he Master of Science in Teaching degree in Childhood Instruction, leading to Ontario certification at the Primary/Junior Division levels, is a part-time program, with the exception of the final practicum semester, which requires full-time commitment. The program of studies is designed to allow completion over a three-year period, with classes held in the Ottawa area.
The program has been approved by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities, and it is accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers. This program was designed to be in accordance with the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession and the Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession of the Ontario College of Teachers, and the Curriculum Policies and literacy and numeracy initiatives of the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Important Dates
Candidates for this program may begin study only in the fall semester.
Application Deadline: April 1
Notification Date: June 1 (Candidates will be notified of admission decisions)
Acceptance Deadline: July 15 (A non-refundable $100 deposit in U.S. funds is due, along with the student’s signed letter of acceptance).
Requirements for Full Admission
Submission of an official transcript of an earned baccalaureate degree in an appropriate academic discipline from an accredited college or university.
A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in the most recent 60 semester hours of undergraduate study (based on a scale of A=4.0).
A letter of intent written by the applicant expressing professional goals as applied to the program.
Submission of three letters of recommendation, including one which focuses on teaching potential and two from previous professors, if possible, which focus on academic ability.
A non-refundable processing fee of $50 (U.S. funds).
Successful completion of prerequisite academic courses with a grade of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in each of the following required areas:
Artistic Expression – at least three credit hours in coursework related to dance, music, theater, and visual arts.
Communications – at least six credit hours in coursework related to listening, reading, writing (composition), speaking (public), information retrieval, critical analysis, expression, and evaluation.
Concepts in history – at least three credit hours in coursework related to Canadian history, world history, and history of Ontario.
Social Studies – at least six credit hours, from two different areas, in coursework related to geography, economics, civics, citizenship, and government.
Humanities – at least three credit hours in coursework related to Children’s Literature.
Language other than English – at least six credit hours in coursework related to modern languages.
Science Processes – at least six credit hours from two different areas, including one with a lab, in coursework related to physical and life sciences.
Math Processes – at least six credit hours in coursework related to number sense and numeration, measurement, geometry and spatial sense, patterning and algebra, data management and probability.
Technology – at least three credit hours in coursework related to engineering design, tools, resources, and technological processes, computer technology, technological systems, history and evaluation impact, and management.
Program prerequisites may be taken prior to enrollment (as part of the candidate’s undergraduate work or after its completion) or concurrently with the proposed program. All prerequisites must be completed prior to the student teaching semester. Students should seek prerequisite course approval prior to enrolling in any such course.
Course Requirements
Required Courses
GRCN 505 Introduction to Special Education 3
GRCN 517 Integrating the Arts into the Elementary Classroom 3
GRCN 530 Classroom Management & Discipline 3
GRCN 558 Literacy I Methods 3
GRCN 559 Literacy II Methods 3
GRCN 565 Elementary Mathematics Content & Methods 3
GRCN 566 Elementary Science Content & Methods 3
GRCN 567 Elementary Social Studies Content & Methods 3
GRCN 587 Health & Physical Education 2
GRCN 607 Foundations of Education: Birth – Grade 6 3
GRCN 635 Educational Research in Curriculum & Instruction 3
GRCN 664 Field Experience in JK-6 Education 3
GRCN 669 Professional Development Portfolio 3
GRCN 677 Learning and Development 3
Student Teaching (Practicum) Semester (Final spring semester)
GRCN 676 Student Teaching Seminar: School Policies in Ontario 2
GRCN 613 Student Teaching Grades JK-3 6
GRCN 696 Student Teaching Grades 4-6 6
Class Scheduling Information
Students wishing to make continuous progress through the program will enroll in 5-6 credit hours each semester. Classes are typically scheduled to meet once a week (weekdays, beginning around 5:00) during fall and spring semesters; during the summer session, classes may also be offered in a weekend format. Students must keep in mind that although courses are pursued on a part-time evening/weekend basis for most of the program, the final semester involves a semester-long, full-time placement in Ontario schools, requiring full-time day-time availability and commitment (Monday through Friday). Students are also advised that successful completion of GRCN 664 (Field Experience in JK-6 Education) will require a minimum of 100 clock hours of time spent in a JK-6 classroom during the fall semester preceding Student Teaching (Practicum).