Hi
Have read the Wiki on teaching in Canada and realize it wouldn't be easy.

My question is are teachers in some subjects in higher demand than others?

We're both high school math.

Thanks

Teaching positions that are currently in demand often depend on the location. In BC, where I teach, French Immersion and secondary French teachers are in high demand all over the province. For secondary math teachers, there isn't a shortage in big cities such as Vancouver and Victoria. Also, you'd be hard-pressed to find positions in smaller cities like Nanaimo, Kelowna, Kamloops, etc... However, in the more rural school districts, a secondary math teacher would be valuable.

Hi Chan-kanobe
Thanks for your reply! We were thinking of Alberta but i guess it's a similar situation in most provinces. How rural are we talking?

It is indeed true that a picture is worth a thousand words.

Talking with a recently retired elementary principal I was told the the Calgary Board of Education is not recruiting out of province at this time.

Not sure how they would react to you sending a resume.

at the picture!

I know they won't recruit teachers anywhere unless you're a permanent resident so it'd be a case of moving first and then looking for work, maybe in teaching or maybe not

Most teachers have to do supply work as Teachers on Call (TOC's) before they can build up enough seniority to get a regular classroom position.

Generally speaking about teaching in BC, for towns of up to 20,000 expect to TOC for less than a year. For larger towns, you'll be working as a TOC for 1-2 years. For smaller cities, expect 2-3 years. For the school districts around Vancouver and Victoria, some teachers have had to TOC for 5-7 years before getting a full-time classroom position.

I have been following this thread with interest. I am currently looking to move to BC and was hoping to continue my teaching career in elementary schools. However, the more I read the more difficult I realise this will be! I just read a bctf survey from 1995 that said the average TOC works 66 days a year. This isnt enough to live off or provide job satisfaction. Does anyone know if this figure is the average because there simply isnt the work available? OR is it because many TOCs choose to work part time?

I also want to ask about visas - paddyclamp said you need permanent residence to teach. does anyone know if it is essential to have a permanent residence visa to apply for TOC? or will a shorter term visa do? I'm in the UK at the moment.

Thanks.

There are a wide variety of reasons why people TOC. Some, actually, prefer to TOC because they can make their own schedule. Some only want to work part-time because they have another source of income. Some are retired teachers who are looking for a way to supplement their pensions. Most, however, are new teachers (either straight out of university or new to the school district) who are trying to work their way up to a classroom position.

The number of days a TOC works depends very much on where they live and any specialties they might have. In Victoria, for example, I have friends who are recent elementary school teacher graduates. They are only working around 2-3 days a week. However, in my school district, far away from Vancouver/Victoria, TOC's are working every day of the week. If you have any teaching specialties, like French or Music, you'll have a better chance of working more often.

There are different ways that school districts call out their TOC's. Some have a simple rotation system in which the board office calls the first TOC on the list and, when you accept, your name goes to the bottom of the list. Other school districts have a system in which the classroom teachers themselves must select a TOC. This is good for successful TOC's, but it can be difficult for TOC's new to the district and without any connections. Most schools, however, use a system which combines features of the above two.

The requirements for teacher certification vary from province to province. In BC, you'll just need proper work visa authorization.

Hello

I tried to apply for a teaching position just before I got my work permit (had been in SK 9 months). I was told at the border when I received my work permit that I could not work with children until we were landed residence. This was due to the immigration medical, once you have had this, you can change your work permit to allow you to work with children.

It is typed on your work permit that you are not allowed to work with any children from 0-18 years (school age). Sorry but thats the way it is. I didn't know that either.

Vicky

Yup, I am in the same position. Application in with London for PR, have TWP which doesn't allow me to teach until I have passed the medical. Think they are scared of us passing on the lurgy to all the little angels.

Can't work with food either - so no part-time at timmies for me.