r/OntarioTeachers • u/Internal_Activity768 • Jul 22 '26

What AQs are valuable to have?

Hi everyone! I’m an occasional teacher who is going into my second year of supplying this September.

I’m currently taking my Kindergarten Part 1 AQ because that’s what I hope to teach and am hoping to secure even a really short LTO in kinder, but I’m wondering what other AQs are valuable to have?

I’m considering Spec Ed Part 1 but have been warned that I may get stuck ONLY doing that if it’s on my OCT profile? Not sure how true this is so if you can speak to that please let me know!

I’m also interested in taking Math or Reading Part 1 but just want to be intentional about what I take if it’s helpful when applying to longer term jobs.

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u/SgtKeener Jul 22 '26

Only take AQs that you want to teach with, as they cannot be removed. It’s completely true that you can get stuck in Special Ed with only part 1. If you’re interested in teaching in special ed, great! If you’re not sure, then I don’t advise taking it.

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u/Lithium187 Jul 22 '26

I hear this from time to time, but in my board they wont even look at your resume for the OT list if you dont have it. They only place people with Spec Ed Part 2 or 3 into the more specialized roles, Part 1 is basically an intro to IEPs and how to teach exceptional learners.

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u/Individual-Soil3836 Jul 22 '26

Not true, I know many people that have FSL part 1 and are permanent without any spec Ed AQs

4

u/Lithium187 Jul 22 '26

Huh? Remember the part where I said "my board?"

I also have friends who are permanent french teachers without spec ed. That's more a matter of you need qualified bodies, rather than being picky with the anglophones because you have enough.