Glossary

Abbreviations and terms used in this website are explained below.

Abbreviations

IELTS

TEStCan

the College

TOEFL iBT

ICQ

International English Language Testing System

Test pour étudiants et stagiaires au Canada

Ontario College of Teachers

Computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language

Interim Certificate of Qualification

 

Terms

Term Definition
collective agreement The collective agreement outlines a teacher’s employment rights and benefits.
the College (Ontario College of Teachers, or OCT) The professional organization that provides the licence for teachers to teach in public schools in Ontario (see the OCT website for a full list of the College's responsibilities).
commissioner of oaths A person who is authorized to certify affidavits. These may include court clerks, lawyers, and notaries.
distance education Courses conducted either through the mail or online through e-mail or the Internet
English or French proficiency High level of skill or fluency in these languages. To receive your teaching certification, you will need to prove your ability to communicate in English or French by meeting the Ontario College of Teachers' language proficiency requirements.
General Education One of the two categories of teaching subjects for which teachers may hold qualifications. General Education subjects include math, science, and English.
In good standing If you are "in good standing" with your teaching organization or jurisdiction, your fees are up to date and you are a current member.
Interim Certificate of Qualification The certificate the Ontario College of Teachers awards if you have completed a teacher education program outside of Ontario.
practicum The part of a teacher education program that involves practice teaching in schools.
private school A school licensed by the Ontario government but that does not belong to the public school or separate school (Catholic) board of education. Parents pay tuition for their children to go to a private school. Some teachers who work in private schools may not be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers.
program of teacher education Also referred to as a "teaching degree." This is the academic preparation to become a teacher. In Ontario, the term Bachelor of Education degree is used to mean a Program of Teacher Education. In Ontario, you cannot study for a Bachelor of Education if you have not completed at least three years of full-time university studies.
publicly funded education system The money for the Ontario public education system comes from taxpayers. The "public" is the government.
school board The administrative body that regulates school districts. Teachers are employed by school boards, for example, the Toronto District School Board. There are 72 district school boards and 37 small school boards called "school authorities." In Ontario, there are public and Catholic school boards (sometimes called separate school boards). Both are publicly funded.
sworn statement An oath or statement that is verified as intended to be true.
Technological Education One of the two categories of teaching subjects for which teachers may hold qualifications. These subjects include construction, manufacturing, and transportation.