Education

To Become Secondary School Teacher – Science and Technology in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook.

by Occupations.ca Team
10 min read

Have you ever pictured yourself sparking curiosity with hands‑on labs, robots, or shop projects—and guiding teens toward future STEM careers right here in Ontario? If you enjoy science, technology, and helping young people learn, becoming a Secondary School Teacher – Science and Technology could be a great fit for you.

Job Description

Secondary School Teachers in Science and Technology teach Grades 9–12 in Ontario’s publicly funded, Catholic, French‑language, and independent schools. You design engaging lessons aligned with the Ontario Curriculum in:

You Support diverse learners, promote lab and shop Safety, integrate digital tools, and assess learning fairly. You also collaborate with colleagues, communicate with families, and often lead clubs or teams such as robotics, coding, green energy, or science fairs.

The work follows provincial curriculum and policy:

Daily work activities

  • Teach 3 secondary courses per day in most boards (with one preparation period), across two semesters. Timetables vary by school board.
  • Prepare lessons, labs, demonstrations, and shop projects that meet curriculum expectations and your students’ needs.
  • Set up, maintain, and safely operate lab or shop equipment; order and manage materials within budget.
  • Assess and evaluate student learning using a variety of methods (observations, conversations, products), and provide clear feedback.
  • Support all learners, including English/French language learners and students with Special Education needs, through accommodations and differentiated Instruction.
  • Communicate with families and guardians, and collaborate with Student Success teams, guidance, and special education staff.
  • Supervise hallways, cafeterias, or school events; attend meetings and professional learning.
  • Lead or support extracurriculars such as science clubs, coding clubs, Skills Ontario teams, or robotics.

Main tasks

  • Design and deliver engaging, safe science labs and technology projects.
  • Align instruction with the Ontario Curriculum and school board policies.
  • Implement and monitor safety procedures (e.g., WHMIS, PPE, machine guarding).
  • Integrate digital tools (e.g., simulations, coding platforms, CAD/CAM).
  • Use assessment for learning and clear success criteria.
  • Maintain lab/shop inventories, budgets, and equipment.
  • Build an inclusive, culturally responsive classroom.
  • Collaborate on Student Success initiatives and pathway planning (apprenticeship, college, university, workplace).
  • Pursue professional learning and Additional Qualifications (AQs).
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Required Education

To teach in Ontario’s publicly funded schools, you must be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). Overview: https://www.oct.ca/becoming-a-teacher

There are two common pathways for this role:

1) Science Teacher (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, General Science, Environmental Science, Computer Studies)

  • Undergraduate degree (e.g., BSc, BASc, BEng, BA with sufficient credits in your teachable subject[s]).
  • A two‑year Bachelor of Education (BEd) from an accredited Ontario faculty of education (or equivalent).
  • OCT certification with the appropriate divisional qualifications:
    • Junior/Intermediate (Grades 4–10) – typically one science teachable.
    • Intermediate/Senior (Grades 7–12) – usually two teachable subjects (e.g., major in Chemistry and minor in Mathematics).
  • Many faculties expect a strong background in the teachable area(s). For Intermediate/Senior, you generally need more undergraduate credits in your first teachable than your second. Always confirm current requirements with the OCT: https://www.oct.ca/becoming-a-teacher/requirements

2) Technological Education Teacher (Construction, Manufacturing, Communications, Computer Technology, etc.)

  • A specialized pathway recognizes trade and industry experience.
  • Requirements typically include a combination of:
    • Postsecondary credential (e.g., Ontario College Diploma, degree, or acceptable equivalent), and
    • Several years of recent, relevant, paid work experience in the sector, and/or a Certificate of Qualification with Red Seal endorsement (where applicable).
  • You then complete a two‑year BEd in Technological Education (or equivalent program approved by the OCT) and obtain OCT certification in Technological Education.
  • Because requirements can differ by background and program, check the OCT’s requirements page before applying: https://www.oct.ca/becoming-a-teacher/requirements

Diplomas and certificates that can support your application and practice

  • Bachelor’s Degree (required for most pathways; Technological Education has alternative routes).
  • Ontario College Diploma or Apprenticeship/Red Seal (especially relevant for Technological Education).
  • Bachelor of Education (BEd) (two years full time since 2015).
  • Additional Qualifications (AQs) in areas like Science (General), Biology, Chemistry, Physics; Technological Education (broad‑based areas such as Construction, Communications, Computer Technology); Special Education, English as a Second Language/French as a Second Language, and Guidance. Search approved AQ courses: https://apps.oct.ca/aqcatalog/
  • Safety and workplace Training: WHMIS, First Aid/CPR, and shop‑specific certifications recommended by your board and department.
  • Professional associations and safety support:

Length of studies

  • Typical Science pathway: 4‑year bachelor’s degree + 2‑year BEd = 6 years of full‑time study.
  • Concurrent education programs (integrated undergraduate + BEd) often take 5 years total.
  • Technological Education: previous postsecondary/trade training + industry experience + 2‑year BEd. The total time varies depending on your background.
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Where to study? (Ontario faculties of education and recognized providers)

Explore program details and application timelines directly with each school. Ontario faculties of education include:

For a current list of Ontario program providers recognized by the OCT, visit: https://www.oct.ca/becoming-a-teacher

Salary and Working Conditions

Salary

Teacher salaries in Ontario are set by local collective agreements and depend on your academic category and years of experience. While grids vary by board, typical ranges are:

  • Entry-level: approximately $50,000–$65,000 per year.
  • Experienced (top of grid): approximately $95,000–$110,000+ per year.

Use official labour market data to compare wages:

You are generally paid over 12 months, with Benefits and pension contributions (Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan in most publicly funded boards).

Working conditions

  • Work year: roughly 194 school days, September to June.
  • Timetable: commonly 3 instructional periods per day plus one preparation period; Supervision, meetings, and extracurriculars vary by school.
  • Classrooms, labs, and shops: you will handle safety, equipment Maintenance, and consumable materials. Boards provide budgets; departments often collaborate on purchasing.
  • Union environment:
  • Professional certification and standards: Ontario College of Teachers – https://www.oct.ca/

Job outlook

Demand varies by region and subject. Math, Science, Computer Studies, and Technological Education teachers are frequently in demand, especially outside major urban centres. Check current outlook:

Boards also recruit for French‑language and French immersion programs (Science in French is particularly sought-after).

Key Skills

Soft skills

  • Clarity and communication: explain complex ideas in simple, engaging ways.
  • Classroom Management: build safe, respectful learning environments.
  • Organization and time management: plan labs/projects, manage equipment and timelines.
  • Collaboration: work with colleagues, technicians, administrators, and community partners.
  • Culturally responsive practice: support diverse learners and identities.
  • Growth mindset: adapt to new curricula, tech, and student needs.

Hard skills

  • Subject expertise: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Computer Studies, or Technological Education fields.
  • Safety competencies: WHMIS, PPE, lab protocols; for shops, machine safety, lockout/tagout, and Ontario health and safety legislation.
  • Digital literacy: learning management systems, data-collection sensors, simulation software; in tech ed, CAD/CAM, 3D printing, CNC, microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino), robotics.
  • Assessment and evaluation: design rubrics, triangulate evidence, and communicate progress clearly.
  • Special education strategies: accommodations, IEP awareness, and universal design for learning.
  • Pathways knowledge: help students explore apprenticeship, college, university, and workplace options.
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Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Meaningful impact: you inspire future scientists, tradespeople, technologists, and informed citizens.
  • Hands‑on learning: labs, design challenges, and real‑world problem solving.
  • Job stability and benefits: competitive salary, pension, and health benefits in publicly funded boards.
  • Professional growth: AQs, Leadership roles, and chances to specialize (e.g., robotics, environmental education).
  • Community and teamwork: supportive departments and strong professional networks (STAO, OCTE).

Disadvantages

  • Workload peaks: report cards, parent‑teacher conferences, and club/event seasons can be demanding.
  • Resource management: tight budgets and aging equipment may require creativity and advocacy.
  • Safety responsibilities: rigorous adherence to safety protocols in labs/shops.
  • Hiring can be regional: competition may be higher in large urban boards; mobility helps.
  • Ongoing change: curriculum updates, destreaming, and technology shifts require continual learning.

Expert Opinion

If you love explaining how the world works—and you enjoy building, coding, experimenting, or troubleshooting—this career aligns with your strengths. In Ontario, Science and Technological Education are practical, student‑centred, and pathway‑focused. The best Science and Technology teachers I see:

  • Prioritize safety and inclusivity.
  • Start with curiosity and end with confidence—students leave able to do something new.
  • Build community partnerships (co‑ops, Skills Ontario competitions, local industry visits) to make learning relevant.
  • Keep learning themselves through AQs, conferences (STAO, OCTE), and mentoring.

If you’re just starting, spend time in schools: volunteer with a robotics team, coach a Skills Ontario challenge, or support a science fair. That experience will confirm your fit, strengthen your application to BEd programs, and give you stories to share in interviews.

FAQ

Can I teach secondary Science or Technology in Ontario with an engineering or applied science degree?

Yes. An engineering or applied science degree is a strong foundation. For Science or Computer Studies, you’ll apply to a two‑year BEd program (typically Intermediate/Senior) and ensure your degree has enough credits in your teachable subjects. For Technological Education, your engineering degree plus relevant industry experience may qualify you for a Tech Ed BEd. Always verify specific credit and experience requirements with the Ontario College of Teachers: https://www.oct.ca/becoming-a-teacher/requirements

I’m a certified tradesperson with a Red Seal. How do I become a Technological Education teacher?

Great background. Many Tech Ed candidates enter through their trade certification and industry experience. You’ll apply to a BEd in Technological Education at an approved Ontario faculty, then pursue OCT certification in Technological Education. Program prerequisites differ, so review faculty admissions and confirm with the OCT requirements page: https://www.oct.ca/becoming-a-teacher/requirements. Professional support and safety resources are available through OCTE: https://www.octe.ca/

Do I need to speak French to get hired as a Science and Technology Teacher in Ontario?

No—many positions are in English‑language public and Catholic boards. However, being bilingual (English/French) can significantly improve your job prospects, especially in French‑language schools and French immersion programs. If you’re fluent, consider adding FSL AQs to expand your opportunities.

I earned my education credentials outside Ontario. Can I teach Science or Technology here?

Possibly. The Ontario College of Teachers assesses internationally educated teachers for equivalency. You’ll submit transcripts, proof of teacher education, and other documents. Some candidates may need additional coursework or AQs to meet Ontario standards. Start here: https://www.oct.ca/becoming-a-teacher

What safety training will I need for labs and shops?

Boards expect strong safety practice. Common requirements include WHMIS, First Aid/CPR, and shop‑specific training (machine safety, guarding, lockout/tagout). Departmental or board safety orientations are typical. For best practices and provincial safety guidelines in Technological Education, see OCTE: https://www.octe.ca/. Science safety resources and professional learning are available via STAO: https://stao.ca/

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