u/Turbulent_Fail_3655

This isn’t a criticism of new teachers. We were all new once.

That said, it feels like a large percentage of this subreddit has become proof of learned helplessness within the profession and students. The same handful of questions repeated every day:

• Is there a teacher shortage?
• Will my previous experience count?
• How does seniority work?
• AQ or ABQ?
• What grid placement will I get?
• Can I teach in a Catholic board?
• Do I need a priest’s reference?
• How long until I get permanent?
• Will French get me a job?

None of these are bad questions. They’re just asked over and over.

A pinned FAQ with links to QECO, OCT, ETFO, OSSTF, OECTA, and common hiring resources would answer most of them before a new thread is created. It would also free up the subreddit for discussions about teaching practice, classroom management, curriculum, student behaviour, report cards, AI in education, labour issues, and the day-to-day realities of the profession.

One thing I find surprising is that many of these questions are answered by a quick search of this subreddit, or with a phone call or email to the board’s HR department. As educators, we’re constantly teaching students how to find reliable information and solve problems independently. It would be nice if this community encouraged the same habit.

A FAQ wouldn’t eliminate every repeat question, but it would make this subreddit a much better resource for everyone.

Welcome! Before posting, please consult this handy guide.

Q: Is there a teacher shortage?
A: Where? Teaching what? If you’re asking about GTA elementary, no. If you’re asking about French in Northern Ontario, a principal is probably already outside your house with a contract.

Q: Will French guarantee me a job?
A: It won’t guarantee happiness, but it’ll probably get you an interview.

Q: How long until I get permanent?
A: Somewhere between September and retirement.

Q: Will my previous experience count?
A: Ask HR.

Q: What grid will I be?
A: Ask QECO.

Q: AQ or ABQ?
A: Depends what you’re qualified to teach now.

Q: Which AQ should I take?
A: The one related to the job you want, not the one Reddit collectively guesses is “hot” this year.

Q: Can I teach in a Catholic board if I’m not Catholic?
A: This question has been asked so often the search bar qualifies for an AQ.

Q: Do I need a priest reference?
A: Depends on the board. Next question.

Q: How does seniority work?
A: Which board? Which union? Which collective agreement? Which hiring process? Please include at least one useful detail.

Q: Is the profession worth it?
A: Depends which thread you read first.

Thanks for attending orientation. Your complimentary search bar has been issued at the door.

Next week: “Should I leave (insert career) to become a teacher?”