← Back

Events

Honour Specialist – English AQ (Western, Winter 2024, Online)

January 31, 2024 to April 17, 2024

  • Category: AQ, Online
  • Region: Central Ontario, Eastern Ontario, GTA, Northern Ontario, Outside Ontario, Southern Ontario
  • Topic: English
  • Grades: Intermediate (grades 7-10), Senior (grades 11-12)

In this course, candidates will examine their philosophies, knowledge and teaching practices as English teachers. They will develop this knowledge and experience by exploring ideas presented in professional readings and materials, participating actively in discussion, collaborating with peers, examining content, teaching practices and evaluation strategies specific to the English classroom, completing assignments and engaging in ongoing reflection. These learning experiences will provide candidates with the skills and understandings to challenge assumptions about what it means to teach English and embrace opportunities for change.

Candidates will also explore what it means to be a leader in the 21st century in preparation for the role within departments, schools and at the board level.  By deepening their understandings of leadership, pedagogical content knowledge and professional communities, candidates will be better prepared to communicate a philosophy for the teaching of English, develop learning communities that embraces diversity and social justice, and explore strategies to facilitate the acquisition of global competencies as part of their ongoing commitment to students.

Notes

Course normally offered in Summer and Winter sessions.

Prerequisites

  1. General Certificate of Qualification and Registration (CQR) showing Basic Qualification in a general education subject listed in Schedule A in at least one of Primary, Junior, Intermediate, or Senior Division.
  2. An acceptable university degree or qualifications that the Registrar considers to be equivalent to such a degree:
    1. that required four years of study at the undergraduate level;
    2. that required the completion of at least 120 university credits (20 full-year or equivalent courses);
    3. for which the candidate completed 54 university credits (9 full-year or equivalent courses) in English; all credits must have earned at least second class or equivalent standing (minimum “B” average, or 70%).
  3. Evidence of at least two years (388 days) of successful teaching experience, of which at least one year (194 days) must be in English, as certified by an appropriate supervisory officer. Teaching experience must be completed AFTER initial teacher certification and PRIOR to the first day of the course.

Those who do not meet the academic admission requirements for a single Honour Specialist qualification may wish to consider a Combined Honour Specialist program. Please see Admission Criteria for details.

If you hold a Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration, you cannot enroll in an Additional Qualifications course.

Teachers trained outside of Ontario, who wish to teach in Ontario, must be a fully registered member of the Ontario College of Teachers PRIOR to registration in an AQ course. Exceptions may be made for trained teachers from other jurisdictions who do not plan to teach in Ontario. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Pre-Evaluation

We strongly advise having your transcript evaluated prior to enrollment in a course. Doing so will help us confirm your eligibility. To request a pre-evaluation, please forward a copy of your undergraduate transcript, in addition to the course title you wish to be considered for, and your OCT number to [email protected]. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing. We cannot guarantee a response for requests received within 10 days of the registration deadline. Registration is also contingent on space availability in the course.

Required Documentation

Upon registration we will confirm, via email from [email protected], documentation required for admission. All documentation must be received by the ASPIRE office prior to the course start date.

Important

Some Western AQ courses are offered in a combined format, where candidates across Schedule A (ABQ), D, or E may be combined. As candidates participate in course discussions and collaborative inquiries they work towards achievement of their course-specific expectations. Research has shown that classes of a combined nature provide participants with increased opportunities for social and emotional growth.