Every teacher employed in the primary/elementary/secondary schools of this province, is required by law to hold a valid Newfoundland and Labrador teaching certificate.  There are four basic teaching certificates which, in general terms, represent increasingly higher levels of approved degree programs and additional years of university study.  Teaching certificates are endorsed according to the type of professional study completed: primary/elementary; secondary; or primary/elementary/secondary.  There are no endorsements for subject areas.  Certificate holders may teach any subject area within the grade level endorsement which they hold.

Minimum Requirements for Initial Certification

1.  An applicant requesting certification must hold an approved education degree from Memorial University or the equivalent as determined by the Registrar of Teacher Certification.

2.  Generally, the minimum academic/professional requirements for a teacher certificate include a four-year academic degree (beyond Newfoundland and Labrador Grade 12) with a major in a teachable subject area, plus a one-year or two-year education degree. However, a four or five-year education degree with a concentration in primary, elementary, or secondary education may also be accepted.

How to Apply for Initial Teaching Certification

To evaluate your request for a teaching certificate, the following documents must be sent to the address provided at the end of this notice.

1.  A completed application form*.

2.  A photocopy of proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a Canadian birth certificate, passport, or Canadian citizenship certificate or card.

3.  Complete and return with your application the Confidential Disclosure and Criminal Record Check form*.

4.  An official Statement of Professional Standing from all provinces, states or countries where you hold or held a teaching certificate.  This statement must be sent directly from the issuing authority to this office.

5.  Official transcripts sent directly from the university or universities where studies were completed.  Also, transcripts must show conferral of your degree(s).  Student copies or unofficial transcripts are not accepted.

6.  A certified cheque or money order made payable to the Newfoundland Exchequer Account or credit card payment, to cover the evaluation fee.  See the enclosed fee schedule*, and instructions.

7.  Official statements of teaching service, on the forms provided by this office, must be completed by your previous employer(s) and returned directly to this office by that employer.
Statement of Teaching Service (K-12)
Statement of Post-Secondary Teaching Service

8.  A statement of professional competency (reference letter) from your school principal or superintendent, if you have prior teaching experience.

9.  If you have changed your name, a photocopy of the official document authorizing your change of name.

Classification for Salaries

Salary classification is determined on a salary grid according to the certificate level awarded, level 4, 5, 6, or 7 and the years of teaching experience recognized under provisions of the teachers' collective agreements.

Teacher Certification Upgrading

All studies beyond those completed for your initial certification must have PRIOR written approval from the Registrar of Teacher Certification.  Direct your inquiries to the registrar of teacher certification well in advance of your plans to begin an additional program of study.  Since the options and requirements may change over time it is essential that you consult with the registrar of teacher certification to have your plans for certification up-grading approved in advance of any course/program registration.

• Options
• Application Instruction
• Teacher Certification Upgrading Application
• Fee Schedule

Employment

There is no central employment agency for teachers in Newfoundland and Labrador.  You are advised to contact the school district offices, the provincial college, or private colleges for information regarding employment opportunities.

Questions

If you have any further questions regarding teacher certification in Newfoundland and Labrador, please write:

Registrar of Teacher Certification
Department of Education
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
A1B 4J6
or
call:  (709) 729-3020
fax  (709) 729-5026
email:  robparsons@gov.nl.ca

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