Teacher Education

WELCOME TO TEACHER EDUCATION

Do you dream of inspiring your own classroom of students? For aspiring K-12 teachers in B.C., our leading-edge programs offer unique pathways to the profession from any stage in your career. Here, you’ll learn from expert faculty and practitioners, explore strategies for advancing diversity, inclusivity and Indigeneity in education, and join a professional community of leaders prepared to teach the next generation of students across the province.

TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Our teacher education programs are designed to support educators at every stage of their career, so they can make life-long learning a part of their journey.

PROGRAMS IN ENGLISH

Professional Development Program (PDP)

To date, our Professional Development Program (PDP) has developed more than 20,000 teachers, making us one of the oldest and most successful teaching programs in British Columbia. Now this same program can help you explore educational theories, ideas and innovation, so you inspire future generations of students.

Designed for

Aspiring elementary and secondary school teachers in B.C.   

Program Structure

Four full-time semesters that combine professional coursework, multiple field experiences and a teaching practicum.  

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Professional Linking Program (PLP)

The Professional Linking Program (PLP) provides a flexible teacher education program that helps B.C. paraprofessionals, such as student support workers, education assistants and child and youth care workers, become certified as teachers in British Columbia. This unique program allows learners to continue working while they pursue their certification.

Starting Fall Semester - September 2024:

The PLP has been remodelled in response to the updated Ministry requirements and Standards for Teacher Education Programs.

Designed for

Student support workers, education assistants, counsellors and other working B.C. paraprofessionals looking to become K-12 teachers in B.C.

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Professional Qualification Program (PQP)

Program on hiatus.

Alaska Highway Consortium on Teacher Education (AHCOTE)

In its nearly thirty years of existence, the AHCOTE program – a joint teacher education program offered by SFU, Northern Lights College, School Districts 59, 60, 81, and local teacher associations – has produced hundreds of graduates who now work in school districts across the region and beyond.

Designed for

Aspiring elementary and secondary school teachers interested in working and living in Northern British Columbia.  

Program Structure

Four full-time semesters that combine professional coursework, multiple field experiences and a teaching practicum.

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Professional Linking Program (PLP) Peace Region

Do you have a minimum of two years of experience working in schools? Are you currently working in schools on a Letter of Permission?

Designed for

Student support workers, education assistants, counsellors and other working paraprofessionals looking to become K-12 teachers in Northern B.C.

Program Structure

Three part-time semesters and one full-time summer semester designed to accommodate busy work schedules.  

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Helping Ease Access for Returning Teachers (HEART)

If you’ve been out of the classroom for a while, the HEART program can help you can get reacquainted with the B.C. school system, update your teaching experience, and get recertified.

Designed for

Teachers who need to recertify in British Columbia. It also acts as a refresher program for teachers who have been out of the classroom for some time.

Program Structure

One semester that involves a two-week orientation on-campus, followed by a 10–12-week practicum in a B.C. public school.  

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PROGRAMS IN FRENCH

Qualified French teachers are in extremely high demand in all the French programs in British Columbia and in Canada (Core French, French Immersion and Francophone Program). Teacher Education programs in French offer students access to rewarding careers upon graduation.

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PDP French Module

Take the Professional Development Program (PDP) - French Module to prepare yourself to teach in Core French, French Immersion, or Francophone Program at the elementary or secondary level. The French Module focuses on the specific context of teaching French or other subjects in French in British Columbia.

Designed for

Aspiring French-speaking elementary and secondary school teachers in British Columbia.

Program Structure

Four full-time semesters that combine professional coursework, multiple field experiences and a teaching practicum.
The PDP - French Module is mainly taught in French, but some courses and seminars will be in English.

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PLP in French

The Professional Linking Program (PLP) provides a flexible teacher education program that helps paraprofessionals, such as student support workers, education assistants and child and youth care workers, become certified teachers in British Columbia. This unique program allows learners to continue working while they pursue their certification and prepares them to teach in Core French, French Immersion or Francophone Program.

Designed for

French-speaking student support workers, education assistants, counsellors and other working paraprofessionals looking to become K-12 teachers in British Columbia.

Program Structure

Three part-time semesters and one full-time summer semester designed to accommodate busy work schedules. Student teachers in this program complete their EDUC 404 (summer) coursework and practicum in French. Based on enrollment levels, the complete program (all semesters and praticum) may be offered in French.

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CERTIFICATES

Professional Practices Certificate

This certificate helps teachers who have enrolled in either PQP or HEART upgrade their skills to current contextual perspectives and school practices.

Designed for

Student teachers admitted in the Professional Qualification Program (PQP) or the Helping Ease Access for Returning Teachers Program (HEART).

Program Structure

To obtain the Professional Practices Certificate, students must achieve a minimum 2.0 grade point average, calculated on all Simon Fraser University courses applied to the program, with the exception that duplicate courses are counted only once. In addition, students complete an additional three upper division EDUC courses (12 units).

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Where to start? and where to go?

Use our interactive guide to explore programs that fit your interests and goals.

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PATHWAYS

No matter where you start, teacher education at SFU prepares you for a rewarding career as an educator in British Columbia and beyond.

SEE WHERE EDUCATION CAN TAKE YOU 

A passion for teaching and learning. That’s what students our Teacher Education programs have in common. Explore their stories here.

Meet Sofie Van De Keere

Sofie Van De Keere is looking to become a British Columbia elementary teacher.

Meet Glenn Ross

Glenn Ross is looking to enhance the field of pedagogy.

Meet Oana Sfat

Program alumni Oana Sfat is currently a faculty member at Simon Fraser University.

TEACHER EDUCATION FEATURES

Benefits of a Cohort Model

Teaching is grounded in relationships. The cohort model offers student teachers important opportunities to build close working relationships with their peers, teacher educators and practicing K-12 teachers.

Indigeneity in Teacher Education

We bring a deep reverence for Indigenous learning and interconnectedness to everything we do and are committed to meaningful, ongoing reconciliation.

Unique Staffing Model

Faculty Associates, School Associates, Coordinators and Community Partners bring important perspective and mentorship to student teachers enrolled in our teacher education programs.

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UPCOMING INFORMATION SESSIONS

Join us for an upcoming information session to learn more about our programs, faculty and student experience.

CONTACT US

Questions? We’re here to help guide your journey with the Faculty of Education.

For general inquiries, contact the Teacher Education Office.