Philippine Educated Teachers Gain Placements in Ontario Schools

By Tony A. San Juan, OCT.
Ontario-Canada
September 28, 2018


It has been more than 5 years since the introduction of the Ontario Ministry of Education's "Regulation 274/12" under the Education Act about the hiring practices of teachers in publicly- funded schools.



The said Regulation established steps to follow when hiring for Long Term Occasional ( LTO) and new permanent teaching positions based on seniority. Many observers described  that the said Regulation and other factors such as with the situation of "over-supply" of teacher graduates from faculties of education, resulted in becoming the " bane or boon" to Philippine-trained teachers, known in the education industry as ITT's or "internationally trained teachers".  Teacher employment , thus, remains highly competitive and challenging.

Nonetheless, precariously underemployed or unemployed Filipino Canadian teachers, many of which are certified to  teach by the Ontario College of Teachers, the province's regulatory body, continue to persevere and exercise patience. Being characteristically resilient and flexible, their nature and stance  are noticeably paying off now. Lately the hiring situation ,comparatively  is improving and quite changing for the better. Some school boards are now interviewing and offering Filipino applicants and in the process are gaining tracks and getting hired to teach. A slight trickle, yes,  but a welcome development, in deed.

In a recent meeting of the Ontario- based Philippine Teachers Association of Canada ( PTAC), a  professional organization of  provincially- licensed Filipino Canadian teachers and former educators & instructors in the Philippines and elsewhere, the Group's senior executive officers  reported that a good number of PTAC members who are "always willing, able and ready",  have received significant school assignments last year and also in the current school year, as compared to the difficult "low- hiring" situation some years ago.



As a late American TV, radio & movie actor and comedian, Milton Berle once  said: " If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." and this advice rings true until now.

Trailblazing last year , 2 PTAC male members were hired and have accepted teaching assignments in Ontario North, specifically in the First Nation and Indigenous Reserve communities. Similarly, two Filipino teachers, a male and a female, also taught for 2 school years in the far Northwest- sited schools , but are back now in Toronto.

In the publicly- supported schools in Toronto, four ( 4 ) certified teachers who are also Association members were hired initially on "entry point" as  EA's or Educational Assistants and later "upgraded" to OT's or Occasional Teachers during the school year. Likewise, some PTAC members who were previously doing Long- Term Occasional or LTO  assignments  in two Catholic secondary schools,  are now "promoted" to full-time, permanent teachers in the current school year. Two( 2 ) other member - teachers, however, for reasons of their own preferred to remain in the LTO list in suburban school boards.

Lately, 4 more PTAC female members successfully hurdled the hiring process and are now  assigned as Occasional Teachers in Durham and in Toronto school boards. Some highly qualified certified teachers continue to transition and teach in  private schools , preschools and early - childhood education centres and even in community applied colleges. Others are relatively happy to be working in education-related jobs and alternative careers.  Some new PTAC members are in the teacher- certification process and are being mentored by experienced teacher-members of the organization.



The 12- year old non-profit , volunteer run and  government- registered Samahan ng mga Gurong Filipino continue to meet its mission and mandate as a solid vehicle and forum of helping and guiding fellow Pinoy educators in the professional certification process  as well as, advocate for seeking progressive career search  strategies and employment networking opportunities especially for Pinoy newcomer - immigrant  teachers through its established programs and services. Proudly,  PTAC's  solid mantra is "teachers helping teachers" in the best light possible. ( Tony A. San Juan).