Schulich School of Education

Building on more than 100 years of teacher education experience in the North Bay area, The Schulich School of Education continues to offer high-quality teacher education programming. As a future teacher, you can enroll in either our 6-year Concurrent Education program, or in our 2-year Consecutive Education program following the completion of an undergraduate degree.

As a Concurrent Education student, you will experience several education-related courses as well as 30 hours of observational placement in schools while you are completing your 4-year undergraduate program of choice. You will then join with Consecutive Education students in Years 5 and 6, as you take part in a series of required and elective courses, as well as 19 weeks of school practicum and a self-directed, 60-hour Community Leadership Experience (CLE). Following the successful completion of the Bachelor of Education degree (courses and practicum), Teacher Candidates are recommended for professional membership in the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).

As a student in the Schulich School of Education, you will work with faculty members who are known for their research expertise (see Faculty Publication Poster) and practical teaching experience. Research guides their instructional practice, and this approach to teaching serves as a positive model for our Teacher Candidates as they too prepare for a career of thoughtful pedagogy and ever-improving practice.

Teachers are once again in high demand in Ontario, and our Bachelor of Education graduates also find employment opportunities across Canada and internationally. We look forward to sharing this part of your journey with you as you prepare to enter the teaching profession.

Dr. Daniel Jarvis
Associate Dean, BEd Programs (Interim), Schulich School of Education

The history of teacher education in North Bay began in 1909 with the opening of the North Bay Normal School in the heart of town. The Normal School was renamed North Bay Teachers' College in 1953. Since 1909, over 17,000 teachers have received their professional education in North Bay. In 1972, the College moved into new quarters at the College Education Centre. One wing of the College Education Centre was carefully designed for the integration of Nipissing University College and the Teachers’ College, which took place September 1, 1973.

The Faculty has a reputation for providing a rigorous teacher education program which is demanding of the student teacher and provides well-prepared teachers for Ontario schools. In keeping with this approach, the Faculty insists that student teachers entering elementary education examine all areas of the elementary school curriculum. Student teachers entering secondary education also get an opportunity to learn and practice curriculum and teaching skills in Grades 7 and 8, in subject areas not part of their regular teaching subjects.

The mission of the Faculty of Education is to promote the professional growth of teachers through pre-service, in-service and graduate programs, and to provide educational leadership and support through consultation and research. The program aims to provide beginning teachers with an understanding of the basic philosophical, psychological and sociological foundations of education, to enable them to use a system-based approach in their teaching, and to introduce them to a rationale for curriculum design through a study of the various strands of the curriculum.

Although most graduates obtain positions in southern Ontario, the Schulich School of Education at Nipissing University has a northern outlook. Northern Ontario’s biculturalism is reflected in the elective course, Teaching in French Immersion. In addition, many students are attracted to the elective course, Aboriginal Education in Canada.