Ontario Ministry of Education Co-op

If you are a results-oriented individual with strong research, analysis, communication, and teamwork skills, then you are encouraged to apply for this paid, full-time Policy Analyst Co-op offered by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Successful applicants will not only gain invaluable experience, but also be granted a course credit (LHA1070H Internship in Educational Leadership and Policy, O.5FTE) for the term in which they complete the co-op. 

The co-op role includes:

• Conducting research and analysis to inform policy development and program implementation.
• Preparing decision notes, presentations and other documents for management.
• Employing innovative approaches to policy development.
• Assisting and supporting various projects, program evaluations, and studies to help advance Ministry priorities.  

Eligibility:

• Full-time student in the MEd or MA in Educational Leadership and Policy at OISE
• Completed at least two full-time terms (usually 4-6 courses) by the start of the co-op, in good academic standing
• Able to work full-time, Monday to Friday for the duration of the 4-month term. (Note that you will be enrolled in LHA1070H, but not taking other courses that term.)
• Able to attend work at the Ministry of Education offices in downtown Toronto
• Note: Acceptance to the co-op is competitive, and hiring decisions are made by the Ministry. Typically, approximately 1-3 co-op students are hired each term.
• International students: Regretfully, international students are normally not eligible for the co-op. However, if you think you may be eligible for this opportunity, please contact UofT’s Centre for International Experience (CIE) to confirm your eligibility before applying for the co-op. 

How to apply: 

The Ministry typically solicits applications three times per year: fall, winter and summer. LHAE will advertise these positions to current ELP Master’s students via email. Applications are due a few months before each term starts. Note that your application package is submitted to OISE, yet hiring decisions are made by the Ministry. Applications need to include a resume, cover letter, transcript (ACORN academic history acceptable) and three references. 

Preparing to apply:

Students interested in applying for the co-op are encouraged to:

• Take the course EDP3045H Educational Policy Analysis (strongly encouraged but not required).
• Watch for LHAE emails to current ELP Master’s students about Ministry co-op position postings, as well as Internship Information sessions by past Ministry co-op students. 

Important registration information:

Full-time MEd and MA students who successfully obtain a co-op position can request to optionally switch from full-time to part-time status for the term in which they complete their co-op. Please note that minimum degree fees will still apply. MA and MRP-stream students must maintain their full-time status once they have completed the defined length of their program or have begun their last required course (whichever comes first; see the ROSE website for more info). Students who remain registered full-time during the co-op are still expected not to enrol in additional courses in the co-op term due to the full-time workload of the co-op.

Need more information?

Contact: lhae.masters@utoronto.ca