Tips to prepare for UFV’s teacher education program

To apply for the BEd program, you should have volunteer or work experience in a classroom with the age group you want to teach and in a setting that is different from your own school experience, as this will help you better understand your identity as a teacher. This experience strengthens your application and provides insight into the classroom environment.

What to do:

• Get involved in activities that help others learn, related to the BC K-12 curriculum.
• Use your skills and knowledge in subjects you enjoy and want to teach.
• Work with students from diverse backgrounds
• Show leadership or initiative in the classroom.

Remember to track your volunteer hours and reflect on what you’ve learned. This will help you explain your experiences in your application. Building relationships with teachers can also lead to strong references.

How to find volunteer opportunities

To start, search for volunteer opportunities with local school districts by typing “volunteer + School District Name” into your browser (e.g., “Chilliwack School District”). Here are local school districts to begin your search:

• Abbotsford School District
• Chilliwack School District
• Fraser-Cascade School District
• Langley School District
• Maple Ridge School District
• Mission School District

If you have questions about volunteering, contact the school district directly.

Select electives that align with your future teaching career and the BC K-12 curriculum. Here are some areas to focus on:

• The BC K-12 curriculum and school environment
• Developmental and diverse needs of children
• Indigenous People’s Knowledge (IPK)
• Specialization areas you wish to pursue like French or special education
• Courses aligned with the School of Education's values, such as diversity and social justice

By choosing electives that match the skills needed for teaching, you’ll be better prepared for the program and your future career.

Creating a network of contacts will help you grow in your career. Here’s how to build your PLN:

• Follow blogs and social media: Stay informed about teaching by following educational blogs, podcasts, and social media accounts. For example, follow Make a Future and subscribe to their newsletter for updates on opportunities and events.
• Attend workshops and events: Join workshops or seminars about teaching to build your knowledge and network. You can attend BC Teacher Regulation Branch’s Information Sessions to learn about teacher certification.
• Read resources: Learn from key documents like the BC Teacher Federation Code of Ethics. Subscribe to the BC Teacher’s Federation Teacher Magazine. Explore WorkBC Labour Market Information for Elementary School Teachers or Secondary School Teachers to understand earnings, job outlook, and areas of need.
• Take Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): Enrich your knowledge of current educational topics by taking courses like Reconciliation through Indigenous Education, Aboriginal Worldviews and Education, Anti-Racism Awareness, Learn Mental Health Literacy, Teach Mental Health Literacy, or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Community Non-Credit Course.

School districts may have extra requirements for jobs that go beyond teacher education programs and certification, especially for specialized roles. These requirements can vary across districts. It’s important to save PDFs of job postings for positions you’re interested in. This will help with course planning and getting ready for your future career. You can find job postings on Make a Future.

An informational interview is a conversation where you ask teachers or education professionals about their career path and advice for preparing for a teaching program. The goal is to get advice, not a job. Here’s how to ask for an informational interview:

• Be polite and professional when reaching out.
• Explain that you’re interested in becoming a teacher and are preparing for a teaching program.
• Make it clear that you want advice, not a job, and ask for a short 20-30 minute conversation.

Here are some questions you might ask:

• What steps did you take to decide on and prepare for your teacher education program?
• How did you balance your teacher education with other life responsibilities?
• What advice do you have for someone starting in an entry-level position in education?
• What trends in the profession should future teachers know about?

Your resume is an important part of your application. It should clearly demonstrate how you have prepared for a teaching program and future career in education.  

To help you create or improve your resume:

• Review UFV's resume handouts. 

• Keep your resume up to date with relevant work or volunteer experience, professional development, certifications, and other activities that showcase your readiness to teach.

• Use UFV Career Coaching services if you're a current UFV student. You can:

  • Book a one-on-one appointment for personalized feedback through CareerLink.

  • Attend a drop-in session for quick resume review and tips.

Your resume is your chance to show your strongest skills and experiences  that support your goals to becoming an educator. 

The BEd program is an intensive, full-time commitment that will likely require significant adjustments to your schedule and daily responsibilities. Teacher candidates are expected to attend in-person classes at the Mission campus from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, five days a week. In addition to coursework, teacher candidates participate in school visits, community-based learning, and practicum placements while in the program. Evenings and weekends are often dedicated to readings, assignments, and lesson planning.

Given these demands, it is essential to have open and ongoing conversations with your support network - family, friends, employers, and others in your life. Proactively discussing how your roles, responsibilities, boundaries, and availability may change will help set realistic expectations and foster the understanding and support you will need to succeed in the program.