How to Become a Teacher
Becoming a teacher in BC - what are my options?
Generally, if you intend to become a teacher in British Columbia you must plan to spend approximately five years in full-time study at a post-secondary institution. You may choose to study on a part-time basis, but this lengthens the time it takes to complete your credential(s) and become qualified to teach.
Teacher education options in British Columbia are available in three areas: Elementary Education (Grades 1 - 5), Middle School Education (Grades 6 - 8), and Secondary School Education (Grades 9 - 12). Some elementary education programs, such as UFV's TEP can cover both elementary and middle school preparation.
Teacher education programs in BC - how are they organized?
The five years of study are divided into two areas:
a) the academic, or university portion of your education, where you learn about what you will teach (eg. English, History, Math, etc.),
and
b) the teacher education portion of you education, where you will learn to teach what you have learned:
a) the academic, or university portion: can be one, two, three or four years of full-time study during which time you (ideally) take courses in the subject area(s) in which you will teach. How much time you spend in this area depends on several variables - e.g. how much time you want to spend at an institution that is close to home and convenient for you to attend, which teacher training option you choose, the university you choose to complete your teacher training program, and whether you attend on a full or part-time basis. Each program and institution you apply to attend will have its own set of entrance requirements which you must complete. At UFV the academic or university portion is an undergraduate degree (Bachelor degree).
b) the teacher education portion: can be five, four, three, two or one year(s) of study during which time you will: a) complete the requirements for the teacher education program, i.e. learning how to teach, and b) put that learning into practice by going out on extended teaching practica. At this time, the teacher education portion of the program can be taken on a full-time basis only. At UFV the teacher education portion is the TEP after the completion of a four year undergraduate program (Bachelor degree).
Putting together an educational plan that meets your needs and interests:
The structures of teacher education programs vary, depending on the institution and the option you choose. At UFV the Teacher Education Program is a post baccalaureate professional program. In other words it is a one year program after applicants have completed a bachelors degree. Other universities in B.C., such as the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and the University of Victoria (UVIC) have other options. Not all options are available at all universities, not all universities support every secondary teachable subject.
Elementary Education options (5 years total)
Middle and Secondary School Education options (5 years total)
Teacher Education in British Columbia:
UFV's Teacher Education Program
University of British Columbia
Simon Fraser University (PDP)
Simon Fraser University (Faculty of Education)
University of Victoria
Vancouver Island University
UBC - Okanagan
Thompson Rivers University
Trinity Western University
University of Northern British Columbia
Click here for more information on education programs across Canada.
