Course
PK12-TOCS
Teaching in Ontario's Catholic Schools
This course helps you answer a key question:
"What do I need to know to teach in Ontario Catholic Schools?"
You'll gain both practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of the Catholic worldview and values. The course supports your development as a future Catholic educator, combining reflection, curriculum knowledge, and classroom preparation.
Topics include:
- Catholic teachings and how they shape school communities
- Curriculum expectations in Religious and Family Life Education
- Inclusive teaching rooted in equity, human dignity, and social justice
- Strategies to support spiritual, moral, and academic growth in students
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Understand your role as a Catholic educator and how to bring faith into your teaching practice
- Articulate your philosophy of Catholic education, grounded in dignity, justice, equity, and care for creation
- Connect curriculum to classroom practice, especially in Religious and Family Life Education
- Use a variety of teaching strategies to support all learners
- Engage meaningfully with students, families, and communities
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners
- Reflect on the deeper purpose of education and your vocation as a teacher
- Discuss key issues facing Catholic education today
Notes
In-Person Mass Experience
During the final week of the course, you will be invited to attend a teaching mass at Saint Basil's Church on UofT's campus.
The priest will walk you through the different parts of the mass, helping you understand how to prepare your future students if you bring them to a service in your community.
This is a valuable opportunity to:
- Meet your instructors and classmates in person
- Reflect on what you've learned in a real-world setting
- Gain confidence for supporting students during school or parish visits
The date and time of the service will be communicated during the first few weeks of the course. Please make every effort to attend.
Prerequisites
This course is only available to OISE Master of Teaching (MT) and Master of Arts in Child Study Education (MA-CSE) Teacher Candidates.
It is strongly recommended that you take this course in your first year of study, especially if you plan to apply for Catholic school placements or jobs.
Recommendations
Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a digital Certificate of Completion from OISE Continuing & Professional Learning at the University of Toronto, along with a pass/fail grade.
Note: This course will not appear on your official UofT transcript in ACORN.
Tip: Most Catholic school boards expect teachers to complete the Religious Education Part 1 Additional Qualification course (which is separate from this course) within the first two years of teaching.
Full Course Details
Section Title:
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Course Fee(s):
$219
$219
Section Note(s):
Deadline to register: September 15, 2026 at 11:59pm EST - late registration beyond this deadline may be available for eligible applicants (if space permits).
Format
This session will run for 12 weeks and will be paused during your Fall Practicum. You will be expected to engage in online/hybrid activities for a total of 36 hours:
- 12 hours synchronous online learning
- 18 hours asynchronous online learning
- 3 hours in-person (Saint Basil's Church)
- 3 hours assignments and independent study
In-Person Mass
In mid-December*, a mass will be held at Saint Basil's church on UofT's campus. It is strongly recommended to attend, as it will be an opportunity to partake in a teaching mass, meet your facilitators and peers in-person, and apply your learning.
*Date and time of mass will be confirmed once the course begins.
Notes
- Once registered, please visit the Learner Portal to submit your course application.
- Requests for withdrawal received by the registration deadline will receive a refund. Requests made after this date are subject to our Withdrawal & Transfer policy: https://cpl.oise.utoronto.ca/policies-guidelines/
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