Teacher Additional Qualifications (AQs) (CEDLC) Information

Disclaimer

If you are not a member of the Ontario College of Teachers and never plan to be, you are still eligible to register for an online AQ course. During the online application, you will identify as a non-OCT member. Under this condition, the Continuing Teacher Education Office will not report successful completion of your course to the Ontario College of Teachers now, or at any time in the future.

If you wish to receive recognition from the Ontario College of Teachers for a course you have taken as a non-OCT member, you will be required to register in, and complete the same course again, in accordance with the policies and fees in effect at that time.

Program Description

Additional Qualifications (AQs) are Ontario College of Teachers accredited courses that Kindergarten to Grade 12 teachers take to upgrade their standing in subject areas and teaching divisions. As a teacher, you can take an AQ to advance your disciplinary knowledge and teaching skill in a subject area you’re passionate about. AQs provide critical opportunities to cultivate leadership skills and will benefit your ascent towards school and school board administration positions. AQs broaden your hiring prospects, fast-track your career advancement, and increase your wages. By taking an AQ, you’re likely to fulfill your professional development, personal growth, and career aims as you manifest your potential as an educator. You can take a single AQ or progress through a series of three to become a subject-area Specialist. To register now, or to learn more, contact Interim AQ Coordinator Laura Edge at laura.edge@sheridancollege.ca.

Career Pathways

Additional Qualifications (AQs) are a direct and popular career advancement pathway. Teachers take AQs for their career satisfaction benefits, and to broaden and widen their job prospects. Teachers may take a single AQ, or a progression of three. On completing a progression, teachers become Specialists as they become disciplinary experts in their schools. Specialist designation carries with it significant wage enhancements. Teachers completing AQs are recruited for leadership roles including Division Coordinator, Subject Area Lead, Professional Development Coordinator, Vice Principal, and Principal. In turn, school leaders may become Superintendent, Executive Superintendents, and even School Board Directors.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact our Interim AQ Coordinator Laura Edge at laura.edge@sheridancollege.ca.