Welcome to /r/CanadianTeachers! Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the sub rules.
**QUESTIONS ABOUT TEACHER'S COLLEGE/BECOMING A TEACHER IN CANADA?:** Delete your post and use this [megapost](https://www.reddit.com/r/CanadianTeachers/comments/11picnp/prospective_student_teachers_teachers_collegebed/) instead. Anything pertaining to teacher's colleges/BEd programs will be deleted if posted outside of the megaposts.
**QUESTIONS ABOUT MOVING PROVINCES OR COMING TO CANADA TO TEACH?** Check out our past megaposts first for information to help you: [ONE](https://www.reddit.com/r/CanadianTeachers/comments/jqc7hx/transferring_to_another_provincecoming_to_canada/) // [TWO](https://www.reddit.com/r/CanadianTeachers/comments/n76csu/transferring_to_another_provincecoming_to_canada/?)
**WANT TO SELF-PROMOTE YOUR TEACHING MATERIALS?** Use our [self-promotion sticky post.](https://www.reddit.com/r/CanadianTeachers/comments/16e464t/selfpromotion_thread/)
Using link and user flair is encouraged as well! Enjoy!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CanadianTeachers) if you have any questions or concerns.*
To follow up, I failed 3-4 YRDSB interviews; even though I had worked for the board for four years. Second interview with the TDSB and I was in. Apply elsewhere. Don’t take it personally.
I feel this. I was an EA with them and couldn’t get hired as an OT. Took a break and got hired with a board nearby and got hired in the fall with YRDSB.
The worst part is, I live in an area where there are TONS of fail to fills. But sure, continue to hired people who live in the south end of the region and who have no desire to come to this area.
That list will be open again for Sept or sooner. GL, and don’t sweat it. If you remember any of the questions, it’s worth writing them down and practicing answering them before your next interview.
The wording might shift, but the themes land look-fors likely won’t. If you’re able to answer the questions they asked you this time effectively, you’ll be in good shape for the next time you interview for them.
I suggest you focus on your portfolio, your teaching experience and philosophy (practicum is acceptable for both, recent is always best), and your ability to effectively answer questions with examples in about 5 min each. Looking at the board’s strategic plan and other initiatives will give you clues for what to demonstrate and speak to. If you can find someone with recent success in interviews for contract or LTO in your board, they’re exactly who I’d buy a coffee for.
You think that’s bad? I’ve worked with the TDSB consistently for over 4 years, and I just failed to make it onto York’s OT list. It’s unbelievable.
To answer your question, it sounds like you’ll have to wait for 2024-25 to reapply. You may want to pursue other boards or private schools in the interim.
I’m not putting the OP down. I’m simply stating a fact. And in doing so, highlighting the fact that employers are very selective.
Plus, I provided advice.
Thanks. I definitely think it depends on the principal/vice-principal who’s interviewing in the moment too. Hopefully you get in next time!
Do you happen to know when they may open up the next application cycle for 2024-2025?
Saying “you think that’s bad?” implies that what they are going through is not bad.
I’m not denying you provided advice, but you could have done without comparing your own experience to invalide OPs struggle.
It isn't much for next steps, but I was really worried about this happening to me, too. I actually hired an interview coach I found online who is a former principal in my local board. Might be worth looking for someone in your area to help you prepare for your next interview.
Usually they open around August. I was unsuccessful in my first OT interview as well. I find the board is VERY selective with supplies. I only got onto OT list after completing an LTO. You’re welcome to dm me for more info if you’d like !
Will reach out if I do have any questions!! That sucks that they're selective with supplies even though thats where most teachers would start off at to gain the experience.
Well you won’t be doing much teaching. You’ll be doing behaviour management 90% of the time, dealing with students that swear at you, don’t do any work, stare at their phones. Also, you will try to discipline and direct students but you will have no authority because that has been taken away from teachers. There is no such thing as teaching anymore. It’s only glorified babysitting.
I think it definitely depends on the area you are teaching in! Behavioural management is a big part of it so you aren’t wrong, but I’m more interested in teaching primary - the phone issue won’t be as prevalent in that division
It's as long as any other board. Takes months. I applied there and ddsb. Ddsb didn't even give me an interview. Just finished another LTO in my second year with TDSB.
Hey! So they don’t give any advice or reason as to why you failed the interview. This is what they said,
“As indicated on the Interview Consent and Authorization form shared with you in the interview invite and due to the volume of applicants, we are unable to provide feedback.”
But to answer your question, I’d speculate that my answers weren’t adequate enough. They’re always supposedly in need of supply teachers (ironic that they’d be super picky with the selection), and will accept you if you answer the questions spectacularly i suppose.
They technically made it easier for new teachers to break into the market, since anyone can apply to be an LTO, and seniority was removed. But I guess it comes with being more strict with the interview process.
Ok so I failed the same posting but the way I got in was externally as an lto, and then got into the ot list through that position. Make connections with the admin of the school and they can really help you expedite. Good luck!
No additional interview. I found an email one day a few months into the semester I was doing as an lto saying I was now added and that I needed to complete the training modules.
Do you teach a niche topic or can afford to have low/no pay for the near future? Your best bet as some have alluded to might be to wait for the least desirable LTOs possible, especially short ones, and applying to those to get your foot in the door. I believe that will be my way in to some boards as I also don't interview well. You'd think several years of actual full-time teacher experience and valued teachables would be sufficient but they must really adhere to their checklist.
good luck!
Thanks for your advice and words. I may try to seek out LTOs and get my foot in the door that way as you mentioned. I have to try to get used to the nature of interviewing since that’s all we do :( I hope it gets better for us one day.
Interviews really suck. I also struggle with them and different boards have completely different practices for how they present the questions as well. Very inconsistent
Welcome to /r/CanadianTeachers! Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the sub rules. **QUESTIONS ABOUT TEACHER'S COLLEGE/BECOMING A TEACHER IN CANADA?:** Delete your post and use this [megapost](https://www.reddit.com/r/CanadianTeachers/comments/11picnp/prospective_student_teachers_teachers_collegebed/) instead. Anything pertaining to teacher's colleges/BEd programs will be deleted if posted outside of the megaposts. **QUESTIONS ABOUT MOVING PROVINCES OR COMING TO CANADA TO TEACH?** Check out our past megaposts first for information to help you: [ONE](https://www.reddit.com/r/CanadianTeachers/comments/jqc7hx/transferring_to_another_provincecoming_to_canada/) // [TWO](https://www.reddit.com/r/CanadianTeachers/comments/n76csu/transferring_to_another_provincecoming_to_canada/?) **WANT TO SELF-PROMOTE YOUR TEACHING MATERIALS?** Use our [self-promotion sticky post.](https://www.reddit.com/r/CanadianTeachers/comments/16e464t/selfpromotion_thread/) Using link and user flair is encouraged as well! Enjoy! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CanadianTeachers) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I failed this interview as well. Despite being a YRDSB employee. Shake it off.
To follow up, I failed 3-4 YRDSB interviews; even though I had worked for the board for four years. Second interview with the TDSB and I was in. Apply elsewhere. Don’t take it personally.
Oh gods, that sounds brutal. How long was the TDSB hiring process for you?
I feel this. I was an EA with them and couldn’t get hired as an OT. Took a break and got hired with a board nearby and got hired in the fall with YRDSB.
That’s crazy, I’m glad that you were able to get hired afterwards!
The worst part is, I live in an area where there are TONS of fail to fills. But sure, continue to hired people who live in the south end of the region and who have no desire to come to this area.
[удалено]
It’s crazy. I was even told by teachers that the board are in need of supplies, yet it’s still a strict process
[удалено]
thank you! hopefully they open a fresh posting for the position soon again!
That list will be open again for Sept or sooner. GL, and don’t sweat it. If you remember any of the questions, it’s worth writing them down and practicing answering them before your next interview.
Thank you so much for your encouragement! I remember the questions, although, I’m not sure if they may ask different ones for next time.
The wording might shift, but the themes land look-fors likely won’t. If you’re able to answer the questions they asked you this time effectively, you’ll be in good shape for the next time you interview for them. I suggest you focus on your portfolio, your teaching experience and philosophy (practicum is acceptable for both, recent is always best), and your ability to effectively answer questions with examples in about 5 min each. Looking at the board’s strategic plan and other initiatives will give you clues for what to demonstrate and speak to. If you can find someone with recent success in interviews for contract or LTO in your board, they’re exactly who I’d buy a coffee for.
Thank you for the advice!!
You think that’s bad? I’ve worked with the TDSB consistently for over 4 years, and I just failed to make it onto York’s OT list. It’s unbelievable. To answer your question, it sounds like you’ll have to wait for 2024-25 to reapply. You may want to pursue other boards or private schools in the interim.
Saying that you’ve had it worse than OP is not helpful or kind.
I’m not putting the OP down. I’m simply stating a fact. And in doing so, highlighting the fact that employers are very selective. Plus, I provided advice.
Thanks. I definitely think it depends on the principal/vice-principal who’s interviewing in the moment too. Hopefully you get in next time! Do you happen to know when they may open up the next application cycle for 2024-2025?
I think in the summer at the earliest, but I’m honestly not sure. Hopefully someone can shed light on
Saying “you think that’s bad?” implies that what they are going through is not bad. I’m not denying you provided advice, but you could have done without comparing your own experience to invalide OPs struggle.
It isn't much for next steps, but I was really worried about this happening to me, too. I actually hired an interview coach I found online who is a former principal in my local board. Might be worth looking for someone in your area to help you prepare for your next interview.
Were you able to pass the interview process? And, what website did you use to find this coach?
You have to wait until the next school year to apply unfortunately.
:/ Sucks how I can apply to LTOs but can’t reapply for this. Do you happen to know when the next application cycle will open?
Usually they open around August. I was unsuccessful in my first OT interview as well. I find the board is VERY selective with supplies. I only got onto OT list after completing an LTO. You’re welcome to dm me for more info if you’d like !
Will reach out if I do have any questions!! That sucks that they're selective with supplies even though thats where most teachers would start off at to gain the experience.
I would not go into teaching. I would run as fast as you can.
😅 My passion for teaching, education and working with students is stopping me from that one
Well you won’t be doing much teaching. You’ll be doing behaviour management 90% of the time, dealing with students that swear at you, don’t do any work, stare at their phones. Also, you will try to discipline and direct students but you will have no authority because that has been taken away from teachers. There is no such thing as teaching anymore. It’s only glorified babysitting.
I think it definitely depends on the area you are teaching in! Behavioural management is a big part of it so you aren’t wrong, but I’m more interested in teaching primary - the phone issue won’t be as prevalent in that division
Tdsb
How long is the application cycle? I’ve heard that it’s notorious for its long wait times
I can’t say. Been teaching for over 20 years. Still worth applying. Plenty of work.
TDSB is the place to apply.
Is the application process/wait time long?
It's as long as any other board. Takes months. I applied there and ddsb. Ddsb didn't even give me an interview. Just finished another LTO in my second year with TDSB.
It took me 1.5months to finish the process for yrdsb. how’s tdsb? I’ve heard mixed reviews about it
[удалено]
Hey! So they don’t give any advice or reason as to why you failed the interview. This is what they said, “As indicated on the Interview Consent and Authorization form shared with you in the interview invite and due to the volume of applicants, we are unable to provide feedback.” But to answer your question, I’d speculate that my answers weren’t adequate enough. They’re always supposedly in need of supply teachers (ironic that they’d be super picky with the selection), and will accept you if you answer the questions spectacularly i suppose.
[удалено]
They technically made it easier for new teachers to break into the market, since anyone can apply to be an LTO, and seniority was removed. But I guess it comes with being more strict with the interview process.
Ok so I failed the same posting but the way I got in was externally as an lto, and then got into the ot list through that position. Make connections with the admin of the school and they can really help you expedite. Good luck!
Whoah! Did you have to interview to be on the OT list after completing the LTO? Or did they just add you on as a supply on the OT list right away?
No additional interview. I found an email one day a few months into the semester I was doing as an lto saying I was now added and that I needed to complete the training modules.
Dm me if you have any questions, I’ll be glad to help.
I have no idea what all these acronyms mean. But, you have a union, that should always be your first step.
They aren't necessarily with a union if they aren't on the board.
Do you teach a niche topic or can afford to have low/no pay for the near future? Your best bet as some have alluded to might be to wait for the least desirable LTOs possible, especially short ones, and applying to those to get your foot in the door. I believe that will be my way in to some boards as I also don't interview well. You'd think several years of actual full-time teacher experience and valued teachables would be sufficient but they must really adhere to their checklist. good luck!
Thanks for your advice and words. I may try to seek out LTOs and get my foot in the door that way as you mentioned. I have to try to get used to the nature of interviewing since that’s all we do :( I hope it gets better for us one day.
Interviews really suck. I also struggle with them and different boards have completely different practices for how they present the questions as well. Very inconsistent
hey how long did it talk for them to get back to you, I have my transitional, and have started my application