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Professional Development Program
Your K-12 teaching career starts here. Get certified to teach in B.C. schools, and further afield, through one of the oldest and most successful teaching programs in B.C. (20,000 new teachers and counting). Explore teaching theory, develop effective teaching skills and equip yourself to develop a long-lasting, rewarding teaching career.
Next Start Date: September
Delivery Method: In-person
Estimated Total Tuition: $13,000
Location: SFU campuses and school placements
Application Deadline
SFU Undergraduate Application Period: October 1 to January 31 at 4:00 PM (PT)PDP Broad-based Supplemental Application Period: October 1 to February 8 at 4:00 PM (PT)
PDP Broad-based Supplemental Application Early Submission Deadline: November 30
This program is ideal for:
We designed the PDP for aspiring elementary and secondary school teachers in British Columbia.
Program Structure
- 16-month program consisting of 4 terms
- In-person classes
- Field experiences
- Teaching practicum
- For French Module: bilingual module taught mainly in French, with some course material and seminars in English
Intake Schedule
The Professional Development Program accepts applications on an annual basis in the Fall term
Next Term Intake
- Fall 2027
Program Design
Over 16 months, students uncover their motives for teaching, explore teaching theory and practices, and learn how to use critical inquiry and reflection as tools for ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.
Graduates qualify for a B.C. Ministry of Education teaching certificate that enables you to teach K-12 in B.C. public schools—and in many other countries around the world. PDP students can complete a Bachelor of Education (BEd) as a second degree without adding extra time or cost to the program.
TEACHER CERTIFICATION
Professional Teaching Certificate (Non-Expiring)
Upon completion of the PDP, a Professional Teaching Certificate is issued to PDP students who have completed a Bachelor's degree and all of the required prerequisite coursework.
To teach K-12 in B.C. schools, student teachers must meet the teacher certification requirements set out by the Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB) of the B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care.
In some cases, the PDP's requirements may be higher than the TRB's. This is because the PDP is designed to prepare teachers for the challenges of K–12 schooling in B.C., while the TRB must also consider inter-provincial certification.
FRENCH MODULE
The French Module enables you to receive a customized education program to teach French or in French as a second language, such as in Core French, French Immersion or Francophone programs. Taking the Minor in French Education as part of the BEd as a second degree will give you adequate preparation for teaching French in minority contexts and provides you with skills and knowledge that will serve you well throughout your career.
With the support of SFU's Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA), we offer language and identity support to help you build your confidence and continue to learn French and in French. You will also have access to a variety of social and professional activities offered in French and bursaries and awards exclusive to PDP - French module students, worth up to $10,000.
TERM 1: EDUC 400 - Foundations of Education & Schooling (15 units)
Start your learning journey by exploring the historical, philosophical, social and cultural foundations of education and schooling. Join a Professional Learning Community (PLC) to focus on the development of professional orientations and identities that recognize the expectations and responsibilities of practicing teachers. You also start your inquiry into Indigenous Education and Inclusive Education as an important basis for EDUC 401/402, and the remainder of the program.
For EDUC 400, large group seminars and required reading are in English – even for the French Module.
French Module Students
EDUC 410 - Linguistic and Professional Identities of Bi/Plurilingual Teachers of French (4 units - optional)
1 time per week - elective course that counts toward the summer session (EDUC 404) and toward the French Education Minor.
In this optional course, you will be invited to reflect upon your identity as speakers of French as an additional language and how this identity might intersect with the construction of your professional identity as teachers of French. Understanding the complexities of your identity will give you access to a sense of ownership of language.
Some parts of the course will be taught in French and others in English.
TERM 2: EDUC 401/402 - Integration of Theory & Practice (15 units)
During the second term of the PDP (January - April), you will continue your transition from student to teacher by joining a module — a small group of student teachers who work with dedicated teacher educators to explore Education through a particular lens. In your module, you will participate in seminars and workshops that promote critical inquiry and reflection. As you become more familiar with theories and research related to teaching and learning, you will also gain more hands-on experience working in schools and educational communities.
This term includes a 5-week in-school experience and a 1-week observation.
TERM 3: EDUC 404 - Professional Coursework (15 units)
All PDP students must complete at least 15 units of upper-division Education courses to fulfill certification requirements. This typically includes 4 to 6 teaching-related professional courses
Bachelor of Education (BEd) as a second degree: With careful course and minor selection, you can also complete a Bachelor of Education (BEd) as a second degree without adding any extra time or cost to the program. An Advisor will provide more information on this option during the second term of the program.
French Module: if you are part of the French Module, it is strongly recommended that you complete the Minor in French Education to prepare yourself adequately for the reality of the French classroom, but also to help you succeed in your long teaching practicum which will take place the following term. You can also have access to additional bursaries.
TERM 4: EDUC 405 - Teaching Practicum (15 units)
Complete a full-time, supervised teaching practicum at a B.C. school over 13 weeks. We use your performance in the classroom during your practicum to help us assess your personal progress and professional readiness for certification with the Teacher Regulation Branch of the B.C. Ministry of Education.
Teaching is all about building relationships. Throughout the PDP, you will work with small groups of other student teachers in a Professional Learning Community (PLC) and a module. It’s an invaluable opportunity to establish and build close working relationships with your peers, teacher educators and practicing K-12 teachers.
Professional Learning Community (PLC)
In your first term, you join a PLC in Burnaby, Surrey or Vancouver. As part of a small group of student teachers, you will work closely with instructors to explore foundational themes, begin your guided inquiry, and take part in hands-on learning experiences in educational communities.
Placement in a specific PLC is not guaranteed. An internal (Faculty of Education) decision may result in your PLC changing prior to the start of the term. If a change occurs, you will be notified.
Note: Student teachers admitted to the French Module will have separate PLCs.
Modules
In your second term, we will place you in a themed module, which is a small group of student teachers who work with dedicated teacher educators to focus on the integration of teaching theory and practice.
There are three 'specialty' modules: French Module, International Teacher Education Module (ITEM) or Indigenous Perspectives on Teacher Education Module (IPTEM). If you are interested in participating in a specialty module, you must declare this at the time of application and submit a letter of intent.
We cannot guarantee placement in a specific PLC or module, but we make every effort to honour students’ requests.
Participation in a specific module does not affect your employability at the end of the program. Regardless of which module you participate in, if you successfully complete the PDP, you will be recommended to the Teacher Regulation Branch of the B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care for a teaching certificate.
Specialty Modules
French Module
Prepare to teach Core French, French Immersion or Francophone Program at the elementary or secondary level in B.C. while nurturing a strong connection with Francophone communities.
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Surrey Campus or Community-based at the Conseil scolaire francophone (CSF) Anne-Hébert school
Additional Requirement: French Language Proficiency
Bursaries and Awards: Up to $10,000 in bursaries and awards available for studies in French
Indigenous Perspective on Teacher Education Module (IPTEM)
Explore Indigenous perspectives on teacher education, and focus on Indigenizing curriculum, through the inclusion of Indigenous worldviews, knowledge and perspectives and increased awareness of colonizing behaviours and patterns.
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Burnaby Campus
General Modules
Burnaby Community
Under the guidance of the school district and community experts, you will explore the role of the community in the education of children and youth.
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Burnaby Campus
Creative Collaborative Communities (C3)
Explore and experience the teaching profession's creative, collaborative and community-building aspects.
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Surrey Campus or off-site Surrey location (TBD)
Fine & Performing Arts
Extend your background in the arts to schooling contexts through an arts-based curriculum and arts integration.
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Surrey Campus
Note: Secondary student teachers with majors/minors in music, art, theatre/drama and/or dance are placed in this module. Others interested in fine and performing arts may be placed in this module, space permitting.
Imaginative Education
Explore how to use the theory and tools of Imaginative Education to frame content, make decisions about planning and implementation and help students engage with content in their world.
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Surrey Campus or off-site Surrey location (TBD)
Literacy in the Urban Classroom (LUC)
Develop engaging, compelling, culturally responsive ways of teaching to help students think, write, read and talk about content across the K–7 curriculum.
Grades: K-7
Based: Gordon Greenwood Elementary (Langley)
Playworks
Explore play, movement, physicality and physical activity while learning how to infuse a greater awareness of physical vitality and knowledge of physical literacy into your teaching.
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Burnaby Campus
Note: Secondary student teachers who hold a major in PE or have a minor in PE (in addition to another teachable subject) will be placed in this module. Others with a keen interest in physical literacy may be placed in this module, space permitting.
Social Ecology, Environmental Diversity (SEEDS)
Based on environment studies and focused on environment ethics and social justice, you will explore sustainability education in a diverse environment.
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Burnaby Campus
Vancouver Community
Placed in the context of Vancouver's downtown core and focusin on teacher education in the urban context you will explore ways to support culturally and linguistically diverse K-12 students in their local community.
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Harbor Centre Campus
School Experience and Practicum Placements
The placement team in SFU’s Faculty of Education make all school placements for student teachers within its Teacher Education Programs
Under no circumstances are student teachers to solicit a placement, request a placement or contact schools or teachers about their placement in any school system, unless instructed to do so by the placement team, program coordinator, or faculty associate(s).
School placements are determined by a wide variety of factors, including teachable subject area, transportation options, school availability, and more.
Placements take place throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley (Squamish to Hope). While every effort is made to place you in schools within a reasonable distance of your home, you should be prepared to travel to a district within a 30km radius (approximately one hour by car and 90 minutes by transit) for your school placement.
Student teachers will not be placed in schools where there may be a conflict of interest such as previous volunteer work or where a family member works or attends.
Note:
- Specialized teachables (eg. Music, French) may require additional travel time or distance to reach an appropriate school placement.
- If a student teacher’s place of residence and/or transportation options limit access to schools, additional travel time or distance may be required to reach a school placement.
- Travel time to school placement locations does not include unforeseen circumstances (i.e., road work, accidents, delayed buses, etc.).
- Travel to one of the 3 SFU Campuses is still required for on-campus days.
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Inspired by her mother’s love of teaching, Rachel Upton’s journey through the Faculty of Education was marked by discovery, setbacks, and ultimately, a triumphant return to the classroom—reinforced by newfound connections and a transformed sense of purpose.
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Like our other teacher education programs, the PDP uses a unique staffing model that teams SFU's world-class researchers (faculty members) with highly skilled seconded teachers (faculty associates) and practicing K-12 teachers (school associates) as teacher educators. Meet our Faculty Associates.
TUITION & COSTS
SFU Supplementary Fees
Simon Fraser University assesses the Student Services/Recreation-Athletics fee, the student activity fee and the U-Pass BC fee to all eligible students in each term of enrollment.
Start your journey to becoming a teacher in British Columbia. Register for a Professional Development Program (PDP) information session. Hosted by the Admissions team, you will learn about:
- The history and structure of the program
- The different program options including the French module*
- The admission requirements, including prerequisites
- The application process and deadlines
- A Q&A to get your questions answered
coming soon
Check back in September for PDP and AHCOTE
Considering teaching French or in French?
We recommend that you also attend an additional 30-minute information session hosted by the SFU's Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs to learn more about the program and the possibility to become a teacher in Core French, French Immersion, or Francophone program in British Columbia.
Note: It is strongly recommended you attend an Information Session organized by the PDP Admissions office before attending the PDP – French Module information session.
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions about our programs not covered on our website, contact our admissions team.
Email: tea_office@sfu.ca
Phone: 778-782-3559
Tip: To prevent missing emails from us, add tea_office@sfu.ca to your contact list if you are not using an SFU email account.
For questions relating to DELF-DALF certification, bursaries, and awards for studies in French, language support and student life in French, please contact SFU's Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs. Service available in French and English.
Email: educprog@sfu.ca
Phone: 778-782-7646
Note: All communication and interactions with the Teacher Education Admissions Office and Faculty of Education are considered part of the admissions process and are taken into account when considering applicants for admission. Admission may be denied to applicants who communicate in an unprofessional manner or who act in an inappropriate manner during the admissions process.
Virtual Hours
Get help with your application and connect with a member of the admissions team during our virtual drop-in hours: Monday and Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 p.m. (PT).
Meet on Zoom:
https://sfu.zoom.us/j/66007885834?pwd=ckVtTXVkVllsak9BU0FZd3hMUWE0dz09
Meeting ID: 660 0788 5834
Password: 833520
Regular Schedule: Monday and Wednesday, 3:00-4:00 p.m. (PT)
Note: Regularly scheduled virtual hours time slot subject to change or cancellation without notice.