“This is madness:” Student teachers experience challenges gaining temporary certifications

The Star reports that student teachers, who are now allowed to apply for temporary permission to work in supply positions, are experiencing delays in gaining permission. Student teachers have reported waiting months for permission from the Ontario College of Teachers to gain certification, despite the heavy need for supply teachers. University of Toronto and Wilfrid Laurier University instructor Marguerite Campbell said that 12 of her students were experiencing lengthy waits and were unable to reach a person at the college to inquire about their temporary certifications. “I just thought this is madness — and it was just how dismissive they were of the students. And this is a time-sensitive issue,” said Campbell. A senior communications officer for the college told The Star that there are no delays with issuing temporary certifications, but that students who have not submitted all of the required documents and fees may experience delays. The Star Note: Archived stories may contain dead links or be missing source links.