Associate Teaching 

Each school year a whole new crop of teacher candidates arrives in our schools, eager to learn the ins and outs of how they too can become truly great teachers. OTF has a comprehensive policy on the practicum and associate teaching. Among other things, the policy positions associate teaching as a voluntary undertaking that is the professional responsibility of teachers. The policy goes on to outline all of the features that provide for well supported associate teachers who can deliver successful practice teaching experiences to teacher candidates.

If you have recently been approached by your school board or by a faculty of education to serve as an associate teacher, you should be aware that OTF policy indicates that members who serve as associate teachers should give priority to teacher candidates enrolled in teacher education programs at publicly funded, Ontario universities. These days, there is a lot of pressure to accept student teachers from private and offshore institutions. OTF is clear that teachers may take on students from these schools, but OTF policy is that first priority should be given to the candidates at our own publicly-funded programs.

If you have a question or concern about an associate teaching role that you have been asked to take on, don’t hesitate to contact OTF, or call Professional Relations staff in Protective Services at 416-962-3836 or 1-888-838-3836.