The Ontario government is investing $55.8 million to expand teaching training seats at universities across the province to strengthen the teaching workforce and ensure Ontario has the teachers it needs in underserved and remote communities. This investment will train up to 2,600 new teachers by 2027, building a robust workforce of English and French-language teachers for Ontario's classrooms. To support the government's plan to protect Ontario by helping train students for successful careers and good-paying, in-demand jobs, the funding will be prioritized to support underserved communities as well as programs that will help students gain practical skills.
"Teachers play a vital role in ensuring our children receive a strong start to their education and future careers," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "Through this investment, our government is protecting our children's future by expanding teaching capacity and bringing more highly qualified teachers to communities across Ontario."
In advance of the fall 2025 school year, 13 of Ontario's publicly funded universities that offer a Bachelor of Education will receive funding to expand their teaching program. Funding will be prioritized to expand seats at universities with accelerated programs, French and technological education, as well as seats in northern, rural, Indigenous and remote regions to add more teachers to regions that need teachers most.
Students interested in education careers can visit My Career Journey to learn more about becoming an elementary and kindergarten teacher or a secondary school teacher.
"We are focused on helping students succeed, and that begins with having qualified and ready teachers in every classroom," said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. "By expanding teacher training seats in high-demand areas like French, technology and in rural and northern communities, we're helping schools fill gaps and giving students the support they need for the jobs of tomorrow."
Through the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the Ontario government continues to strategically invest in Ontario's colleges and universities in order to equip students with the skills that launch them into rewarding jobs and careers that address Ontario's labour market needs. By increasing the province's pipeline of highly skilled teachers, Ontario is ensuring children across the province receive the strong start they need to lead fulfilling, successful lives.
Quick Facts
- 12,111 full-time students are enrolled in teacher education programs at Ontario universities for the 2024-25 academic year.
- Approximately 4,500 additional teacher candidates enter the workforce every year through the Ontario government's Initial Teacher Education program that receives $60 million annually to build the teaching workforce in the province.
- Since 2018, Ontario has added approximately 961 additional French and English language teacher education spaces on top of the 9,000 teacher seats Ontario funds annually.
- In 2025-26, the Ontario government is investing $30.3 billion in Core Education Funding to focus key resources where they matter most: student success.
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