Qualifications Evaluation Council of Ontario (QECO)

QECO was created in the 1969 – 1970 school year by OECTA, ETFO and AEFO to provide an equitable evaluation plan for teacher salary recognition based solely on specific academic criteria.  The QECO evaluation of degree holding teachers who are members of one of the above-mentioned affiliates can result in one of four category placements: Category A1 through Category A4.

Once an eligible teacher is evaluated based on the academic criteria of Program 5 a Statement of Evaluation is issued which must be submitted to the board for appropriate salary category placement.  All degree holding teachers must be evaluated by QECO to be considered for a placement beyond Category A1.

Not in Category A4 Yet? – Take Special Note…:

Changes over time occur with the ongoing recognition of new acceptable academic institutions, both domestic and abroad; changes that affect the acceptability of some course providers; changes with the increase in Additional Qualification course providers; and some legislative changes that can all have an influence on teachers’ upgrading routes. 

• QECO strongly urges all who have not yet reached Category A4 to formally apply for upgrading advice or for re-evaluation on a yearly basis to ensure they are following the most expedient route to a higher category.  This advice is particularly important to teachers whose academic qualifications were obtained outside of Ontario.
• Applying for upgrading advice can only be of advantage to a teacher; it will never be of harm. 
• Be mindful of any board deadlines and apply early since a QECO evaluation may take many weeks to complete, especially during the fall and spring.
• Members are reminded that it is their individual responsibility to keep QECO apprised of any additions to their qualifications.  QECO only acts on the formal instructions of the teacher as verified by a completed application form.
• The appropriate application form must be completed before any formal QECO service will be provided. (Submitting documents without providing an application will not activate service.)

Applications:

Application forms and other detailed information are available at the QECO website www.qeco.on.ca . Completed applications should be mailed with:

• Copies of your valid Certificate of Qualification (copies printed from the “Member’s” area of the OCT website are acceptable, www.oct.ca);
• Proof of employment (like a pay stub or letter of employment);
• Official university transcripts in the case of university courses, or;
• Complete formal documentation proving completion of courses from non-university course providers.

Qualifications Evaluation Council of Ontario
1300 Yonge Street, Suite 308
Toronto, ON M4T 1X3
416-323-1969
1-800-385-1030
Website: www.qeco.on.ca