Professional Linking Program

PLP Lower Mainland Dates

Method of delivery:
Blended: In person and online
Applications open:
October 1, 2023
Applications close:
January 31, 2024
at 4:00 p.m. (PST)
Next term intakes:
Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

PLP Peace Region Dates

Method of delivery:
Blended: In person and online
Applications open:
October 1, 2023
Applications close:
January 31, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. (PST)
Next term intake:
Fall 2024

Get all the information you need to apply for the Professional Linking Program (PLP). The PLP admission requirements vary based on whether you want to be an elementary or secondary teacher.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

During the application process, you will be asked to select your grade-level preference. While most people generally have a single preference, you can select a second preference provided you meet the requirements for both Elementary and Secondary.

General Requirements - All Applicants 

Work Experience 

Applicants must:

  • Have a minimum of two years of B.C. paraprofessional experience in their current role (in the school setting) and be working a minimum of three days per week, at the time of application. Paraprofessionals include student support workers, para-educators (e.g., education assistants, child and youth care workers, counselors, settlement workers), independent schools educators, and Francophone teachers working with letters of permission;
  • Ideally be working with children and youth at the age level they are applying to teach (i.e. Elementary or Secondary);
  • Meet the minimum academic admission requirements (See elementary requirements below) for the age level they wish to teach; and
  • If accepted into the program, must be employed a minimum of three days a week (in a school setting) working with children and youth at the age level they have been accepted to teach.

SFU Undergraduate Admission Requirement

  • All PLP applicants must be admissible to SFU at the undergraduate level.
  • Applicants are required to apply for admission to SFU. See SFU Undergraduate Admissions for details.

SFU Literacy Requirement

  • All PLP applicants must meet SFU's English Language requirement. Visit the SFU Undergraduate Admissions English Language requirement website for more information.
  • To enroll in EDUC 402W or to declare the BEd 2nd degree you must meet the SFU Literacy (FAL) requirement. Direct enrollment in a W course requires a higher grade than SFU's English Language admission requirement. See option (a) under "Direct admission from Grade 12" or "Admission by college or university transfer" on the SFU Curriculum Initiative website.

SFU Quantitative Requirement

  • All applicants to SFU degree programs must meet SFU's Quantitative/Analytical Skills requirement. There are many ways to meet the quantitative requirement. Visit the SFU Undergraduate Admissions Quantitative requirement website for more information.
  • To declare the BEd 2nd degree you must meet SFU's Foundations of Academic Numeracy (FAN) requirement for direct enrollment in a Quantitative (Q) course. Direct enrollment in a Q course requires a higher grade than SFU's Quantitative/Analytical Skills requirement for admission. See option (a) under "Direct admission from Grade 12" or options (a) and (b) under "Admission by college or university transfer" on the SFU Curriculum Initiative website.
  • If you do not meet the SFU English Language requirement or Quantitative/Analytical Skills requirement prior to application to the PLP, we strongly suggest you complete an acceptable university or college level W or Q course with a grade of C- or higher

French Language Requirement (Applicants Interested in Teaching French or in French Only)

  • Applicants who are interested in completing their practicum in French and/or taking the EDUC 404 (summer) courses in French must submit a French language requirement.  

Teacher Certification Requirement 

  • 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
  • In some cases, the PLP's requirements may be higher than the TRB's. This is because the PLP is designed to prepare teachers for the challenges of K-12 schooling in B.C., while the TRB’s must also consider inter-provincial certification.

Criminal Record Check

  • Once accepted into the program, you must clear a Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Search
  • This must be done through SFU Student Services. If you have been convicted of a criminal offence, you should contact the TRB for clarification of your status before applying to a teacher education program.

DEADLINES 

  • Submit PLP applications online between October 1 and January 31 at 4 pm
  • Applicants may start the online application form and work on it over time. However, late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Elementary Admission Requirements

Option 1

  1. A completed, recognized Bachelor's degree
  2. Completion of the English and Elementary prerequisite courses prior to program start

Option  2

  1. At the time of application, a minimum of 76 units of courses acceptable for units at SFU towards a Bachelor's degree
  2. Completion of the English and Elementary prerequisite courses prior to program start

PLP applicants must also have a GPA of 2.5+ (approximately the last 60 units of undergraduate coursework) at the time of application.

  • 6 units of English (including a minimum 3 units of English Literature)
  • 3 units of Canadian History
  • 3 units of Canadian Geography
  • MATH 190 (Principles of Mathematics for Teachers) or equivalent
  • 3 units of Laboratory Science

The above prerequisite course requirements must be complete or in-progress at the time of application (January) for the Fall intakes of the PLP, and completed by May 15.

If you are missing any prerequisite courses, you may still apply to the Spring intake of the  PLP with the understanding that all prerequisite courses must be completed by September 15 prior to the program start (i.e. one full term before starting PLP). Official transcript(s) showing enrollment in outstanding prerequisites must be submitted by April 1. We strongly recommend this be submitted by January 31.

For a list of accepted prerequisite courses offered at SFU and other B.C. post-secondary institutions, refer to the Chart of Acceptable Courses.

Prerequisite Courses 

  • All prerequisite courses must be completed at least one term before starting the PLP.
  • Fall intake applicants must submit their PLP applications providing official transcripts by January 31 showing prerequisite courses complete or in-progress (providing they are completed by May 15). 
  • Spring intake applicants submit their PLP applications and have until April 1 to provide official transcripts by showing prerequisite courses complete or in-progress (providing they are completed by September 15). 
  • For a list of accepted prerequisite courses offered at SFU and other B.C. post-secondary institutions, refer to the Chart of Acceptable Courses

FRENCH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT - FRENCH MODULE ONLY 

  • If you are applying to the French Module, the DELF/DALF is required unless you are from a Francophone country and have completed all your post-secondary schooling in French. Questions about DELF/DALF exemptions can be directed to pps_admissions@sfu.ca
  • For more information on taking the DELF/DALF contact the Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA)

Secondary Admission Requirements

Completed before applying to the PLP (January 31):

  • GPA 2.5+ (approximately last 60 units of undergraduate coursework)

Must be in-progress or completed at the time of application (January). If in-progress, courses must be completed by May 15 for Fall intake or September 15 for Spring intake:

  • 2 English or French* courses (minimum 6 units with 3 units of literature)

For more information, view the chart of acceptable courses

Completed before starting the PLP (by August 31 for Fall intake or December 31 for Spring intake):

Completion of a 4-year Bachelor's degree, including the following:

  • Bachelor's degree (minimum 120 unit degree)
  • At least 1 major OR 2 minors in teachable subject area(s) (see list below)
  • French language requirement (French module only)

*Applicants may substitute French literature and composition for English courses if applying for the French Module. This may prohibit completion of a BEd as a second degree during the PLP.

PREREQUISITE COURSES

  • English prerequisite courses must be completed at least one term before starting the PLP
  • Applicants may apply providing official transcripts by January 31 showing their English prerequisite courses still in-progress (providing they are completed by May 15 for Fall intake or September 15 for Spring intake)
  • French prerequisite courses must be completed before starting the PLP. Applicants may apply providing official transcripts showing their French prerequisite courses still in-progress by April 1 (we recommend January 31st) (providing they are completed by August 31).

For a list of accepted prerequisite courses offered at SFU and other B.C. post-secondary institutions, refer to the Chart of Acceptable Courses to ensure you meet the English requirement.

TEACHABLE SUBJECTS

Secondary applicants must have a major or two minors in the following subjects:

In the PLP, Theatre, Dance, Computing Science, and Physical Education (Kinesiology) are considered to be teachable minors and must be combined with another teachable subject.

MAJORS AND MINORS

The exact requirements for majors and minors vary by university and department. For the purpose of admission into PPS programs majors and minors units are defined as follows:

  • A major is approximately 42 units: 12 to 18 units of lower division coursework (100 & 200 level courses), plus approximately 28 to 30 units of upper division coursework (300 & 400 level courses), all in one subject 
  • A minor is approximately 30 units: 12 to 15 units of lower division coursework, plus approximately 14 to 18 units of upper division coursework all in one subject.

Refer to the SFU Calendar for the specific major and minor requirements. Not all university majors and minors translate into teachable subjects in B.C. secondary schools.

FRENCH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT - FRENCH MODULE ONLY 

  • If you are applying to the French Module, the DELF/DALF is required unless you are from a Francophone country and have completed all your post-secondary schooling in French. Questions about DELF/DALF exemptions can be directed to pps_admissions@sfu.ca
  • For more information on taking the DELF/DALF contact the Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA)

TUITION & COSTS

Tuition 2024/25

  • Approx. $13,000 (total for all terms)

Note: All fees are subject to change, subject to provincial legislation and the Board of Governors' approval.

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.

More information

Financial Resources

Note: The Professional Linking Program is not eligible for student loan funding.

HOW TO APPLY

Follow this step-by-step guide to applying for the program.

Simon Fraser University has a Code of Academic Integrity and Good Conduct (S10.01 Policy), which applies to this application. Applications with falsified, misleading, plagiarized, or ghost-written materials will be removed from the competition.

PLP Application Deadlines

The PLP application deadline for BOTH the Fall (September) and the January (Spring) intake is January 31 at 4:00 p.m. (PST)

Step 1: Review important information

Review the admission requirements, deadlines, and application samples

  • Review PLP Admission Requirements
  • Review the application timeline and process as shown on the PLP Application Instructions (Fall 2024/Spring 2025) to make sure you will have all your materials together in time
  • Review the PLP Application Evaluation Process to understand how your application will be evaluated
  • Review our PDP Application Samples to understand how to be successful at creating your own PLP application. These examples are specifically designed for PDP applicants. As such, the educational backgrounds and work experience may differ. However, the PLP and PDP application components are very similar and you may find referring to the examples useful as you prepare your PLP application.

Step 2: Prepare your application

Request academic transcripts

Due to the high volume of transcripts being received, the PPS Admissions office cannot confirm receipt of transcripts. We will email you if your transcripts have not been received once you have submitted your application. It can take up to two weeks after submission for your file to be updated.

Submit an official transcript from every college and university that you've attended, including withdrawals, incomplete, failed, repeated studies and attendance as an exchange student.

We cannot review your application if any transcripts are missing.

  • SFU students do not need to order their SFU transcripts, as we have access to those records
  • The PPS Admissions office does not accept electronic (XML/EDI) transcripts as our computer system is not compatible with receiving electronic transcripts. SFU Undergraduate Admissions does accept electronic transcripts. Check the Student Services website for details.
  • We will accept emailed transcripts sent directly from the post-secondary institutions to our office. Have them sent directly to pps_transcripts@sfu.ca from the institution.
  • You must include original transcript(s) for College Board - Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or any transfer credits (i.e. exchange program and college transfer) where applicable.
  • Order ALL transcript(s) to be sent directly from the issuing institution to both the PPS Admissions office and the SFU Undergraduate Admissions office to be received by JANUARY 31

Reminders:

  • You must submit official transcripts from institutions where you are currently taking courses
  • If your transcript does not show degree conferral, you must submit a letter from an academic advisor at your institution confirming the number of units (credits) you have completed towards your degree. Please note for Secondary level this letter should confirm your degree will be completed prior to the start of PLP.

Do not drop documents off in-person. Transcripts must be mailed or emailed directly from the post-secondary institution to the PPS Admissions office.

Please email to: pps_transcripts@sfu.ca

Please mail to:

PPS Admissions, Faculty of Education
Education Building, Room EDB 8630
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6
Phone # for courier: 778-782-4129

The deadline for your transcripts to arrive at the PPS Admissions Office is January 31.

TIP: If you are requesting transcripts from institutions outside of B.C., you should start this step as far in advance of the deadline as possible.

Create your resume

Your resume should:

  • Include your contact information, education,  work and volunteer experiences and any honours, awards, special talents, skills or training. List the length of time you were in each position, the average number of hours per week you worked (or volunteered), and your duties
  • Include a detailed summary of your duties in each paraprofessional position (CYCW, SEA, CCSW, EA, etc); the name of schools/districts and contact persons; the length of experience in each paraprofessional experience and the total years of experience as a paraprofessional
  • Be no longer than four single-sided pages
  • Be detailed, but in an outline rather than a narrative form

When evaluating resumes, we are looking for evidence of knowledge and experiences that will prove useful to you if you were to become a teacher, including evidence of experience:

  1. Working with children/youth at the grade level you wish to teach
  2. Engaging in work or activities in an instructional setting
  3. Collaborating and working with others
  4. Showing leadership and/or initiative
  5. Demonstrating organization and time management skills
  6. Engaging with a diverse range of learners
  7. Engaging in novel situations and/or with a diverse range of individuals
  8. Using skills or knowledge related to the subject(s) you wish to teach

It is important to highlight your experiences which relate to the above dimensions.

You will upload your resume to the online application system in PDF format.

If you are applying to the French Module, and would like to do your practicum in French and/or take the EDUC 404 (summer) courses in French, we encourage you to submit your resume in French and English. Combine the English resume and French resume into one PDF. The online application has only one document upload button for the resume.

Write your essay

Choose one or two experiences from your resume and explain:

  • What you learned from these experiences that will help you as a future educator
  • What they show about your interest in and potential for a career in education
  • What questions they raise for you related to teaching and learning
  • Why you chose these examples

Your essay should be 500–1000 words and fit on two single-sided pages. Use 12-point font, single spacing and 1" margins on all sides.

If you refer to other people in your essay—especially children or youth with whom you have worked—change their names and describe your experience with them in such a way that you guard their right to privacy.

Proofread your paper carefully. It will be evaluated based on:

  • The overall quality of the writing
  • The evidence it shows of critical reflection upon your part
  • How well you demonstrate your potential for and interest in education

You will upload your essay to the online application system in PDF format.

If you want to do your practicum in French and/or take the EDUC 404 (summer) courses in French we encourage you to submit your essay in English and French. Combine the English essay and French essay into one PDF. The online application has only one document upload button for the essay.

Find three recommendations

When submitting your online PLP application form, you will be asked to submit email addresses for three individuals who are willing to complete a recommendation for you. The system will then automatically send these individuals (recommenders) an email requesting they fill out an online recommendation form.

Recommendations may only be submitted via the online system. Paper recommendations are no longer accepted. Download the PPS Recommendation Form Questions to review most of the questions they will be asked.

One recommendation must come from a school administrator supporting your PLP application. The other recommendations must come from educators who have observed you interacting with children/adolescents in an educational setting (public and/or independent school).

When considering who to ask, keep in mind that:

  • We reserve the right to contact recommenders to verify the information they provide; and recommendations must be professional in nature.
  • Recommendations from friends or relatives are not acceptable, even if those friends or relatives are educators. Inappropriate recommendations will render the application ineligible for consideration.

Examples of inappropriate recommenders include:

  • Family members, including in-law, step-family, etc. 
  • Friends and co-workers

If the individual you ask is willing to complete a recommendation, ask them for an email address you can submit to the application system and explain how the system will send them an email request to complete the form. Inform them of the due date for their recommendation.

You will not be able to submit your application until all three of your recommenders have submitted their recommendation forms.  For this reason, it is important to give each recommender a deadline (and as much notice as possible) to submit their application.

TIP: Provide your recommenders with a copy of your resume. They may find it useful for writing the recommendation.

Step 3: For Fall Intake Only - Apply to SFU Undergraduate Admissions/Activate Your SFU ID

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDENTS NEW TO SFU

  • New students to SFU must apply online through EducationPlannerBC. The SFU Undergraduate Admissions deadline is January 31.
  • Students accepted to the PLP who do not submit an application to SFU Undergraduate Admissions by the deadline will not be able to start the PLP.  Therefore, all applicants MUST submit their application to the SFU Undergraduate Admissions office BEFORE the application deadline. If you do not submit an application to the SFU Undergraduate Admissions office, your PLP application may be cancelled.
  • SFU Undergraduate admissions requires a different application with a different set of admission requirements, including a separate set of supporting documents, sent to a separate address. Unfortunately, the PPS Admissions office and the SFU Admissions office are not able to share documents. Review SFU Admissions requirements and make certain you are prepared to meet them.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SFU ALUMNI AND CURRENT SFU STUDENTS

If you were previously an SFU student, you must apply for readmission OR reactivation. Check with SFU Undergraduate Admissions to be certain which one applies to you.

The deadline to apply for readmission is January 31 for a September start.

The deadline to apply for reactivation can be found on the Student Services webpage.

If you are a current SFU student and will be an active student in the term preceding the start of PLP, you don’t need to apply for reactivation.

If you are a current SFU student and will not be an active student in the term preceding the start of PLP, you should follow the instructions for readmission or reactivation. Check with SFU Undergraduate Admissions to be certain which one applies to you.

SFU UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS

The PPS Admissions office does not handle SFU Undergraduate applications. For more information regarding admission to SFU, contact SFU Student Services:

Phone: 778-782-6930
Email: reginfo@sfu.ca
Website: sfu.ca/students/admission-requirements

Step 4: Submit your PLP application

Apply to PLP Online Here

 The same system is used for a number of teacher education programs at SFU. You will need to do the following to complete your online application:

  1. Create an account
  2. Confirm the account (you will receive a confirmation email)
  3. Select 'PLP' as the program you are applying to
  4. Select the location of the program you want to attend
  5. Complete the online application form
  6. Upload your resume and essay
  7. Enter the names and email addresses of your 3 recommenders (the system will contact these people)
  8. Submit your application (only possible after all three of your recommendations have been received)
  9. Pay the non-refundable application fee CAD$60 using PayPal. (PayPal will accept a credit card or an Interac/Visa card if you do not have a PayPal account).

TIP: You can start your application early and work on it over time. This way you may review, edit or change your application at any time until you click the final submit button. After that time, you cannot change your application or any of your submitted materials. Your application form, resume, essay, and recommendation forms must all be complete before you can press the final "submit" button.

Step 5: For Spring 2025 intake - If accepted to the PLP, apply to SFU Undergraduate / Activate your SFU ID

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDENTS NEW TO SFU

  • New students to SFU must apply online through EducationPlannerBC. The SFU Undergraduate Admissions deadline is September 15, 2024.
  • Students accepted to the PLP who do not submit an application to SFU Undergraduate Admissions by the deadline will not be able to start the PLP.  Therefore, all applicants MUST submit their application to the SFU Undergraduate Admissions office BEFORE the application deadline. If you do not submit an application to the SFU Undergraduate Admissions office, your PLP application may be cancelled.
  • SFU Undergraduate admissions requires a different application with a different set of admission requirements, including a separate set of supporting documents, sent to a separate address. Unfortunately, the PPS Admissions office and the SFU Admissions office are not able to share documents. Review SFU Admissions requirements and make certain you are prepared to meet them.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SFU ALUMNI AND CURRENT SFU STUDENTS

If you were previously an SFU student, you must apply for readmission OR reactivation. Check with SFU Undergraduate Admissions to be certain which one applies to you.

Please see the SFU Undergraduate Admissions website for application deadlines.

The deadline to apply for reactivation can be found on the Student Services webpage.

If you are a current SFU student and will be an active student in the term preceding the start of PLP, you don’t need to apply for reactivation.

If you are a current SFU student and will not be an active student in the term preceding the start of PLP, you should follow the instructions for readmission or reactivation. Check with SFU Undergraduate Admissions to be certain which one applies to you.

SFU UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS

The PPS Admissions office does not handle SFU Undergraduate applications. For more information regarding admission to SFU, contact SFU Student Services:

Phone: 778-782-6930
Email: reginfo@sfu.ca
Website: sfu.ca/students/admission-requirements

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the difference between the PLP and the Bachelor of Education (BEd)?

The PLP is a teacher education program offered by the Faculty of Education's Preservice Professional Studies. It is for anyone who wants to teach K-12 and get their B.C. teaching certificate. Successful applicants who have completed a bachelor's degree before the start of the PLP may have the option of completing a Bachelor of Education as a second degree during the program—without adding extra time or cost.

The BEd is a 150-unit first degree offered by the Faculty of Education's Undergraduate Programs. Students can only apply to the BEd once they have completed 60 units of undergraduate coursework. To complete this program, students MUST be admitted to the PLP for their final year. Visit our website for more information on our Undergraduate degree options.

Can I apply to the PLP if my degree is from outside of Canada?

Applicants with recognized degrees from outside of Canada can be considered for admission to the PLP. Applicants should refer to our admission requirements page for specific course/content requirements.

If you have specific questions about meeting the academic admission requirements you can send a copy of your transcripts to: pps_admissions@sfu.ca

Can I apply to the PLP if I am still finishing my degree?

Yes, Elementary PLP applicants can apply with a minimum of 76 units completed at the time of application toward a degree. All Secondary PLP applicants and Elementary PLP applicants who wish to be considered for the Bachelor of Education as a Second Degree can apply with their degree in progress, but it must be completed before starting the PLP (by the end of August for the September (Fall) intake and by the end of December for the January (Spring) intake.

All Secondary PLP applicants and Elementary PLP applicants who wish to be considered for the Bachelor of Education as a Second Degree, whose transcript does not show degree conferral at the time of application, must submit a Degree Confirmation Letter from an academic advisor at their post-secondary institution. This letter must confirm that your degree (major/minor) requirements will be complete by the end of August for the September (Fall) intake or by the end of December for the January (Spring) intake before the start of PLP. The academic advisor must email the degree confirmation letter to pps_admissions@sfu.ca by April 1.

How do you calculate GPA? 

The GPA is calculated on your most recent 60 units (minimum) of undergraduate-level coursework. To calculate the admission GPA, we:

  • Use approximately the last 60 units of undergraduate coursework at the time of application (we do not stop in the middle of a term).
  • Use the higher of the two grades if you repeat a course;
  • Convert percentage grades from other universities to the SFU Standard Grade System for GPA calculation. 

Applicants are required to have a minimum 2.00 (on the 4.33 scale).

Do you have a list of acceptable courses to meet the prerequisites?

Yes, we have provided a Chart of Acceptable Courses offered by Simon Fraser University and other BC post-secondary level institutions. We also have a specific chart for Secondary - Social Studies Requirements. This chart lists SFU courses only. The equivalent courses can be completed at another institution.

Note: These charts do not include every eligible course at the institutions named. They provide a sampling of appropriate courses from British Columbia. These courses reflect current offerings. Other courses may previously have been acceptable in satisfying the prerequisites.

Email pps_admissions@sfu.ca with any questions about the charts.

Can I apply without a prerequisite?  

You should be registered in, or have previously completed, the prerequisite course requirements prior to submitting your application for the PLP. This includes 6 units of English Literature (elementary and secondary), as well as 3 units of Canadian History, Canadian Geography, Mathematics for Teachers (SFU Math 190 or equivalent) and Lab Science (elementary only).

We require official transcripts showing registration in (or completion of) the required courses at the time of application. All prerequisites must be completed by September 15th.

If I have a declared math major or minor, do I need to take the Mathematics for Teachers (SFU Math 190 or equivalent) course? (Elementary applicants only)

No. If you have a declared math major or minor and are applying to teach at the elementary level you do not need to complete the Mathematics for Teachers pre-requisite course.

Note: The math major or minor must show on your transcript.

Do I need to take the Mathematics for Teachers prerequisite course if I have taken a calculus or other math course at the post-secondary level? (Elementary applicants only)

Yes, you will need to take the Mathematics for Teachers course. The only exception is if you are a declared math major or minor student (see question above for details). We do not accept pre-calculus, calculus, finite math or statistics courses to meet this requirement.

Can I use a kinesiology lab course to meet the lab science requirement? (Elementary applicants only)

No, we do not accept kinesiology courses to meet the lab science requirement. Refer to the Elementary Chart of Acceptable Courses for acceptable lab science courses.

I don't have 2 years of experience working with children/youth as a paraprofessional – can I still apply?

The PLP is designed specifically for working paraprofessionals with extensive experience working with children in school settings. The PLP differs from PDP (the standard teacher education program) in that some of the more introductory aspects, especially those that pertain to orienting the student teacher to the public school system, are eliminated or tailored to the paraprofessional’s work activity in the school. In addition, PLP students are expected to apply their on-campus learning to their school-based employment, and visa versa.

For these reasons, applicants must be working a minimum of 3 days per week and have at least 2 years of experience at the time of application in a school setting as a paraprofessional, working with students in the age range they wish to teach and at the level to which they will be applying, at the time of application. It is also a requirement that all PLP students be employed in a school setting working with students in the age range they wish to teach and at the level for which they have been accepted when the program starts.

I am casual or on-call. Can I still apply to the PLP?

You are eligible to apply to the PLP if you have worked at least 3 days per week (60%) over the past 2 years and will continue to work at least 3 days per week (60%) while in the program.

What transcripts do I need to submit to the PPS Admissions Office?

The PPS Admissions office requires all post-secondary transcripts (college, university, institutes, exchange programs) at the undergraduate and graduate level. We also require College Board Advanced Placement (AP) transcripts and International Baccalaureate (IB) transcripts if you have received post-secondary transfer credit for them.

The SFU Undergraduate Admissions office may ask for secondary (high school) level transcripts if they cannot determine that you meet the SFU Literacy or Quantitative requirement with your post-secondary transcripts.

I have an international transcript. Do you need my transcript translated?

The PPS Admissions office will need an official transcript in the original language as well as an official English translation. Transcripts in French do not need to be translated.

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions about the PLP not covered on our website, contact our admissions team.

Email: pps_admissions@sfu.ca
To prevent missing emails from us, add pps_admissions@sfu.ca to your contact list if you are not using an SFU email account.

Phone: 778-782-3559

Virtual Hours

Get help with your application and connect with a member of the admissions team during our virtual drop-in hours: every Wednesday from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (PST).**

Meet on Zoom:
https://sfu.zoom.us/j/66007885834?pwd=ckVtTXVkVllsak9BU0FZd3hMUWE0dz09
Meeting ID: 660 0788 5834
Password: 833520
Regular Schedule: Wednesday, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (PST)

**Regularly scheduled time slot subject to change or cancellation without notice