A teacher surrounded by his students.
Changes to Teacher Education at Western: Meeting Ontario's need for educators
Beginning in September 2027, the Faculty of Education at Western University will be transitioning our Bachelor of Education program to a 12-month format in response to guidelines from the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.
This change will make teacher education more accessible and help get teachers into classrooms more quickly to meet ongoing teacher labour shortages across the province.
With applications open from September 10 until November 2, 2026 for the cohort beginning in September 2027, we’re sharing responses to frequently asked questions from our prospective students.
Is Western's Bachelor of Education program moving to a 12-month format?
Yes, Western Education will be moving our Bachelor of Education program to a 12-month, three-term format in September of 2027, with the third-term courses being offered online.
When do applications open for the 12-month program?
Applications are open from September 10 – November 2, 2026. Please find all application details on our Teacher Education application page.
Why is the program moving to a 12-month format?
This change comes in response to a provincial mandate from the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. The change will help get future educators into classrooms sooner and make teacher education more accessible and efficient for students.
Why does Western Education have a September start?
There are many benefits of a September start for students:
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The program structure aligns with the beginning of the public school year allowing teacher candidates to experience the natural rhythms of teaching, including how teachers establish classrooms, build relationships, develop routines and begin the year with students
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Candidates have time to develop foundational knowledge before entering practicum and can then move between coursework and school-based experiences, applying what they learn and bringing their practical experiences back into their university learning
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Candidates can experience schools at different points in the academic year providing a broader understanding of how teaching, assessment, classroom relationships and professional responsibilities evolve over time
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Candidates joining after a four-year undergraduate degree have the summer to work and earn income, or simply take a short break, before beginning an intensive three-consecutive-term professional program
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The program concludes with an online summer term providing greater flexibility for teacher candidates to return to or remain in their home communities while completing the program and allowing them to more easily balance their studies with caregiving, family, employment or other personal responsibilities
What is the new program timeline?
The Initial Teacher Education program is completed over 12 months from September to August:
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Term 1: Nine weeks of in-person instruction on Western’s campus and six weeks of practicum
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Term 2: Nine weeks of in-person instruction on Western’s campus and five weeks of practicum
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Term 3: Eight weeks of practicum and six weeks of online learning (synchronous and asynchronous)
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Note: All practicum placements are in-person school-based experience
NOTE: The program structure presented here is pending approval by Western University Senate.
How much hands-on classroom experience will I receive?
You will have the opportunity to experience three practicums during your Bachelor of Education program for a total of 19 weeks in the classroom. Western Education is proud to maintain strong relationships with over 48 school boards, and union partners, opening the door to practicum opportunities across the province.
Will the program content change as a result of the 12-month format?
All faculties of education in Ontario have moved to the 12-month format. The 12-month program keeps the current OCT-aligned core competencies and delivers them through structured coursework and immersive and supported practicum experiences.
Will I receive any time off during the program?
The program is intensive, but similar to the public schools, they will get two weeks off in December and the March break.
What are the advantages of completing my Bachelor of Education at Western?
Western Education is ranked in the top 10 faculties of education in Canada, and top 15 per cent worldwide according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. These recognitions reflect not only the academic strength of our programs, and the research output of our award-winning faculty members, but also the vibrant, innovative, and inclusive community that defines who we are.
We are proud that our Teacher Education program offers:
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A September start and an online summer term which provides greater flexibility for students and an optimal practicum experience
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Strong relationships with over 48 school boards, and union partners, opening doors to practicum opportunities
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Master Teacher Mentors who are carefully selected, experienced instructors who support our Teacher Candidates in groups of 12 over the duration of the program
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Research Integration throughout the program by employing a “connected curriculum” approach that ensures learning through research and inquiry
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Partnership with the International Baccalaureate to open doors for those hoping to teach in one of the more than 5,700 IB World Schools across the globe
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Online teaching tools to ensure our teacher candidates are equipped to teach virtually
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Indigenous Education embedded in the program through a course taught to all teacher candidates
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Annual program review conducted alongside our teacher candidates and school board advisory partners to stay on top of changes in education
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Opportunities to help you upgrade your skills, expand your knowledge and advance your career through our Additional Qualification (AQ) courses
For further information about applications to our Bachelor of Education program, please visit the application page.
