Everyone remembers their favourite teachers, be it the cheery kindergarten teacher who taught you finger painting or the prof who inspired you to pursue a particular field. If you want to leave your mark on the next generation of students, then teaching might be the career for you.

However, it’s good to keep in mind that teaching is competitive — and even getting into teachers’ college can be a challenge. Keep reading and give yourself a leg up on the competition.

Making the grade

You can’t be expected to teach subjects you don’t have a handle on yourself. Getting good grades throughout university is, not surprisingly, an important prerequisite to teachers’ college.

According to Western history and English grad Dave Ward, now in his first year of teachers’ college at Nipissing University, schools look at your marks first and foremost.

“Nipissing is supposed to be a school that focuses more on the person and less on the marks, and a teacher told me the other day they don’t even read your application,” he said.

Having ‘teachable’ courses from your undergrad is also key. It’s important to check the specific requirements of different teachers’ colleges to ensure your courses stack up. See the Q&A for more information on determining teachable courses.

Gaining relevant experience

Well roundedness is also essential, Ward noted. Grades show you are capable of being a teacher, while your interests and extracurriculars show you want to be one.

Western science grad Kevin Limeback, now in teachers’ college at Western, echoed Ward’s sentiment.

“The more work or volunteer experience you have, the better — especially if you can demonstrate how that experience can make you an effective teacher,” he explained.

Limeback noted experience such as coaching a sports team, working at a summer camp, tutoring, day care or anything with customer service would be beneficial to your application.

Repeated or long-term volunteering experience shows dedication –– just don’t forget to keep track of individuals who can act as verifiers for your application and vouch on your behalf.

Seeing where you fit

Teachers’ college isn’t a one-size-fits-all atmosphere, and teaching tykes the alphabet is far different from explaining high school chemistry.

“Choose an age group that you work best with,” Limeback said. “You’ll find your practicum placements more enjoyable and rewarding if you relate well with the students.”

Ward noted volunteering with children is crucial. “You can discover if working with young people is actually something you enjoy, or if you are just looking for something to keep you in school for another year.”

Figuring out what you’re interested in teaching is important too –– and some areas are more likely to land you a job down the road than others.

“Advice I can tell you is that everyone is saying right now that the teachables you want are French and music,” said Ward.

According to the Ontario College of Teachers, the demand for English language elementary and secondary school teachers is declining.

“Some specialty areas such as French as a second language and technological education offer greater prospects for regular, full-time work,” the OCT notes in their “Thinking about Teaching?” brochure.