PROVINCE LOWERING COSTS AND STREAMLINING TRAINING TO SUPPORT MORE TEACHERS IN
ONTARIO CLASSROOMS
New one-year program would reduce costs for students training to be teachers by
up to $3,000
April 10, 2026
Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and SecurityThe Ontario government will soon introduce legislation that, if passed, would
modernize teacher education and strengthen the pipeline of highly skilled K-12
teachers. The proposed changes include condensing teacher education programs to
12 months over three consecutive semesters, as opposed to the current model of
four semesters spread out over two years. The proposed changes would reduce
financial barriers to launching a successful teaching career by saving students
up to $3,000 in tuition. The province is also exploring options to recognize
prior learning and enhancing in-classroom supports for student teachers. These
changes deliver on the government’s plan to protect Ontario by building a robust
workforce of teachers for Ontario classrooms and helping train students for
successful careers and good-paying, in-demand jobs.
“Ontario is building a robust workforce of highly skilled teachers to give
students the best possible start to their education,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister
of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “These changes
would allow our pipeline of exceptional, passionate teachers to start their
careers sooner and at a lower cost to support growing communities for
generations to come.”
If passed, all 14 public universities in Ontario that offer a teacher education
program, along with three private universities, would transition to the new
one-year model, with the first cohort starting in May 2027. The one-year model
would prioritize practical, in-classroom learning by establishing a minimum
practicum length, to be determined through consultation with the sector, so
students graduate with the hands-on learning they need to thrive in the
classroom. If passed, the government would work with the Ontario College of
Teachers and postsecondary partners to implement the new program model while
minimizing disruption for students and institutions.
The legislation would also enable the government to explore opportunities to
recognize relevant prior learning and work experience for individuals pursuing a
teaching career, including early childhood educator diplomas or youth work
experience.
To further support future teachers, Ontario is providing $16.8 million to
increase the honorarium for Associate Teachers, experienced classroom teachers
who mentor, supervise and evaluate student teachers during practicum placements.
This would help expand placement opportunities and recognize the important role
these teachers play in training the next generation.
“This is about supporting the next generation of teachers and the experienced
educators who help prepare them,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education.
“Ontario’s teachers are dedicated professionals who go above and beyond for
students every day. By improving teacher education, reducing barriers to
entering the profession, and recognizing the classroom teachers who mentor new
educators, we are helping ensure students have access to the teachers and
support they need to succeed.”
These proposed changes are part of a suite of changes being introduced in the
coming days to support students and build on the government’s historic $6.4
billion investment to support the long-term sustainability of the postsecondary
sector. This includes $150 million in teacher education programs to add 4,000
additional seats and increase per-student funding by 27 per cent.
QUICK FACTS
* Applications for the updated teacher education program will open at
participating institutions
in September 2026. The first full‑time cohort is expected to begin studies as
early as May 2027 and graduate by May 2028, better aligning the program
completion date with the K-12 school year.
* Current research indicates that a high-quality practicum, focused on
mentorship and reflective practice, matters more for teacher preparation than
program length.
* Approximately 4,800 teacher candidates enter the workforce every year through
Ontario’s Initial Teacher Education program.
* Under the new historic funding model
,
Ontario will invest over $100 million annually to train teachers for
classrooms across the province.
* Through Budget 2025, the Ontario government invested $55.8 million
to train up to 2,600 new teachers by 2027, expanding the province’s talent
pipeline of English and French-language teachers.
* On March 11, 2026
,
the Ontario government launched the Classroom Supplies Fund to provide
elementary school homeroom teachers with direct access to $750 in funding
each school year for classroom supplies. This will make it easier for
elementary teachers to order what they need, ensuring consistent access to
supplies in every classroom across the province.
QUOTES
“We appreciate the investment in education announced by Minister Quinn and
Minister Calandra today. The $150 million investment and 4,000 new seats
represent a significant step for the sector, and we are grateful that the
government has recognized the importance of training the next generation of
educators. The University of Windsor has a proud history of preparing
outstanding teachers for classrooms in our region and beyond, and we welcome
changes that would reduce financial barriers for aspiring teachers, strengthen
the practicum experience, and recognize the Associate Teachers who mentor them.
A change of this scale is an opportunity to get teacher education right for
decades to come, and we know the government shares that ambition. The expertise
of our Faculty of Education and faculties of education across the province will
be essential in shaping the details of implementation, from curriculum and
practicum redesign to supporting students currently in the pipeline, to ensuring
this new model delivers on its full potential from day one. We look forward to
bringing that expertise to the table alongside the government and our sector
partners, and we are confident that this collaboration will produce graduates
who are fully prepared to shape the minds of generations to come.”
– Dr. J.J. (John‑Justin) McMurtry
President and Vice‑Chancellor, University of Windsor
“This change responds to the growing need for highly qualified teachers who can
support students, families, and school communities across Ontario. Brock
University remains deeply committed to providing an exceptional teacher
education experience—one that equips future educators with the knowledge,
skills, and experience needed to thrive in today’s classrooms. We value our
ongoing partnerships and look forward to working together to support the
evolving needs of the education sector.”
– Mary-Louise Vanderlee
Dean, Faculty of Education, Brock University
“Ontario Tech’s Frazer Faculty of Education has championed quality accelerated
teacher education programming that combines immersive practicum and emerging
digital technologies to support learning. We welcome the Province’s initiative
to move to a 12-month model to reduce the time and costs for students to enter
high-demand teaching careers. We look forward to working with the Ministry to
ensure this accelerated pathway maintains the high standards of excellence
expected of Ontario’s educators.”
– Dr. Steven Murphy
President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University
“Ontario’s universities share the government’s goal of ensuring a strong and
sustainable pipeline of well prepared teachers. We look forward to working
closely with government to implement the proposed changes in a way that supports
students, maintains system capacity, and continues to deliver high quality
teacher preparation for Ontario’s classrooms.”
– Steve Orsini
President and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
* Current qualifications for teaching in Ontario
* Ontario Investing $6.4 Billion to Support Postsecondary Sector’s Long-Term
Success and Sustainability
* Ontario College of Teachers
* Ontario teacher education providers
