Education

How to Become an Occasional Teacher / Supply Teacher in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook

by Occupations.ca Team
12 min read

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to be the person who walks into a classroom at 8:20 a.m. and keeps learning on track when the regular teacher is away? If you enjoy variety, flexibility, and the challenge of thinking on your feet, working as an Occasional Teacher (often called a Supply Teacher) in Ontario might be a great fit for you. In this guide, you’ll learn how to qualify, where to study, what the work is like each day, how you’ll be paid, and how to grow your career toward long-term and permanent roles.

Job Description

In Ontario, an Occasional Teacher (OT) is a certified teacher who fills in when the regular classroom teacher is absent. You might accept a same-day call at 6:00 a.m., or you may be booked in advance for a day, a week, or a longer period (a “Long-Term Occasional,” or LTO, assignment). You teach the class, follow plans left by the regular teacher, manage student behaviour, assess student work as directed, and ensure a safe learning environment. You’ll usually work through a board call-out system, Travel between schools, and teach different grades and subjects.

Daily work activities

  • Check the assignment (grade, room, schedule) in the board’s call-out system or confirmation email/text.
  • Arrive early, sign in at the office, and review lesson plans and Safety Information (e.g., medical alerts, emergency procedures, and any Individual Education Plans—IEPs).
  • Set up technology (e.g., projector, SMART Board, Google Classroom or Brightspace) and materials for the day.
  • Teach lessons as outlined, adapt when plans are incomplete, and use classroom Management strategies.
  • Supervise students (recess, bus duty, lunchroom) as assigned.
  • Communicate professionally with office staff, neighbouring teachers, and, when needed, parents/guardians.
  • Leave clear notes for the regular teacher (what was taught, behaviour, absences, any incidents).
  • Close the day by returning materials, Logging out of devices, and confirming next-day assignments.

Main tasks

  • Deliver lessons aligned to the Ontario Curriculum (elementary or secondary) and follow the regular teacher’s plans.
  • Apply classroom management techniques that are respectful, inclusive, and culturally responsive.
  • Provide accommodations and modifications based on IEPs and board policies.
  • Use educational technology platforms (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Brightspace by D2L).
  • Implement safe schools procedures, including emergency drills and incident reporting.
  • Conduct basic assessment as directed (e.g., collect exit tickets, mark specific tasks).
  • Maintain professional records of attendance and incidents; follow privacy policies.
  • Collaborate with principals, department heads, and Support staff (EAs, CYWs, SERTs).
  • Fulfill yard, hall, lunch, or bus Supervision duties.
  • Follow equity and inclusion practices and board codes of conduct.

Required Education

To teach as an Occasional Teacher in Ontario’s publicly funded schools, you must be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). This means you complete a recognized teacher education program and register with OCT. Some boards, during shortages, may hire non-certified individuals under a limited “Letter of Permission,” but this is not the standard pathway and is time-limited.

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Diplomas

  • Certificate:
  • College Diploma:
    • A college diploma alone does not qualify you to be an Occasional Teacher. However, related diplomas (e.g., Early Childhood Education, Educational Support) can be valuable experience and may help you get school-based work while you complete your degree and B.Ed.
  • Bachelor’s Degree:
    • You need an undergraduate degree (e.g., BA/BSc) and a teacher education degree (e.g., B.Ed. or MT) from an OCT-accredited program. Some universities offer concurrent programs (degree + B.Ed. together), while others offer consecutive programs (after your first degree).

Length of studies

  • Undergraduate degree: usually 4 years (if not completed in a concurrent program).
  • Teacher education (consecutive B.Ed. or MT): typically 2 years full-time in Ontario.
  • Additional Qualifications (optional): often 125 hours per AQ course, part-time.

Where to study?

Choose an accredited teacher education program in Ontario. Here are well-known options (verify admission details and accreditation on each site):

Important resources:

Salary and Working Conditions

Salary (entry-level vs. experienced)

Occasional Teacher pay in Ontario varies by school board and local collective agreement. There are two main categories:

  • Daily Occasional (short-term, day-to-day):

    • Paid a daily rate (no prep time) that is typically in the mid-$200s per day, depending on the board. Some boards may pay a premium for full-day vs. half-day or for secondary vs. elementary.
    • Daily occasional positions usually do not include Benefits.

  • Long-Term Occasional (LTO):

    • Paid according to the teacher salary grid, based on your category and experience (e.g., QECO for elementary—https://www.qeco.on.ca; OSSTF Certification for secondary—https://www.osstf.on.ca/services/certification.aspx).
    • LTOs may include benefits depending on length and collective agreement.
    • Annualized salaries on Ontario grids commonly range from approximately the high $40,000s to over $100,000 for full-time, depending on your rating and years of experience.

Pay details and grids are set locally. Always check your board’s collective agreement:

Working conditions

  • Schedule and call-out:
    • Most OTs receive early morning calls (often between 5:30–7:00 a.m.) for same-day work, or book ahead for future assignments.
    • Boards commonly use systems like SmartFind Express or EasyConnect. You can set your availability and preferences (schools, subjects, grades).
  • Work sites:
    • Expect to travel between schools and sometimes cover multiple grades or subjects in a week.
    • Parking, commute time, and winter driving are practical factors.
  • Preparation:
    • Plans are often provided, but sometimes you’ll need to improvise and adapt responsibly.
  • Supervision:
    • You’ll likely have yard/hall/lunch duty and may be asked to cover adjacent classes or short periods.
  • Professional expectations:
    • Follow board policies (e.g., safe schools, equity and inclusion, anti-bullying, privacy) and use professional judgment.
  • Union and benefits:
    • Daily OTs have union representation (ETFO/OSSTF/OECTA/AEFO), but benefits are generally limited in short-term roles. LTOs may have better benefits.
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Job outlook

Ontario has ongoing needs for Occasional Teachers, with stronger demand in certain subjects and areas:

  • Higher demand: French as a Second Language (FSL)/French Immersion, Special Education, Technological Education, Math, Science, and rural/northern boards.
  • Competitive areas: Primary/Junior roles in large urban centers can be more competitive, but short-term supply needs remain steady.

For data and trends:

Key Skills

Soft skills

  • Adaptability: Step into any classroom, any grade, and keep learning on track.
  • Classroom management: Build rapport quickly; set clear expectations; de-escalate calmly.
  • Communication: Clear, respectful communication with students, staff, and families.
  • Cultural competence: Inclusive practices that reflect Ontario’s diverse communities.
  • Professionalism: Reliability, punctuality, integrity, and confidentiality.
  • Resilience: Handle last-minute changes and occasional challenging behaviours.
  • Collaboration: Work cooperatively with office staff, EAs, SERTs, and admin.

Hard skills

  • Ontario Curriculum knowledge across divisions (K–12) and subjects.
  • Assessment basics: formative checks, following marking guidance, recording evidence.
  • Special Education: Understanding IEPs, accommodations, modifications, UDL strategies.
  • Educational technology: Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, Brightspace, SMART Boards.
  • Safety and Compliance: Emergency procedures, incident reporting, safe schools policies.
  • Literacy and numeracy strategies appropriate to grade level and subject.
  • French language (for FSL/Immersion) and/or Technological Education skills are high-demand assets.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Flexibility: You control your availability and can choose preferred schools/areas.
  • Variety: Different grades, subjects, and schools keep the work interesting.
  • Network building: Principals and teachers notice strong OTs, leading to LTOs and contracts.
  • Skill growth: Rapid development in classroom management and curriculum breadth.
  • Foot in the door: Most permanent teachers in Ontario start with OT and LTO roles.

Disadvantages

  • Income variability: Work can be inconsistent, especially early in the year or in competitive regions.
  • Early mornings: Same-day calls mean early starts and quick turnarounds.
  • Limited benefits: Daily OTs usually lack benefits; LTOs fare better.
  • Travel: Commuting across a large board area can be tiring and costly.
  • Less control: You don’t choose the class dynamic, and plans may be incomplete.
  • Job Security: Moving from OT to permanent takes time and persistence.

Expert Opinion

If you want steady work and a path to a permanent contract, focus on three strategies:

  1. Be easy to book, great to have, and memorable in the right way
  • Keep your availability current in the call-out system and accept a mix of schools at first.
  • Arrive early. Set a calm tone right away. Greet students at the door.
  • Always leave detailed notes for the classroom teacher and tidy the room.
  • If plans are incomplete, run simple, curriculum-aligned activities (e.g., reading response, math problem-solving, inquiry prompts).
  • Ask the office how to get on the school’s preferred list. A strong reputation leads to repeat calls.
  1. Build the right qualifications
  • Take Additional Qualification courses that increase demand for your skills:
    • Special Education Part 1
    • English Language Learners (ELL)
    • Kindergarten or Primary/Junior Math
    • French as a Second Language (FSL) if you have the language background
    • Technological Education safety Training, if applicable
  • Keep your OCT membership in good standing (annual fee) and maintain an up-to-date Vulnerable Sector Check according to board policy.
  1. Understand the hiring pathway
  • Many boards expect OTs to complete successful days at multiple schools, then move into LTO roles, and later apply for contract/permanent positions.
  • Use Ontario’s main job portals:
  • Tailor your application; include a brief, specific cover letter for each posting. Ask principals for feedback on interviews and demo lessons when possible.
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Practical day-to-day tips

  • Keep a “supply kit” (markers, sticky notes, timer, simple literacy/math activities, seating plan templates).
  • Learn the board’s technology platforms and logins in advance.
  • Review IEPs and medical alerts immediately upon arrival.
  • Follow supervision schedules to the minute—punctuality matters.
  • Know the Ontario Curriculum expectations for the grades you frequently teach.
  • Protect your voice and energy: build routines that reduce strain and maintain a calm, steady pace.

FAQ

Do I need to be OCT-certified to work as an Occasional Teacher?

Yes—almost always. Ontario publicly funded schools require teachers to hold a Certificate of Qualification and Registration from the Ontario College of Teachers. In rare situations, a board may apply for a Letter of Permission to hire a non-certified person temporarily when no certified teacher is available. This is time-limited and not a standard pathway. Learn more about Letters of Permission: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/080142. Standard certification requirements: https://www.oct.ca/becoming-a-teacher/requirements

How do board call-out systems work for daily supply jobs?

Most boards use automated systems (e.g., SmartFind Express or EasyConnect) to offer jobs via phone, text, or app. You set:

  • Your availability (days/times)
  • Preferred schools, grades, and subjects
  • Distance you’re willing to travel

Jobs are offered in order of board-defined rules (e.g., preferred list, seniority, matching qualifications). You accept or decline in the system. Keep your profile current to increase bookings, and ask schools how to get on their preferred list.

What documents do boards usually require when I apply?

Common requirements include:

  • OCT Certificate of Qualification and Registration (in good standing)
  • Recent Vulnerable Sector Check (police record check) — see: https://www.ontario.ca/page/police-record-checks
  • Proof of identity and right to work in Canada
  • Official transcripts for salary placement (QECO for elementary; OSSTF Certification for secondary)
  • References (often including a principal or practicum associate teacher)
  • Board-specific health and safety modules (e.g., WHMIS, anaphylaxis, concussion) completed online

Can retired teachers work as Occasional Teachers in Ontario?

Yes. Retired teachers can supply teach if they keep their OCT membership active. If you collect an Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) pension, you must follow re-employment rules that limit the amount of work you can do without affecting your pension. Review current rules here: https://www.otpp.com/en-ca/members/pension-basics/after-you-retire/working-after-retirement/

Which unions represent Occasional Teachers?

Union representation depends on the board and panel:

Unions negotiate local collective agreements that set pay rates, job posting rules, and working conditions for OTs and LTOs.

Final Checklist for Getting Started in Ontario

  • Complete an accredited teacher education program (B.Ed. or MT).
  • Obtain OCT certification and keep it in good standing: https://www.oct.ca/
  • Gather required documents (police check, references, transcripts).
  • Apply to boards via ApplyToEducation or board HR portals: https://www.applytoeducation.com/
  • Learn board call-out systems and set preferences.
  • Take AQs that match demand in your region (Special Education, FSL, Math, ELL).
  • Study the Ontario Curriculum for the grades you want to teach: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-curriculum
  • Build a strong reputation: be punctual, professional, and proactive; leave excellent day plans and notes.

When you’re ready to step into a classroom at a moment’s notice—and keep learning moving—you’ll be well on your way to a successful career as an Occasional Teacher in Ontario.

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