A QECO evaluation is based on individual academic achievement as determined by Program 5. Earning the highest possible category placement is an assurance to schools and school boards of a teacher’s credibility and expertise as an educator. For the teacher, it is an essential component in ensuring fair compensation for their qualifications and knowledge.
A QECO placement makes the teacher a more attractive candidate, and employers can rely on a consistent standard of excellence among prospective hires.
Not in Category A4 yet? Apply to QECO yearly!
Rapid changes in education are a constant. Many of the factors that affect a teacher’s QECO category placement can change just as rapidly. These include:
- Ongoing recognition of new acceptable academic institutions, both domestic and abroad;
- Changes that affect the acceptability of some course providers;
- Changes with the increase in Additional Qualification course providers;
- Legislative changes which can all have an influence on teachers’ upgrading routes;
- Changes to QECO regulations which can affect a teacher’s category placement.
QECO strongly urges all teachers who have not yet reached Category A4 to formally apply for re-evaluation on a regular basis, at least once each year, to ensure they are following the most direct route to a higher category. This advice is particularly important to teachers whose academic qualifications were obtained outside of Ontario.
Remember, too, that requesting regular upgrading advice can only be of advantage to a teacher. It will never be of harm, nor will it “undo” a teacher’s progress. Furthermore, QECO upgrading advice never “expires”. QECO will always honour it.
Applying is easier than ever!
The QECO/COEQ application is online. There is only one application form, and it covers all formal requests. It can also pull a teacher’s credentials and qualifications directly from their OCT Certificate of Qualification and Registration.
Ready to apply?
Teachers can head to apps.qeco.ca to get started, and they can contact QECO anytime with any questions.