Please note:
To view the Fall 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/fall.html.
Teacher Education (PLP)
This is a 16-month, part-time teacher education program for employed paraprofessionals, paraeducators, adult educators and teachers (Francophone, trades, independent) who are operating on letters of permission issued from the Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB) and who are seeking certification as teachers in British Columbia.
間眅埶AV Requirements
Applicants must be attending 間眅埶AV or be admissible.
Candidates who have not attended 間眅埶AV previously, or who have not attended in any of the three terms prior to their intended enrollment, must apply for admission or readmission.
All candidates are required to complete the online professional linking program application form located at /education/programs/teacher-ed/plp/application-tuition.html.
All applications must be submitted to the Preservice Professional Studies 間眅埶AVs office by January 31.
In addition to the standard requirements for admission to the university, PLP requires candidates to have a minimum of two years of work experience in their fields at the time of application.
Elementary Applicants
Non-degreed elementary applicants must, by the date of application, have completed a minimum of 90 units of courses acceptable for credit at 間眅埶AV towards a bachelor's degree, including the following prerequisite courses:
- six units in English (including a minimum of three units of English literature)
- three units in each of Canadian history, Canadian geography, and laboratory science
- MATH 190
- elementary prerequisite courses must be completed one full term prior to starting PLP.
- elementary applicants are recommended to have education, fine and performing arts and physical education courses
Secondary Applicants
Applicants who plan to teach at the secondary level must fulfil the requirements of a four-year degree with at least one teachable subject. A teachable subject is defined as 30 units in one subject with 24 of the units at the upper division units. The following is the list of secondary subjects the teacher education program offers:
Teachable Subjects
- English
- fine and performing arts
- French
- mathematics
- physical and health education (formerly physical education)
- science
- social studies*
A second teachable subject is required for: computer science, dance, drama. Teachable subjects that require a second teachable must have 30 units with 15 upper division units.
*see admission requirements for social studies here: /education/programs/teacher-ed/social-studies-requirements.html
Students planning to teach at the secondary level must complete requirements prior to commencing the teacher education program except BEd candidates who cannot complete their degree until they have successfully completed the teacher education program. These BEd candidates complete 30 units in a teachable subject, (24 of which must be upper division) or 30 upper division units in two teachable subjects, (with 15 units of upper division in each subject) prior to commencing the teacher education program. Students from other institutions may apply prior to degree completion.
Secondary applicants must complete six English units (including a minimum of three units of English literature) one full term prior to starting PLP.
- Please note that the English literature/composition coursework can also be completed in French if entering the French module (but cannot be a combination of French and English). Students who enter PLP French module with French courses rather than English courses may not be eligible to complete the BEd as a second degree.
It is recommended that applicants have credit for at least one EDUC course before applying for admission.
All Applicants
間眅埶AV requirements:
- a minimum of two years of paraprofessional experience in your current role, working a minimum of three days per week at the time of application;
- it is recommended that applicants are 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 for the age level you wish to teach; and
- if accepted into the program, you must be employed a minimum of three days a week (in a school setting) working with children and youth at the age level you have been accepted to teach.
All teacher education program applicants are required to submit the following:
- three online recommendation forms
- a written essay described further on the PLP website at /education/programs/teacher-ed/plp/application-tuition.html
- a resumé detailing the roles, responsibilities, duration and location of related work experience
- all transcripts
Before program admission, applicants must demonstrate competence in written and oral English (and written and oral French for French immersion and French as a second language programs).
Applicants may be interviewed before being considered for program admission.
間眅埶AV selection is based favourably on applications that show employment experience which includes working collaboratively with school professionals and community stakeholders in their roles and responsibilities to the children in their care. Commitment to community service is also given consideration both in teaching and other helping roles.
Because of the number of well qualified teacher education program applicants, it is unlikely that candidates who have been unsuccessful in four previous competitions will be considered favourably in any subsequent competition. Those who have been unsuccessful in gaining entry on at least four occasions are discouraged from further application.
Program Requirements
The program's duration is four terms.
Professional studies and activities are arranged in the following sequence.
First, students complete
A half term of study which provides students with workshops, seminars, and lectures designed to introduce them to basic curriculum and methods appropriate for the age/grade level in which they expect to teach. Students will also be given an introduction to generic teaching skills, as well as to current issues in educational theory and practice. Grading is on a pass/withdraw basis. Prerequisite: 間眅埶AV to PDP or PLP program. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check. Writing.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Pat Bathurst Andrea DeTerra Elina Birmingham |
TBD | ||
Ryan Lee Deborah Terris Amanda Wardrop Mary Messer Paul Neufeld |
TBD | ||
Lauren Rotzien Judith Hightower |
TBD | ||
Salma Jaffer Sherry Reed |
TBD | ||
Robert Grantham Megan Hardie |
TBD | ||
Kelly Proznick Stephanie Nuo Hernandez |
TBD | ||
Deanna Gestrin |
TBD | ||
Dana MacKay Mark Humphries |
TBD | ||
Krista Rutschmann Jasmeet Hothi Elina Birmingham |
TBD | ||
Mary Messer Navdeep Aujla Herjote Ahluwalia |
TBD | ||
David Zandvliet Herjote Ahluwalia Terai Short Deborah Terris |
TBD | ||
Daniel Vecchio |
TBD | ||
Tammy McDiarmid |
TBD | ||
Angela Connelly Rob Dempsey |
TBD | ||
Amanda Wardrop Cynthia Ramamonjisoa Patricia Fischer |
TBD |
In EDUC 402, student teachers begin the study of the literature of education and examine educational issues. Campus-based seminars will introduce theory, concepts and methodologies relevant to teacher development. Student teachers may also attend curriculum workshops to become more familiar with a vast array of educational resources. During the first term, the goal is to make meaning of the vast and complex world of educational practice, and have this meaning informed by the extensive study of the literature and by thoughtful, reflective discourse.
Through the use of first-person narratives and reflections on lived experiences, this course aims to develop a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding of the history of Indigenous education, inclusive education, and anti-racist/anti-oppression education. EDUC 407 involves the beginnings of a Professional Growth Portfolio which highlights student learning and goals for future consideration. Corequisite: EDUC 402. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Daniel Vecchio Greg Sutherland |
TBD | ||
Tammy McDiarmid Greg Sutherland |
TBD |
In EDUC 407, students explore the use of first-person narratives and reflections on lived experiences. This course aims to develop a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding of the history of Indigenous education, inclusive education, and anti-racist/anti-oppression education. EDUC 407 involves the beginnings of a Professional Growth Portfolio which highlights student learning and goals for future consideration.
Next, students complete
Aims to develop students' dispositional capacities and engage them in comparative studies of teaching/learning between their current roles and their future roles as teachers. Students participate in observation and practice teaching. Grading is on a pass/withdrawal basis. Prerequisite: EDUC 402. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check. Students with credit for EDUC 401/401W may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Bob Thompson |
TBD | ||
Samuel Levine |
TBD |
During EDUC 403 (part-time studies), students will need to take a 6-week leave from their paid work in order to complete a school experience in a classroom with a supervising teacher. Students also attend seminar classes each week on some Wednesdays and Saturdays. The course integrates in-school experiences with theoretical concepts discussed in seminars which are held during evenings and weekends. Students observe, practice teaching, and reflect on experiences in their practice teaching placement, and use these to further their understanding and practices as future teachers.
Includes explorations of current practices in school contexts in relation to Indigenous education, inclusive education, and anti-racist/anti-oppression education. Students will build upon the portfolio started in EDUC 407 to include new learnings and goals for future consideration in the context of curriculum and schools. Prerequisite: EDUC 402 and 407. Corequisite: EDUC 403. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Bob Thompson Sessional |
TBD | ||
Samuel Levine Sessional |
TBD |
EDUC 408 includes explorations of current practices in school contexts in relation to Indigenous education, inclusive education, and anti-racist/anti-oppression education. Students will build upon the portfolio started in EDUC 407 to include new learnings and goals for future consideration in the context of curriculum and schools.
Students undertake 15 upper division units in Education to complete the professional development program requirements. Prerequisite: EDUC 401/402 or corequisite EDUC 403.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
TBD | |||
TBD | |||
TBD |
All PLP student teachers are required to take a minimum of 15 units of upper division education courses in order to complete the Professional Coursework requirements for certification.
Courses can be taken over one or more terms to accommodate work schedules. With careful course and minor selection, student teachers 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 first term of the program.
To be recommended for certification, in EDUC 404, students must achieve a minimum 2.0 grade point average in courses taken towards the EDUC 404 requirement (or receive a P in Pass/Fail courses).
Lastly, students complete
A full term of classroom experience supervised by University appointed school associates. The school placement is appropriate to the grade level and subject specialties which the student expects to teach after graduation. Grading is on a pass/withdraw basis. (Not offered in summer term.). Prerequisite: EDUC 401/402 or EDUC 402/403. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Jessica Deitcher |
TBD | ||
Ryan Lee |
TBD | ||
Robert Grantham |
TBD | ||
Claude Dionne |
TBD |
During EDUC 405, student teachers are assigned to a classroom for 10-12 weeks of student teaching experience. The school associate and faculty associate provide help and guidance, as well as make assessments of students’ growth toward the achievement of standards of professional competence. The school placement is appropriate to the educational level and subject specialties in which the student expects to gain certification. All PLP student teachers must arrange with their districts for a full-time leave of absence for the entire practicum of EDUC 405. Students assume a large measure of responsibility and participate in a wide range of teaching and supervisory activities. Students will be placed by the placement coordinator in local schools in the Lower Mainland or Fraser Valley. Students must be prepared to travel a distance to attend their school placements.
Includes the collection of evidence of the integration of Indigenous education, inclusive education, and anti-racist/anti-oppression education within the student teachers' practice during their certifying practicum. This evidence informs the Capstone Portfolio Project, which highlights learning and growth throughout the PLP and sets goals for the future. Prerequisite: EDUC 402, 403, 407, and 408. Corequisite: EDUC 405. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.
EDUC 409 includes the collection of evidence of the integration of Indigenous education, inclusive education, and anti-racist/anti-oppression education within the student teacher’s practice during their certifying practicum. This evidence informs the Capstone Portfolio Project which highlights learning and growth throughout the PLP and sets goals for the future, thus providing a bridge from the role of a student teacher to beginning teacher.
* not offered in summer term
** concurrent with EDUC 402
*** concurrent with EDUC 403
**** this zero-unit course functions as an umbrella course where the student completes 15 units of course work
concurrent with EDUC 405
General Regulations
Students complete normal 間眅埶AV enrollment procedures before commencing studies in any term of the professional linking program.
Successful applicants will be required to undergo a criminal record check. If the check indicates the applicant has a criminal record, that may preclude continuation in the teacher education program.
Students must meet program goals, as outlined in the Preservice Professional Studies Student Handbook.
Those with valid reasons may be given permission by the director of Professional Programs to interrupt their program. A formal request must be submitted in writing to the director, Professional Programs. A program interruption requested by a student may normally last no longer than two years.
Students who indicate their intention to undertake a given teacher education program term and then do not honour this commitment are considered to have withdrawn from the program. Permission to re-enter is not given automatically.
Readmission
Students who withdraw from EDUC 402/407 must re-apply through Preservice Professional Studies 間眅埶AVs.
EDUC 403/408: Students may apply for re-entry into EDUC 403/408 by the March 15 deadline for the two fall terms following the withdrawal. Students must meet the conditions for re-entry outlined in their withdrawal paperwork. An interview may be required. Applications must be submitted within two years of the withdrawal. Re-entry is competitive; there is no guarantee of admission to a particular term.
EDUC 405/409: Students may apply for re-entry by September 15 for the spring term or March 15 for the fall term. Students must meet the conditions for re-entry outlined in their withdrawal paperwork. An interview may be required. Applications must be submitted within two years of the withdrawal. Re-entry is competitive; there is no guarantee of admission to a particular term.
A student withdrawn from EDUC 405/409 for a second time may not re-enter the program unless by appeal.
Students who withdraw may apply for re-entry within two years of withdrawal. Students who do not re-enter within the specified time must re-apply to the program and must meet the admission requirements at the time of reapplication.
Recommendation for Certification
The academic and professional records of all students who have completed the four professional linking program terms will be subject to review by the faculty before a recommendation for certification is forwarded to the Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB).
Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through 間眅埶AV study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through 間眅埶AV study.