Program Overview

Introduction to the Teacher Education Program

The University of British Columbia offers a comprehensive Teacher Education Program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to excel in the teaching profession. This program is tailored to meet the diverse needs of students and the educational landscape, providing a solid foundation for a successful teaching career.

Program Structure

The Teacher Education Program at UBC is structured to include various specializations, such as:

• Elementary & Middle Years
• Secondary
• West Kootenay Rural Teacher Education Program (WKTEP)
• Indigenous Teacher Education Program (NITEP)
• Rural and Remote Teacher Education Program (RRED)
• Dual Degree
• Practicum
• Community Field Experience (CFE)
• French
• International Baccalaureate Option

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Teacher Education Program, applicants must meet specific academic and experience requirements. These include:

• Academic Requirements: Details on the necessary academic background and prerequisites.
• Experience Requirements: Information on the required experience and how it contributes to the program.
• How to Apply: A step-by-step guide on the application process.
• FAQS: Frequently Asked Questions about the application process and program requirements.
• Information Sessions & Advising: Opportunities for prospective students to learn more about the program.
• Transcripts: Requirements for submitting transcripts as part of the application.
• References: Guidelines on the references needed to support the application.
• Personal Profile: Instructions on how to prepare a personal profile for the application.
• Accessibility: Information on support services for students with disabilities.
• Information for Self-Identified Indigenous Applicants: Specific details for indigenous applicants.
• Information for Former Youth in Care Applicants: Support and information for applicants who are former youth in care.

Student Life and Support

Once enrolled, students have access to a range of resources and support services, including:

• Academic Calendar: Important dates and deadlines for the academic year.
• Advising: Academic advising to help students navigate the program.
• Attendance: Policies and expectations regarding attendance.
• Student Awards: Information on awards and scholarships available to students.
• Bachelor of Education Program Guidelines: Detailed guidelines on program requirements and expectations.
• Courses: List of courses offered as part of the program.
• Education Career Fair: Opportunities for students to explore career options.
• Fees: Information on tuition fees and other expenses.
• Graduation: Requirements and process for graduating from the program.
• Practicum Placement: Details on the practicum component of the program.
• Registration: Guide on how to register for courses.
  • Registration FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about registration.
• Resources for Teacher Candidates: Support services and resources available to students.
• Student Orientation: Information on the orientation process for new students.
• Teacher Certification: Requirements and process for obtaining teacher certification.

Teacher Certification

To teach in the public elementary, middle years, or secondary schools of British Columbia, a certificate of qualification is required. The Teaching Profession Act assigns authority to the Ministry of Education Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB) to issue teaching certificates and determine the classes of certificates of qualification issued. At the end of each program, the faculty reports to the TRB the names of students who have satisfied the requirements for BC teacher certification, including a copy of each teacher candidate’s UBC transcript. A copy of the UBC transcript is also forwarded to the Teacher Qualification Service (TQS).

Application to the Teacher Qualification Service

Teacher candidates can start their applications to the Teacher Qualification Service anytime. The TQS recommends submitting applications between one and six months before graduating, but no more than nine months prior to graduating. An application is held open for a maximum of one year before it is closed. If an application is closed, BEd program graduates would simply need to reapply. Any transcripts sent prior to an application being closed are kept and need not be resubmitted.

Exchange Courses/Credits

For students with exchange courses or credits transferred from an international exchange university, if the exchange credit/course is not listed in detail on the program transcript, the TRB and TQS will require the original transcript. Detail means that the course name and subject are listed individually on the transcript, not a general statement of transfer. For example, ENGL 3rd “3 credits” is not sufficient, whereas ENGL 320 3 credits is acceptable.