Getting on supply (occasional) teaching lists
Lesson 1 of 4 in From Supply Teaching to a Permanent Contract · 22 minutes
Most newly-certified teachers in Canada start as supply (occasional) teachers. Each board has its own list, application process, and selection criteria. This lesson is the practical guide.
What you'll learn
- Understand the supply/occasional teaching system
- Apply to multiple boards strategically
- Manage availability and pickups
- Build references through supply work
From the lesson
Supply teaching is most teachers' Canadian start. It's day-by-day work covering for absent teachers. It pays decently. It doesn't include benefits or guaranteed hours. But it builds references, reputation, and Canadian classroom experience — and it's how you become known to school administrators who eventually hire for LTOs and permanent positions. This lesson is the practical guide.
1. What 'supply teaching' actually is
Definitions vary by region: • Ontario: 'Occasional teacher' is the formal term; 'supply teacher' is colloquial. Both mean the same. • BC: 'Teacher on Call' (TOC) is the standard term. • Alberta: 'Substitute teacher.' • Quebec: 'Suppléant.'
The job: • Cover for absent teachers…