Information Session - We will be hosting an online information session on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 12:30pm on the Waaban Indigenous Teacher Education program.
Learn More
The session will cover the following:
- Bachelor of Education (BEd) program overview
- Application process and deadlines
- Course offering for the teaching certifications (Primary/Junior and Junior/Intermediate)
- Funding opportunities
- Practicum experiences
Please register via: https://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/KBGqGNI3TRaJxQzmijEGzg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We are looking forward to meeting you.
Welcome to Waaban –– hear from Wuleelham Director and assistant professor John Hupfield
An accelerated 16-month program rooted in Indigenous worldviews and ways of knowing
In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action, York University’s Faculty of Education in collaboration with the Toronto District School Board’s Urban Indigenous Education Centre, offers admission to a special cohort of students who will complete the Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree with a focus on Indigenous worldviews. Waaban Indigenous Teacher Education prepares a new generation of educators to address the needs of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students, families and communities.
Waaban is an Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) word meaning “it is tomorrow.” This special BEd cohort prepares Indigenous educators to support First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students, families, and communities.
The next scheduled Waaban Indigenous cohort will be offered in the 2026/2027 academic year, May 2026.
- Early Acceptance deadline - Apply by early December 2025 and submit the supplementary form, references and transcript(s) by mid December 2025.
- Final application deadline - January 15, 2026.
- Applicants are encouraged to apply sooner as the deadline to submit the supporting documents (Next Steps ) for Admission review is January 20, 2026.
Why Choose Waaban?
Accelerated timeline – earn your BEd and start teaching in Ontario schools in just 16 months
Waaban is an accelerated pathway: complete your degree in four consecutive terms (Summer–Fall–Winter–Summer) and begin your teaching career sooner
Give back and make a difference – strengthen and serve the communities that raised you
This program is community-centred, designed to prepare teachers who will contribute their knowledge and skills where they are needed most
Learn in balance – with a focus on wellness and work-life balance
Courses are rooted in Indigenous approaches to teaching and learning, with attention to wholistic well-being, balance, and sustainability in your education journey
Inspire the next generation – prepare future Indigenous learners to thrive
Graduates will be ready to support student success in culturally relevant and empowering ways, guided by Indigenous knowledge and pedagogy
Create safe and supportive spaces – foster culturally affirming classrooms where Indigenous students feel seen and valued
Waaban prepares educators to create inclusive learning environments where Indigenous voices, perspectives, and identities are fostered and nurtured
Program Overview
Teacher Certification
Graduates will be recommended to the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) in:
- Primary–Junior (JK–Grade 6)
- Junior–Intermediate (Grade 4–10)
Practicum Placements
Students participate in school practicum placements to gain hands-on experience in Ontario schools, an essential requirement for the BEd degree. Placements are available in the following school boards:
- Dufferin-Peel Catholic Distict School Board
- Peel District School Board
- Toronto District School Board
- Toronto Catholic District School Board
- York Region District School Board
- York Catholic District School Board
Course Locations
- Summer terms: York University Keele Campus
- Fall/Winter terms: Toronto District School Board’s Urban Indigenous Education Centre (16 Phin Ave., Toronto).
Note: some courses may be offered on the Keele campus in the Fall/Winter terms
Who Can Apply?
- Indigenous Applicants: First Nation (Status/Non-Status), Métis, Inuit.
- With a university degree → Eligible for Primary–Junior or Junior–Intermediate divisions.
- With a secondary school diploma only (i.e., without a university degree)→ Eligible for Primary–Junior division.
- Please note Indigenous candidates without a degree will be required to present proof of Indigenous ancestry to the Ontario College of Teachers when applying for teaching certification upon program completion.
Note: Applicants without a degree must provide proof of Indigenous ancestry to the Ontario College of Teachers when applying for certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apply to Waaban Indigenous Teacher Education (BEd) – May 2026 Cohort
Application Deadline:
January 15, 2026
