Question about Canadian schools.

[Kerrytravelers]

Hello,

Mr. kt and I are in the process of moving to Canada, in particular, it looks like the Toronto area is shaping up to be our destination.

I'm an educator. I'm putting together my teaching portfolio, turning the paperwork into the proper channels, etc. I've been all over the Toronto School District site and am in the process of going through each school website, reading their newsletters, etc. to get a sense of what each school is about on an individual basis.

My question is this: How can I find out specifically about the school climate, what various areas are like, etc. What sources are more trusted in Canada to use for research? What about the various teacher's unions?

Any advice in this area is appreciated. If I'm not making sense and you have questions, please post them here so I can respond. Thanks!

:hi:
kt

[Spazito]

1. I would start with the Greater Toronto School District site,,,,

and then look at the various school links in which ever community you are interested in.

The Greater Toronto School District link:
http://www.tdsb.on.ca/

The Toronto Catholic School District site:

http://www.tcdsb.org/

I hope this helps.

[Kerrytravelers]

2. I've been pouring voer the TSDB site for weeks.

Thanks for providing both links.

Do you know what particular newspapers are good sources for researching schools, the condition of schools, etc. in the greater Toronto area? Are there particular issues in education that constantly make the headlines?

[Spazito]

3. I know of no sources that one could access about all the schools in Greater Toronto...

if you have preferred communities in mind where you would like to live providing the schools are suitable, it might be easier to search from that narrower aspect. Another possible way to find out the information you are seeking is to search out info from the Ontario Secondary Teachers Association, the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario and Parent organizations that are involved in the schools. I was unable to find a link to any specific parent organizations.


Link to the Ontario Secondary Teachers Association
http://www.osstf.on.ca/

Link to the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario
http://www.etfo.ca/Pages/default.aspx

I haven't lived in Toronto for many years so I have no personal knowledge of the schools there. I wish I could be of more help. Hopefully Canadian DUers from Toronto will have more info that will help you.

[Kerrytravelers]

5. Thanks for the links. I didn't know what the teacher's union was called in Toronto.

Thanks again!

:hi:
kt

[Spazito]

8. You're very welcome! Adding to that...

a heartfelt Welcome to Canada! I wish you every success in your re-location and job-hunting!

[CHIMO]

4. References

First of all I wouldn't call the Toronto Sun a solid reference.

Toronto Star is one that I would use.
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/716397---500m-over-two-years-will-kick-start-all-day-kindergarten-sources?bn=1

Not being in the province nor a teacher I can't comment on the unions. But it has been my understanding that the Ontario Teacher's Union has the largest pension fund of all funds in the country.

AS for the areas. I would look for other indicators rather that trying to find something in the school listings.

If you are looking for private schools then one has to look under that area. If you are looking for the most affluent area then one should look under stats Canada for those areas. Probably under postal codes.

Not sure exactly what you are looking for as an educator?

[Kerrytravelers]

6. As an educator, when contacting principals, I'd like to highlight why I might be a

particularly strong candidate for their school. So, for example, if they have a high population of students with learning disabilities, then I would highlight my work in this area. Or, if they have a high immigrant population that doesn't speak English, then I'd highlight my CLAD credential. It's really a matter of finding a niche and showing why I'd be an asset.

And, if there are major areas of concern regarding education in Toronto, I'd like to know more about that from a legitimate source rather than some right-winger fussing about the non-English speakers. I've been an educator in California all my professional life and although we're committed to going to Toronto, I'd like to know a bit more about the public schools and how to intelligently research prior to committing to a particular school.

[CHIMO]

7. Perhaps

Someone in the same field could join in.

Off hand, I would think that the Ontario government sites might give some indication of this. Or inferring that information from stats Canada.

Good luck in your endevours.