At SFU, we believe that teaching is fundamentally grounded in relationships. That is why the Professional Development Program (PDP) is designed to help student teachers develop strong relational practices and build their professional community. 

Throughout the 16-month program, student teachers work in small groups — a Professional Learning Community (PLC) and a Module. This structure provides student teachers with extended opportunities to establish and build close working relationships with their peers, teacher educators, and practicing K-12 teachers.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY (PLC)

During the first semester of the PDP, student teachers join a PLC — a group of student teachers who work closely with an instructional team to explore foundational themes, begin their guided inquiry, and participate in focused learning experiences in educational communities. Some PLCs are based in Surrey and others are based in Burnaby. The location of your PLC will be based on your campus preference. 

Note: Student teachers admitted to the French and International Teacher Education Module (ITEM) will have separate PLCs. 

MODULES 

From the second semester onwards, student teachers become part of a Module — a small group of approx. 32 student teachers who work with dedicated teacher educators to focus on the integration of theory and practice. Each Module has a different theme (see below), but all address the core matters of diversity, equity, indigeneity, literacy, numeracy, ecology, technology, artistry and creativity, and health and physical activity. 

Most student teachers will be placed in a Module after they have been admitted to the program. Students who are admitted to the French, International Teacher Education Module (ITEM) or Indigenous Perspectives on Teacher Education Module (IPTEM) will be automatically placed in these Modules.

Note: These three 'specialty' modules require a letter of intent to be submitted with your PDP application.

For more information, see our Module and Placement FAQs

French - Specialty Module

Prepare to teach Core French, French Immersion or Programme Francophone at the elementary or secondary level in B.C.

International Teacher Education Module (ITEM) - Specialty Module

Experience teacher education in Canada and abroad

Indigenous Perspectives on Teacher Education Module (IPTEM) - Specialty Module

Explore Indigenous perspectives on teacher education  

Burnaby Community

Explore the role of the community in Education

C3

Explore creative and collaborative communities

Fine & Performing Arts 

Explore arts-based curriculum and integration

Imaginative Education 

Explore theory and tools of imaginative education

Langley Community

Explore the role of the community in Education

Lifework

Explore the concepts of social justice and social responsibility

LUC

Explore and develop literacies in the urban classroom

Playworks

Explore play, movement, physicality and physical activity

SEEDs

Explore sustainability education in a diverse environment