QECO and your category rating

QECO (the Qualifications Evaluation Council of Ontario) was created 40 years ago by OECTA, ETFO and AEFO (three of the four teacher unions in Ontario) to provide an equitable evaluation plan for teacher salary recognition based solely on specific academic criteria. The QECO evaluation of degree holding teachers who are members of one of the above-mentioned affiliates can result in one of four category placements: Category A1 through Category A4. These category placements will determine your rate of salary for your entire teaching career.

Once an eligible teacher is evaluated, a Statement of Evaluation is issued which must be submitted to the school board for appropriate salary category placement. All university degree-holding teachers must be evaluated by QECO to be considered for a placement beyond Category A1.

If you are not yet at Category A4:

Changes over time occur with the ongoing recognition of new acceptable academic institutions, both domestic and abroad; changes that affect the acceptability of some course providers; changes with the increase in Additional Qualification course providers; and some legislative changes that can all have an influence on teachers’ upgrading routes.

QECO strongly urges all who have not yet reached Category A4 to formally apply for upgrading advice or for re-evaluation on a yearly basis to ensure they are following the most expedient route to a higher category. This advice is particularly important to teachers whose academic qualifications were obtained outside of Ontario.

Every time you take a new university course or additional or basic qualification course, you should apply to QECO for re-evaluation. The onus is on YOU to provide this information to QECO - it is NOT provided to QECO by the course providers.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you must apply to QECO in a timely fashion and provide proof of this application to the Durham District school board.

• In order to receive a salary adjustment as of September 1st, ALL course work must be completed before the beginning of school in September, and your new Statement of Evaluation MUST be provided to the Board by the last teaching day in December. If it is delayed, you MUST let the Board know this prior to the last teaching day in December.
• In order to receive a salary adjustment as of January 1st, ALL course work must be completed before December 31, and your new Statement of Evaluation MUST be provided to the Board by May 31st. If it is delayed, you MUST let the Board know this prior to May 31st.

For more information about QECO, click on the title of today's post to access information from ETFO, or visit the QECO website at www.qeco.on.ca