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MT News & Updates: February 2026

Curriculum Renewal Update

Curriculum renewal efforts continue with a focus on MT graduates and designing the conditions in the program that support MT candidates to become the teachers who they aspire to be – developing the reflexive, equity-focused, responsive, relational and research-founded teaching practices that serve all of their learners and create change in schools and communities. These goals are reflected in our MT program vision and program expectations.

The task is complex, multi-layered and deeply interconnected and with that complexity in mind we engage in the adaptive, iterative process of Curriculum Development and travel two roads simultaneously, piloting possible changes as we also plan for future change. Curriculum Development is the continuous exploration of improvement, that we also engage in as teachers, that builds the knowledge, experiences and practices to inform Curriculum Renewal. We travel these roads in the context of a changing and challenging environment for universities and our school partners due to seriously reduced funding and supports, and in the face of uncertainty regarding the duration of teacher education programs in this province.

Over the fall semester the six CR Working Groups met monthly to identify key areas for attention and change and to offer ideas to address the issues raised. Their efforts were supported by intentional data collection and analysis of existing and new sources, e.g. MT and external community and program surveys, meetings, and data; consultation with educational partners and other programs; environmental scans, reports and the literature. Learning from program Pilots has also informed the process as the two examples in the PowerPoint demonstrate: IS and PJ cohorts having one day of course work and learning in school classrooms and intentional shared consideration of program expectations in courses resulting from movement of the IS Assessment course into year one.

Understanding the parameters of the two governing bodies has been critical. The Ontario College of Teachers monitors 15 legislated requirements for program accreditation and provides an outline of curricular content in the Accreditation Resource Guide. The School of Graduate Studies oversees the program delineated in our Vision and Program Expectations. Clarifying the nature of Master Degree Level Expectations defined by Ontario Council of Academic Vice Presidents has supported the work. OCT accreditation and SGS governance and admissions processes also guide our timelines.

Working Group Leads met monthly as a Curriculum Renewal Advisory Committee to share the questions and ideas being generated and discussed in their groups. The complexity of making change within an interdependent learning environment and in the current context and the need to be a ‘pivotable’ program able to respond to legislated change led the Working Group Leads to quickly identify the need to work and think collaboratively. The Advisory Committee has focused on the graduates of the program and the need to support their sense-making and development of the concepts, knowledge, practices, perspectives and sense of agency. In particular a focus on key learnings in Year 1 and ways to deepen research/theory/ practice connections has been taken up through the winter. We are grateful for the commitment, energy and leadership of our working group Leads and members and to the MT community for their ongoing efforts in curriculum development.

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MT News & Updates: December 2025

Professional Preparation Conference (PPC) | December 10–12

From December 10–12, Master of Teaching teacher candidates participated in the annual Professional Preparation Conference (PPC), a three-day event designed to support their transition into the teaching profession. The conference featured a range of career-focused sessions, professional development workshops, mock interviews with school principals, and networking opportunities with school boards and education organizations from across Ontario and beyond.

Highlights included presentations from the Ontario College of Teachers on obtaining a transitional certificate, professional development sessions led by ETFO, OSSTF, and OECTA, and a comprehensive career fair. Teacher candidates shared that they especially appreciated the career fair for the diversity of schools and boards represented and the opportunity to ask board-specific questions in person.

CTL is grateful for its partnership with ROSE in delivering this impactful event and supporting teacher candidates as they prepare for their teaching careers.

Spotlight on Mock Interviews: Courage Meets Classroom Reality

December 12, 2025 marked the third and culminating day of the Professional Preparation Conference. The MT program welcomed seven principals from across our partner boards to lead Year 2 Teacher Candidates in mock interviews and a dynamic panel discussion. David Finkelstein (TDSB), Elaine Blake (TDSB), Emma Nichols (TDSB), Melissa Francis (PDSB), Michelle George-Patrick (TDSB), Kim Tavares (Independent School), and Samir Chawla (PDSB) generously dedicated their afternoon to conducting interviews and sharing insights in the ������Ƶ Library.

Year 2 Teacher Candidates volunteered to take the hot seat in real-time mock interviews conducted in front of their peers—transforming practice into a powerful learning experience. Candidates received candid, constructive feedback directly from hiring principals, while classmates gained valuable insight by observing the questions, responses, and feedback in action. The room buzzed with curiosity and courage as principals highlighted what truly matters in the interview process.

Following the interviews, all Year 2 candidates joined the principals for an hour-long panel discussion, where they learned how to make a strong impression, the leadership qualities principals value most, and a range of practical tips for navigating the hiring process. A reception followed, offering candidates the opportunity to connect and network with our board partners.

A heartfelt thank-you to our partner principals for their generosity, our fearless Teacher Candidates for embracing the challenge, and the CTL and ROSE teams for organizing this impactful session. It was professional preparation at its best—equal parts nerve-wracking and inspiring—and a true confidence builder for future educators as they prepare to enter the profession with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

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MT News & Updates: September 2025 

MT Orientation

From the moment we arrived, the energy was electric—charged with welcome, inclusion, and a powerful sense of community. Every interaction, every word, and every shared moment carried the spirit of connection and possibility.

Orientation Week began with a heartfelt welcome for our incoming Black Future Educators Pathway (BFEP) teacher candidates in the Master of Teaching program. This incredible cohort enters with purpose and a shared commitment to the mission of BFEP: to cultivate spaces where representation, equity, and excellence are not only valued but thrive. We are thrilled to walk this journey with you.

Friday marked an exciting milestone as we welcomed over 400 incoming teacher candidates to the Master of Teaching program. What a day it was! From the thoughtful planning and steady presence of the CTL staff—brightly decked out in yellow shirts—to the joyful, calming energy that filled every corner, they ensured the day flowed smoothly and with clear purpose. You nourished us in every way: logistically, emotionally, and even with some incredible food!

Huge thanks to the MTSA for your leadership, energy, and vibrant spirit. We’re looking forward to a dynamic year together. Dr. ABC, your engaging hosting style set the tone for a day filled with curiosity, laughter, and deep learning. Thank you for launching us so powerfully.

Erica, Jen, and Mairi—your warm words rooted us in heart and purpose right from the start. Danielle’s voice and drum, as always, moved us deeply. The MT facilitators infused each session with care, creativity, and play, helping turn a room full of strangers into the beginnings of a true learning community.

We’re grateful to the Hosts at the Outreach Tables for connecting with teacher candidates beyond the classroom and to the MT leadership team for your continued innovation and vision. And to Lisa—your calm coordination made everything feel possible. We’re so lucky to have your steady hand guiding us.

Already, the energy of this incoming MT class is inspiring. Their laughter, questions, applause, and enthusiasm filled our halls and reminded us that September is here—and so are we, together. Though the day was long, we left knowing something meaningful had begun. The road ahead is bright, and Orientation was a beautiful first step.

With deep gratitude,
Leslie Stewart Rose
Associate Chair, Teacher Education and MT Director

Welcome to the 2025–2026 Academic Year

To our new and returning instructors — welcome, and welcome back to the Master of Teaching program! Whether you're joining us for the first time or returning for another year, we’re truly grateful to have you with us. Your dedication, expertise, and care are at the heart of this program, and it simply couldn’t function as it does without your invaluable contributions. As we begin this new academic year, we look forward to working alongside you to support our teacher candidates in becoming thoughtful, engaged, and effective educators. Thank you for all that you do — we couldn’t do it without you.

MT Practicum Handbook

The MT Practicum Team is happy to share that the is now live on both Pepper and on the website. The updated Handbook contains practicum dates along with everything students, Associate Teachers, and Faculty Advisors need to know about practicum. Please share widely!

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MT News & Updates: April 2025 

MT Practicum Update & Thanks!

The MT winter practicum wraps up in early April. Over 775 MT students were placed with Associate Teachers across 11 partner school boards in the GTA and a number of independent schools. Thank you to the amazing Associate Teachers who hosted MT TCs, and to the incredible Faculty Advisors who supported TCs and ATs during the practicum!

MT Curriculum Development Updates

· The term “Curriculum Renewal’ has evolved into “Curriculum Development” to reflect the on-going curriculum and program development process that has been part of the MT program since the very beginning!

· A number of pilots took place in 2024-25 to inform the MT Curriculum Development process:

o Drama and Dance for JI students through integration and some intensive experiences

o A small number of Year 2 TCs in the UTS site-based cohort self-selected into a Teaching & Inquiry Residency (TIR) at UTS, where they completed their Year 2 research project using self-study as a form of praxis.

o Combining all six Year 2 PJ cohorts in CTL7019 Supporting English Language Learners course for large group input followed by smaller de-cohorted sessions

o Asynchronous, synchronous and large group delivery of the CTL7001 Law, Ethics and the Teaching Profession and CTL7074 Issues in Educational Law, Policy and Ethics courses

o Seven sections of the Year 1 CTL7009 Anti-Discriminatory Education classes coming together for five shared learning experiences

Data is currently being collected on the above pilots to feed into the MT Curriculum Development process.

Black Future Educators’ Pathway (BFEP) – Information Sessions

Across March a number of Information Sessions were held for applicants interested in BFEP for Fall, 2025. The sessions provided an overview of the BFEP academic pathway, shared information about the monthly mentoring sessions and opportunities to build community, and answer questions. Dr. ABC and four current BFEP students welcomed potential BFEP Class of ’27 students in these sessions. There was great anticipation, excitement and inspiration experienced across the sessions!

Site-Based Cohorts

In addition to the two existing MT site-based cohorts, one at UTS (Intermediate/Senior) and the other at Herbert H. Carnegie P.S. (Primary/Junior) in YRDSB, two new site-based cohorts were started this year. In partnership with the TDSB the MT program now has a site-based cohort in Scarborough at Winston Churchill C.I. and another in central Toronto at Central Technical School – both for Intermediate/Senior TCs. Site-based cohorts provide

Teacher Candidates with incredible school-based experiential learnings beyond their practicum placements, and the opportunity to be members of a school community as part of their MT journey.

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MT News & Updates: January 2025 

Curriculum Renewal Update

Phase 1: Contextualization

Throughout Fall 2024, the Curriculum Renewal team gathered data from school district and federation representatives and members of the MT Teacher Education Advisory Committee (TEAC). The team also reviewed new literature and strategic documents from the Ontario Teachers Federation and school districts, and TDSB census data. These sources have helped to deepen understanding of the current context of education and to strengthen partnerships.

We have been learning from two new and two existing site-based cohorts; the Year 1 Ethics and Law courses; the Junior/Intermediate Drama and Dance intensives; and a variety of program delivery options. Ongoing data collection and analysis continues with our MT Instructor Community and student midpoint and exit surveys.

Through the winter the team will gather insights from other teacher education programs and external partners and will also draw upon our CTL community to inform and guide program and curriculum development.

MT Black Educators' Association Event

The Master of Teaching Black Educators Association (MT BEA) invites you to the 3rd Annual Celebration of Black history and futures in ������Ƶ’s Nexus Lounge on Thursday, February 13th, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The purpose of this event is to highlight and celebrate the various cultures, traditions, voices, stories, and identities of Black, African, and Caribbean peoples and communities through storytelling. 

Food and non-alcoholic drink will be served.