UTS Cohort @ University of Toronto Schools - Independent (I/S)
About the UTS Cohort @ University of Toronto Schools - Independent (I/S)
The MT program currently partners with the University of Toronto Schools (UTS Grades 7-12) to offer a site-based teacher education option. The school and its community serve as a rich site of real world, professional learning. The focus of the MT-UTS cohort is to provide teacher candidates with an extended opportunity to be part of a school community over two semesters, and learn how its teachers, staff, admin, and students work intentionally to enact a vision for learning where innovation, social-responsibility, and an equity mindset come together.
About University of Toronto Schools (UTS)
UTS is a university preparatory school founded in 1910 and affiliated with the University of Toronto. Its vision aims to create a transformative learning community focused on intellectual growth and individual development.
Since 1910, UTS has been deeply committed to initial teacher education. Located just steps away from OISE along Bloor Street, UTS enjoys a newly renovated facility within the walls of its historic site. Highlights of the building include, four science labs, a design/ maker space, a black box theatre, 700-seat auditorium, and a fitness centre and double gym. It is also home to the Eureka! Research Institute, which is one of only a few education research institutes based at a secondary school in Canada.
UTS Cohort Information
Please review the following information to find out more about this opportunity.
- Experiential learning on site at UTS one day per week, from September through to April during candidates’ first year in the MT program.
- Opportunities to develop both knowledge of classroom teaching practices and practitioner-research skills through applied learning experiences in classrooms.
- A range of service-learning opportunities, such as supporting co-curricular activities (academic, athletic, arts, issues-based, entrepreneurship accelerator), exam proctoring, student mentoring, etc. in collaboration with school staff.
- Engage in professional learning workshops led by UTS teachers, staff, and administrators.
- Option to request a practicum placement at UTS (note: entry into this cohort does not guarantee a practicum placement at UTS as this depends on Associate Teacher availability each year).
- *New this year* - Option to do a Teaching and Inquiry Residency (TIR) at UTS in the Fall semester of Year 2, as part of the Research II course in the program.
- Access to the OISE workspace on the second floor of UTS. Teacher candidates also have access to UTS staff and student wifi while on site, as well as a login to the UTS virtual landscape (Google workspace, O365, internal websites).
- Opportunity to apply to facilitate a range of UTS Summer Camps (these are typically paid positions) over July and August between the first and second year in the program. Camp topics include urban planning, global health, neuroscience, speech & debate, and more.
- Opportunities to connect with a community of practitioner-researchers through the Eureka Research Institute. Please watch for announcements during the fall to apply for paid Research Assistantships.
- Teacher candidates who successfully complete the expectations for the MT-UTS cohort option receive credit for one of their two elective courses (CTL5716: Special Topics in Teaching: Youth Study, Observation & Inquiry). These teacher candidates also receive a signed letter of recognition from the school principal, highlighting the special professional learning experiences that were undertaken.
UTS School Based Program provides I/S teacher candidates the opportunity to:
- Have additional school-based experiential learning opportunities above and beyond their practicum placements (note: these hours count towards one of your elective course credits)
- Learn more about school-based research in the context of a “University School” setting and develop your skills as a practitioner researcher.
- Be part of a school that centres social responsibility, and has adopted an action-focused anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion mindset through a progressive commitment to brave, honest conversations and reflexive practice.
- Learn more about the Ontario independent school system, and possibly teaching in an independent school.
School-Based Programs provide I/S teacher candidates the opportunity to:
- Engage in school-based experiential learning beyond their practicum placements. Be a part of a school with a diverse student body and a staff that centres racial justice, equity, and enlivening educational commitments to all within their community.
- Experience the adaptable, responsive, and reflective practice required to work in a school community that puts student learning at the centre of pedagogical and pedagogical commitments.
Applicants should select the UTS Option as their site-based preference.
- You have the same option as other MT candidates to identify a public school board preference for your practicum placements from among our partner boards. Selecting the UTS Option, does not mean that you are required to do a practicum at UTS (though it is an option for those who are interested).
- Teacher candidates who are admitted to the UTS Option should be prepared to email a copy of their vulnerable sector check to the school administration. (Please keep any original/hard copies for submission to your preferred school board for your Year 1 practicum placements.)
- On the days that you are on site at UTS (currently Thursdays), you will follow the school’s daily schedule (currently 8:50am-3:45pm).
- You do not attend UTS during practicum blocks, unless you are doing a practicum placement at UTS.
Questions?
Questions about the MT-UTS cohort can be directed to Dr. Kim MacKinnon at kimberley.mackinnon@utoronto.ca.
Questions about MT Admissions can be sent to: ctladmissions.oise@utoronto.ca
