Teach K-6 (KITEP - Primary/Junior Specialization)
The Keewatinase Indigenous Teacher Education Program (KITEP) – Primary/Junior specialization is a diploma program leading to certification with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). It provides a safe, wholistic learning environment where teacher candidates strengthen their identities and bring their emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental selves into their teaching and communities. A key objective is to model how teaching can be grounded in Anishinaabe ways of knowing, seeing, doing, and being, aligning with Indigenous pedagogies and integrating family, community, and healing. For an overview of the program, see the KITEP informational pamphlet.
Program Length
The program can be completed over two years of full-time study, or up to six years part-time. The two-year program is divided by seasons, with summer courses starting in July, followed by courses in the Fall, Winter, and Spring.
Courses
Courses in KITEP include two culture camps, community-led teaching and learning courses, and online courses that address subject-specific curriculum. See the KITEP - Primary/Junior specialization Program Components.
Practicum Experience
In addition to the course work, KITEP includes an 80-day (400 hours) teaching practicum that is divided into two teaching blocks, with each block being 30-50 days in duration, for a total of 80 days. See the KITEP Teaching Practicum Guide for further details, along with the Teaching Practicum Resources for Students page.
Multi-Session Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration
After completing the first Summer/Fall session, which includes 2.0 Full Course Equivalents (FCEs) and a 10-day supervised practicum, students are eligible to teach under the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) Multi-Session Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration (MTCQR). See the Applying for a Multi-Sessional Transitional Certificate Qualifications and Registration (MTCQR): Flowchart.
Program Learning Outcomes
The Program Learning Outcomes are made up of eight Teaching and Learning Goals.
Applicants
KITEP - Primary/Junior specialization welcomes applicants of Indigenous ancestry who are eligible under the Ontario College of Teachers Indigenous Ancestry Pathway, as well as non-Indigenous applicants who hold an undergraduate degree. Additional information is provided in the application process.