CONT626: Religious Education in Catholic Schools Specialist

Course Schedule

Course Description

This specialist course in religious education in Catholic Schools will prepare you for leadership in Catholic education. The course focuses on analyzing policies and legislation, implementing equity-driven approaches including Indigenous perspectives, and integrating research insights to inform instructional practice. You will be equipped to design innovative, faith-based solutions, inspire staff, and cultivate dynamic Catholic learning environments. You’ll develop a school-wide, faith-based initiative, applying advanced pedagogical, theological, and leadership principles to foster spiritual development and address school community needs.

What You Will Learn and Do

In this course you’ll have the opportunity to

• develop leadership skills in religious education grounded in Catholic identity and gospel values
• analyze provincial legislation, policies, and Church documents relevant to Catholic education
• evaluate faith-based initiatives and programs for their impact on learning, equity, and community formation
• design innovative, inclusive initiatives that align with Catholic social teaching and school improvement goals
• synthesize theological, pedagogical, and leadership principles to inform professional decision making
• interpret and apply Catholic curriculum expectations to support faith formation across subject areas
• collaborate with colleagues, parish, and community partners to strengthen Catholic learning environments
• integrate Indigenous perspectives, equity frameworks, and UNDRIP principles into faith-based leadership
• lead professional learning communities that model spiritual, ethical, and instructional excellence
• reflect critically on your vocation as a Catholic educator and your capacity for lifelong leadership and service

Application Requirements

1) OCT Membership showing completion of Part 2.

2) CONFIRMATION OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE FORM

Signed by a Supervisory Official* from your School Board confirming that you have two years (388 days) of teaching experience since becoming a certified teacher, one year (194 days) of which is in the subject area of this course.

*The Ontario College of Teachers defines "Supervisory Official" as the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent of the school board for a teacher employed by a Board of Education.

A principal or headmaster is not recognized in this capacity. For a teacher employed by a private school, the "supervisory official" is the Ministry of Education official (Education Officer) appointed to your school. For overseas experience the appropriate Supervisory Official is the person your Principal reports to.

Please note that a new form is always required for a Part 3 (Specialist) course as experience is course/subject specific.

Please email a copy of your Confirmation of Teaching Experience Form to cedmail@queensu.ca

Course Materials

Accommodations

Applicants who require accommodations for a specific learning need (e.g., learning disability) within their AQ/ABQ course, should click here for further information and support.

Have a question? Contact us!

Refund Schedule

• If you drop a course by the midpoint of the course, you will receive 100% of your course fee
• If you drop a course after the midpoint, before the end of the course, you will receive 50% of your course fee

For more about our refund policies, visit our Fees & Refunds page.