Ontario Substitute Teacher Requirements
6
Required Items
2
Optional/Recommended
Education Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement to work as a classroom supervisor (substitute teacher) in Ontario. A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) is preferred and may qualify candidates for higher pay rates, but it is not required. Due to ongoing teacher shortages, school boards across Ontario are actively hiring classroom supervisors who do not hold a B.Ed. degree. Classroom supervisors perform the same day-to-day duties as substitute teachers, including following lesson plans, managing classrooms, and supervising students. Candidates with post-secondary education in any field, relevant work experience with children, or educational assistant credentials may be given preference during the hiring process.
Background Check
A Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is required by all school boards before a supply teacher can begin assignments. The check must be current, and boards typically require it to be renewed annually or supplemented with an annual offence declaration.
Age Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, the age of majority in Ontario. Members of the Ontario College of Teachers must be of legal age to hold a professional licence and assume duty-of-care obligations.
Application Process
Candidates apply directly to individual school boards in Ontario to be placed on the classroom supervisor or substitute teacher roster. Most boards accept applications through their online portals or human resources departments. The typical application requires a resume, proof of education (high school diploma or higher), a current Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening, government-issued photo identification, and two to three professional references. Some boards may also require a brief interview or orientation session before adding candidates to their active roster. Processing times vary by board but generally range from two to six weeks.
Teaching Certification
A provincial teaching certificate is not required to work as a classroom supervisor in Ontario. Candidates who hold a valid Certificate of Qualification and Registration issued by Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) may be offered preferential placement, higher daily pay rates, or priority access to long-term assignments. However, the classroom supervisor role was created specifically to address teacher shortages by allowing individuals without formal teaching credentials to fill substitute positions. School boards set their own criteria for classroom supervisors, and requirements may vary between school boards.
First Aid/CPR
While not mandated by the Ontario College of Teachers, many school boards recommend or require occasional teachers to hold a valid Standard First Aid and CPR-C certificate. This is especially important for assignments in primary grades, physical education, and outdoor education settings.
For more information, visit the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) page. Note: Classroom supervisor positions may have different requirements than certified teaching positions. Contact individual school boards directly for the most current classroom supervisor hiring criteria.
Substitute teaching guides for Ontario
City pay, district size, and the steps to apply in Ontario.
Recommended training
$89one-time
- 45 self-paced lessons for day-one classroom confidence
- Ready-to-use scripts, routines, and downloadable tools
- Certificate of completion to share with districts
- Access while the course is offered — one-time payment