Certification
It is important for all OTs to get a certification rating from QECO as soon as possible after you have worked one day for the Board. At this point union dues will have been paid, making you an official OSSTF member. It only affects your earnings while on an LTO or a permanent position, however if a daily position stretches into an eleventh day, then you pay would correspond with your grid rate for each day from the start of the position. Of particular note to teacher with previous work experience, either with another Board, summer/night school, or employment in another sector as an educator, you must provide the BWDSB with official documentation from another employer to ensure your years of teaching experience can be added to your grid placement. This is separate from your Certification Rating Statement and you should do this immediately upon being hired.
QECO Certification Rating Statements
Certification Rating Statements are used to determine the pay rate for teachers by placing them in one of four possible groups. The instructions for obtaining an evaluation from QECO can vary based on whether a teacher is a first-time applicant, requesting a category change, etc. Instructions for obtaining a QECO evaluation can be found at: qeco.on.ca/?page_id=109
QECO does not accept paper applications. The application process for an OSSTF/FEESO Certification evaluation from QECO is fully electronic. QECO’s electronic application can be found at: applications.qeco.on.ca
Once an eligible teacher is evaluated based on QECO regulations, a Statement of Evaluation is issued by QECO to the teacher.
Your Statement of Evaluation must be submitted to the school board by the teacher for appropriate salary category placement.
All teachers must be evaluated by QECO to be considered for a placement beyond Category A1 by their school board. Be mindful of any school board deadlines found in your Collective Agreement and apply early since a QECO evaluation may take several weeks to complete, especially during the fall and spring.
OSSTF/FEESO teacher/occasional teacher members are reminded that it is their individual responsibility to keep QECO apprised of any additions to their qualifications. QECO conducts category evaluations based on the formal instructions of the teacher as verified by a completed application.
QECO Certification Rating Statements
Certification Rating Statements are used to determine the pay rate for teachers by placing them in one of four possible groups. The instructions for obtaining an evaluation from QECO can vary based on whether a teacher is a first-time applicant, requesting a category change, etc. Instructions for obtaining a QECO evaluation can be found at: qeco.on.ca/?page_id=109
QECO does not accept paper applications. The application process for an OSSTF/FEESO Certification evaluation from QECO is fully electronic. QECO’s electronic application can be found at: applications.qeco.on.ca
Once an eligible teacher is evaluated based on QECO regulations, a Statement of Evaluation is issued by QECO to the teacher.
Your Statement of Evaluation must be submitted to the school board by the teacher for appropriate salary category placement.
All teachers must be evaluated by QECO to be considered for a placement beyond Category A1 by their school board. Be mindful of any school board deadlines found in your Collective Agreement and apply early since a QECO evaluation may take several weeks to complete, especially during the fall and spring.
OSSTF/FEESO teacher/occasional teacher members are reminded that it is their individual responsibility to keep QECO apprised of any additions to their qualifications. QECO conducts category evaluations based on the formal instructions of the teacher as verified by a completed application.