Niagara University offers quality graduate programs in elementary (primary/junior) and secondary (intermediate/senior) concentrations (Teachers College), and advanced programs in educational leadership. Thousands of alumni from Ontario have already attended Niagara University. More than twenty Ontario school boards have Niagara University practicum placements, with even more participating in the recruitment of graduates.

With written consent under the Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and accreditation by the Ontario College of Teachers for teacher education programs with Niagara University in Ontario offers:

• A proven record of quality programs in education
• Full-time doctoral faculty with extensive leadership experiences and knowledge of curriculum, assessment and policy in the province of Ontario
• Ongoing professional learning through OCT approved Additional Qualifications courses.
• Programs based on current data, theory and research
• Convenient on-site classes in the Greater Toronto Area

These features place Niagara University at the head of the class.

Education at Niagara University seeks to prepare teachers and educational leaders who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to serve others and who embody the values and practices of their respective professions.

The Spirit of Niagara

For more than 150 years, Niagara University has provided outstanding educational opportunities to thousands of undergraduate and graduate students from all walks of life. A Catholic, liberal arts institution founded by the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), Niagara is a uniquely values-centered university with top accreditations in our academic programs, serving over 3,500 students in more than 50 fields of study.

Niagara University in Ontario offers a bachelor’s degree in teacher education with programs in primary — junior and intermediate — senior teacher preparation and a master’s degree in educational leadership. These programs are offered with written consent of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The teacher education program is accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers.

Earning Your Bachelor of Teacher Education

Niagara University in Ontario offers two programs leading to the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Teacher Education:

Elementary Certification: Primary-Junior

• Primary: Junior Kindergarten — Grade 3
• Junior: Grade 4 — Grade 6

Secondary Certification: Intermediate-Senior

• Intermediate: Grade 7 – Grade 10
• Senior: Grade 11 – Grade 12

Both programs are four terms, 60 credit hours, with more than 650 hours of integrated practicum field experience. All course work and and field experiences are completed in Ontario.

Cohort-Based Programs Enhance Your Learning Experience

The cohort approach takes a diverse group of students and creates a  community of teacher-learners. You’ll attend courses and field experiences with a specific group, earning your degrees together in a professional learning community. Extraordinarily noncompetitive, cohort-based learning ensures that the learning of each individual will assist the learning of all others in the group.

This model is based on the princples of constructivism and reflective practice, which foster cooperative learning and are consistent with research findings on successful professional growth practices. In addition, the programs include a focus on literacy and the special needs of all learners while embedding practicum experiences across all terms of study. Candidates and professors alike benefit from the positive and dynamic learning experience.

Earning Your Master of Science in Educational Leadership

This 36 credit-hour master’s program is for individuals in Ontario and holds written consent under the Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. Courses are offered on site in Ontario and provide advanced study in theory/research of educational leadership balanced with practical application. The courses are taught by qualified professors from Ontario with extensive school/leadership experiences and knowledge of “best practices” in school administration.

The educational leadership program prepares candidates for leadership roles. Classroom teachers may want to enroll in the educational leadership program to prepare themselves to serve in a variety of leadership roles with their school and board (team leaders, chairpersons, coordinators, vice principals, principals, and supervisory officers).

Additional Qualification Courses

Niagara University supports Ontario teachers through its OCT approved Additional Qualifications courses. These courses are completely online and cover a wide range of topics. For more information go to www.https://niagarau.ca/academics/programs/additional-qualifications/.

Academic Excellence

Niagara University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Our business programs are AACSB-accredited by The International Association for Management Education. Our programs in education are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, The Ontario College of Teachers and has Ontario Ministerial Consent through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The university is a member of the American Council on Education, the Association of University Evening Colleges, the College Entrance Examination Board, the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, the Council of Graduate Studies in the United States, the Middle Atlantic Association of Colleges of Business Administration, the American Library Association, and other organizations.

Outstanding Faculty

All classes are taught by Ph.D.s or professionally qualified faculty. They are widely published in first-tier journals and have presented their research nationally and internationally. Faculty members are committed to experiential learning, often involving students in their research. In addition, many faculty members, especially in the graduate and professional programs, bring extensive real-world experience to their lectures and research, enriching the educational experience and providing you with valuable insights into issues affecting your profession and career.

Successful Alumni

As a Niagara alumnus, you’ll join more than 33,000 graduates who enjoy success in a wide and varied array of careers. The university maintains a close relationship with alumni through our alumni magazine, the Eagle, keeping graduates informed about their university and classmates. Regional alumni chapters across the country sponsor sports outings, golf tournaments, cocktail parties, dinners and more to help you keep in touch with the greater NU community of alumni, faculty, friends and benefactors wherever you go.