PK12-TOCS - Teaching in Ontario's Catholic Schools
Course Description
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
Learner 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.
Born in Toronto, ON. Robert has always been supported to continue his studies at every educational level. A graduate of the TCDSB, he went on to complete his B.Ed at York University, and Masters in Education at The University of Toronto. 
Catena is a Teacher and Chaplain working at Michael Power St. Joseph H.S. with the TCDSB. She is very fortunate to be able to teach her two passions; French and Italian languages as well as help students cultivate their faith in a Catholic school. Also, Catena has had the opportunity to teach in the elementary panel and work as a Resource Teacher in the Religion department at her school board. All her experiences have made her compassionate, flexible and devoted to this profession. She especially enjoys working with Teacher Candidates that she encounters in her Teaching in Ontario Catholic Schools class.