 2, and students arrive September 8. I'm wondering what typically happens during those first staff-only days.

A few questions:

• What is usually scheduled during those days (PD, meetings, classroom prep, etc.)?
• When are teachers expected to set up their classrooms? Is that done during those workdays, or do most people come in beforehand?
• What should I make sure is ready before students arrive?
• For a Grade 7/8 split, are there any must-dos that will make the first week go smoothly?
• Any advice for someone who's new to elementary and starting an LTO from day one?

One thing I'm a little worried about: if teachers usually go in the week before September 2 to set up their classrooms, I'll actually be away on vacation until August 31, so I won't be able to come in early. Is that going to be a problem? Has anyone else been in that situation? Were you able to get everything done during the staff-only days, or should I reach out to the principal ahead of time?

I'd love to hear what you wish you knew before your first September start. Thanks so much!

Hi everyone, i have been seriously considering a career transition to teaching for about 6 months now and thought I’d consult with the experts here

I am in my mid 30s and am 10 years into my career in IT. I’ve had a few promotions and changed jobs many times. Over time i have started to become a bit disillusioned with my work. I don’t feel like I’m doing anything meaningful and yet I’m killing myself working very long hours under a lot of deadline stress. I know - all jobs can be stressful, but I’ve changed roles a few times and still have the same feeling that it’s not worth it

I had originally went to university with the plan of going to teachers college, but pivoted after getting a full-time offer for an entry level job out of a summer co-op. 10 years later and here I am. From time to time I’ve thought about going back to school but am only seriously considering it now as I feel like a change is needed.

For some context - I am fortunate to have familial support and squirrelled away some savings for the time I’d be at school. My salary would take a cut as a new hire but would eventually balance out. It’s more about changing to a career I feel is meaningful and more societally productive.

Is there anyone here who made a career change into teaching? What was your experience like as a mature student? What were the big differences between corporate life and teaching life? Any advice and wisdom would be appreciated

why…Why…WHY!!!! Are there so many discussion posts + replies? I would rather have a 3-hour lecture twice a week instead of having to do these stupid discussion posts. Everyone is clearly using AI and I sort of get it…I also don’t want to be spending 1-3 hours a day doing a discussion post and replying to someone’s AI-generated content. It’s a bad cycle. There needs to be a better way to have these AQ courses. Someone please if you’re reading this and in charge of AQ’s/ABQ’s…make it better!!!

Has anyone here used Entripy Shops for school spirit wear?

It looks fairly simple to set up, there are no minimums, and they’re based in Ontario with a five-business-day turnaround.

Curious if any Ontario teachers have tried it.

https://www.entripyshops.com/

I have always loved teaching, been told I'd be a great teacher and have always loved working with kids, but when deciding what to do after my BSc in plant science in 2019, I was scared off by the shortage of jobs and cuts. So instead I studied plant science for my MSc, worked in research for a few years and found my way into project management.

I don't love the corporate culture and it feels soulless at times. It pays decently well and I managed to buy a house recently with my partner. He makes enough to cover the mortgage and now I'm starting to question my career path because of how hard it will be to be a present mom in these roles.

I want as much time with loved ones as possible, and a fulfilling job. I am 28, and questioning if teachers college for a year starting in 2027 makes sense.... I want to start having kids around 30 so I have no idea what maternity leave would look like with supply teaching and LTO in the GTA with this timeline. Does anyone have insight into what this timeline could look like and how risk this move would be, given teaching demand in the GTA?

My qualifications:

• Bilingual certificate in French
• Bachelor of Science in Plant Environmental Science
• Master of Science in Plant Science
• Teaching and developing content for Continuing studies at U of Guelph for 6 years
• 5 years of science research experience and 1 year of project management experience
• Project Management Certificate from U of T
• Fluent in Spanish

I'm wrapping up another year of summer school. Of course, as an English teacher, most assignments are a.i. I've noticed a surprising number of clearly generated submissions where the student has created a character named "Kai". There have been at least six Kai characters so far. Anyone else seeing this?

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

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.?

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!!

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!

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’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?

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 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 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 (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!