Teacher Candidate & Intern Resources

New to UBC students are encouraged to register for UBC 101. UBC 101 is an online program that is available on Canvas that covers everything you need to know to help you get ready for your time at UBC Okanagan — from textbooks to medical insurance.

The Calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services, and policies at the University of British Columbia.

Student Services is your hub for academic success, student wellness, campus life and questions about courses, tuition, financial support and enrolment.

Workday Student is UBC’s student information system, you’ll access this system to:

• register for courses
• check your grades
• view your tuition summary and payment
• access your transcripts
• review your personal and contact information

Review the Awards and Scholarships available to Bachelor of Education teacher candidates.

UBC provides financial assistance through scholarships and bursaries to students to help them realize their academic goals.

Details on course start and end dates, and breaks can be found on the Bachelor of Education Calendar.

View the Calendar

Plan to be available 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday throughout the program. Most campus classes will be held within that time frame; however, there will be exceptions where some of your classes may go later into the evening. We will give you as much notice as possible ahead of time.

All teacher candidates upon entering a teacher education program at UBC’s Okanagan campus must submit to a Criminal Record Check through the BC Government’s Criminal Records Review Program.

Pursuant to changes to the Criminal Records Review Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c.86 which came into effect in January 2008, the Okanagan School of Education must ensure that every registered teacher candidate who will work with children undergoes a criminal record check and informs registered students of the requirements of the Act.

Every teacher candidate must submit a completed and verified criminal record check (CRC) by July 15. This ensures we will receive the completed or shared check in time for you to begin your school experience.

You have two options for submitting your criminal record check: Online and Manual (this is only applicable for those that do not have a BC Services Card).

Directions and the forms for submitting your criminal record check is provided in the Welcome Guide.

All teacher candidates will prepare a resume and cover letter that will serve as a letter of introduction to the field advisor, faculty mentor and field experience mentors (mentor teacher(s) and school administrator). With this in mind, please make sure that the information you include in your resume/cover letter represents you and your candidacy as a future educator and colleague very well. These documents will constitute the first impression you will make on your future mentors.

View the EDUC 440- Pre-Assignment Professional Resume and Cover Letter example.

This pre-assignment is due electronically by June 30. Please email it to education.ubco@ubc.ca. Use the following format for your email:
Subject line: BEd Resume/Cover Letter- last name, first name
File name: last name_first name_BEdResumeCoverLetter

Please bring one hard copy with you on your first day of classes.

For additional support and guidance for writing resumes and cover letters, visit the Student Services Resume and Cover Letter section.

The Okanagan School of Education is a regional program and ‘best fit’ partnerships between mentor teachers and candidates are determined primarily on the basis of available mentors. Partnerships are arranged by the Field Experience Coordinator and are in schools and/or school districts in the Okanagan Valley. The availability of partnerships in some areas may be limited and while we do the utmost to place candidates near where they live, you must be prepared to accept a field partnership within 75 km of your place of residence.

Instructions for completing your profile:

1. Personal information: Ensure that the personal information included on your profile is up-to-date and is the same as the personal information you have entered in your Student Service Centre account. Ensure your phone number and email address are the ones that you use and check regularly. If at any point during the program your preferred name and/or pronouns change, please contact us at education.ubco@ubc.ca to update this information in our files. We can also assist you with updating this information in other UBC systems and notify your instructors at your request.

2. French Pathway: If you have not done so, please email your DELF results or written assessment from the faculty of the French language department of a Canadian university, or provide proof of completion of your education in the French language to the Education Office at education.ubco@ubc.ca.

3. Conflict of interest considerations: We cannot place you in a field experience where you have a close personal connection. With this in mind, we need to know the schools you have attended, the high school you graduated from, and if you have close relatives (e.g. spouse, parents, siblings, children, grandparents, aunts/uncles/cousins, in-laws) who are attending or who are employed at any schools in the Okanagan Valley.

4. Please read all of the fine print on the profile: There is a declaration and a permission section at the end of the profile form. Please complete these sections prior to submitting your form.

5. Keep a copy of your profile for your records: You will receive an email containing your responses. We encourage you to keep this copy.

Complete Your Profile

INSPIRE

INSPIRE is the core theme of UBC Okanagan’s Bachelor of Education program. It was conceived, planned and built on four defining principles:

• IN-situ: Experiencing learning opportunities in diverse situations;
• Scholar-Practitioner: Exploring theory/practice connections, and cultivating a lifelong learning mindset;
• Inquiry: Questioning, adapting, building and making meaning as the heart of all learning;
• Re-Imagine Education: Envisioning education that is invested in individual and collective growth and well-being.

Program fees are paid at the beginning of each term or you have the option to pay a one-time fee of $400 for the entire program at the beginning:

Fee Schedule:

Winter Term 1: $100
Winter Term 2: $100
Summer Terms 1 & 2: $100
Winter Term 1: $100

PAY FEES

There fees cover general program expenses including (but not limited to):

• Field trips
• Workshops and special sessions (e.g. Art/Music/IT explorations, Maker Day, Indigenous learning experiences)

UBC Okanagan students performing coursework in schools are required to have additional accident insurance coverage prior to starting school visits and/or the practicum.

Note: Retroactive coverage is not available.

You have two options for accident insurance:

Option 1. UBC has an insurance plan that you can opt in to if you do not have your own coverage. There is no charge to join. To go with option 1, you can register via the online payment system.

or

Option 2. If you have your own additional coverage, please email the Okanagan School of Education at education.ubco@ubc.ca, prior to July 15, stating that you are declining coverage under the UBC plan because you have your own coverage.

This guide outlines key details about the field experience program at the Okanagan School of Education. It is intended to serve as a reference for mentors, administrators, faculty advisors, and Bachelor of Education students (year one candidates and year two interns).

View GUIDE

Students are expected to recognize their own limitations, act responsibly at all times, and take responsibility for ensuring continuing competency and learning.

Students are responsible to notify the Okanagan School of Education in a timely manner if they determine that they are not fit to practice.

While accommodations may be made to assist a student’s further learning, such accommodation cannot compromise the safety and well-being of students or the academic and professional integrity of the Bachelor of Education program.

A student may be discontinued or withdrawn from the Bachelor of Education program or may be subject to a suitability review if health-related and/or other problems render the student incapable of fulfilling the requirements of the program.

Download and view the Procedure to Determine Fitness to Practice in a flowchart.

Procedure to Determine Fitness to Practice

1. Continually be mindful of wellness. Seek support and advice as needed
2. Inform field advisor or other faculty member if fitness to practice is or may be a concern
3. In consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Programs, designated faculty member(s) work with student to determine fitness to practice:
   • Referral to UBCO Health and Wellness
   • Input from own healthcare provider

Following the consultation, there are four options that may occur:

a) Fit to practice with no accommodations

b) Fit to practice with accommodations

• Follow ‘Procedure for requesting accommodations for coursework or field experiences’
  • Supporting documentation from relevant authorities (e.g. healthcare provider) may be required

c) Not fit to practice

• Academic leave, Discontinuation or Withdrawal

d) Concerns regarding fitness to practice involve egregious or persistent infractions of Academic Regulations

• Suitability Review Initiated

Partnerships are arranged by the Field Experience Coordinator and are in schools and/or school districts in the Okanagan Valley. The availability of partnerships in some areas may be limited and while we do the utmost to place candidates near where they live, you must be prepared to accept a field partnership within 75 km of your place of residence.

Students make their own arrangements and bear the cost of personal transportation and accommodation during field experiences. Teacher candidates do not arrange their own placements for their Formative Field Experiences (EDUC 440 and 441). After completing their formative experiences, candidates complete a community-based field experience (EDUC 442) in a local, regional or international setting in May. The Okanagan School of Education must approve all agencies and institutions serving as field experience placements.

Teacher candidates have a duty of care for the students in their host schools, thus full-time attendance and professional accountability are fundamental expectations during all field experiences.

At the beginning of the BEd program, teacher candidates will be organized into cohorts. The cohort composition is based on many factors including, but not limited to, the information shared by teacher candidates in their field experience profiles and the available placement opportunities within the region. Each cohort will work within a designated network of schools in the Okanagan Valley for the duration of the program.

Please be prepared to accept the cohort assignment deemed appropriate for you by the Okanagan School of Education.

The Okanagan School of Education will take reasonable measures to organize cohort assignments with teacher candidates’ special circumstances in mind; however, not all special circumstances can be accommodated.

The following are not considered special circumstances:

Employment:
Teacher candidates are strongly advised to give their full attention to their field experiences.

Transportation (e.g. no automobile):
Teacher candidates make their own arrangements and bear the cost of personal transportation.

Personal preferences:
Particular mentor teacher, school, network of schools or district. Placements are limited and cannot be tailored to personal preferences. If you have special circumstances that will affect your field experiences, please provide pertinent information in the space provided on the profile form.

If you are a student with a disability, please refer to the UBC website for information regarding academic accommodation for students with disabilities.

Teacher candidates/interns are guided by principles of professional conduct while on campus, in the schools and in their personal lives. They demonstrate readiness and eligibility for field experiences by the quality of their commitment to professional standards of excellence in all aspects of the program. Teacher candidates/interns will be eligible to commence a field experience if there are no concerns in areas such as:

• quality of coursework,
• attendance,
• assignments,
• accountability,
• conduct online, on and/or off campus,
• school visits
• wellness

If concerns arise, the Field Experience Coordinator, in consultation with other faculty members, may initiate a review process to ascertain the teacher candidate’s/intern’s readiness and, if necessary, define the supports/parameters required to ensure teacher candidate/intern readiness for the field experience. This process may or may not necessitate the development of a Professional Assessment Report to summarize the concerns, goals and action plan.  If the teacher candidate’s/intern’s areas of concern are satisfactorily addressed, then the teacher candidate/intern will be permitted to begin the field experience.  Please refer to the section entitled, ‘Resolving disagreements and addressing concerns in the B.Ed. Program’, for more information.

After accepting your offer of admission and prior to beginning the BEd program:

In preparation for coursework:

• Consult with the UBCO Disability Resource Center (DRC) and/or with the Faculty of Education DRC liaison person. Appropriate documentation of the disability will be required. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to initiate the request for accommodations in a timely manner to allow for arrangement of accommodations.
• DRC staff will review the documentation provided and, in consultation with the student, a range of reasonable academic accommodations will be determined. These will be summarized in a letter from the DRC. Note: While sensitive personal information related to a request for accommodation will be treated with confidence, it may be necessary to share some information with instructors, mentors and administrators to ensure proper implementation of the appropriate accommodation.
• With support from the Faculty of Education DRC liaison person, the student will share the DRC letter outlining academic accommodations with the field advisor and instructors prior to the start of a course. The instructors, field advisor and DRC liaison person will collaborate with the student to determine how the accommodations will be implemented. Note: Accommodations cannot compromise the learning purposes for a course or field experience, the educational environment, including the timing of course and/or field work, or the sustainability of the program, for example by requiring excessive financial costs and/or excessive human or other resources. Please refer to the section entitled ‘Personal/Professional competencies for teaching’ for more information.
• The student will inform the DRC liaison person and/or the field advisor in a timely manner if the disability and/or accommodation need changes significantly during the term.

In Preparation for field experiences:

In many instances, an academic accommodation for coursework does not extend to the field experiences. The student should consult with the field advisor and the Field Experience Coordinator prior to beginning the program if accommodation is sought for field experiences.

Determining reasonable accommodations during field experiences may require consultation with the host school administrators and the mentor teacher(s). Further consultation with the Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB) may also be required, particularly if accommodations are requested for the certifying field experience/internship. The Field Experience Coordinator and field advisor will work collaboratively with the student to determine the consultation process and the information shared with these organizations.

Accommodations may be noted in the final report for a field experience

Note: While accommodations may be made to help facilitate a student’s learning, such accommodation cannot compromise the safety and well-being of pupils in schools or the academic and professional integrity of the Faculty of Education program. Additionally, accommodations cannot compromise the learning purposes for a field experience, the educational environment, including the timing of the field work, or the sustainability of the program, for example by requiring excessive financial costs and/or excessive human or other resources. Please refer to the section entitled ‘Personal/Professional competencies for teaching’ for more information.

Procedure for Review of Standing Relating to a Field Experience

The intent of this procedure is to provide a just process for the review of a candidate/intern’s assigned standing in a field experience course, including a practicum.

• Download Overview of Procedures (as written below)
• Download Submission Package – Candidate/Intern
• Download Submission Package – Field Experience Coordinator

Procedures Prior to the Review:

1. The candidate/intern submits a letter to the Director of Undergraduate Programs within five days of being informed of his/her/their grade for the field experience course.
2. Within five days of receiving the letter, the Director of Undergraduate Programs sends the candidate/intern a copy of the Review of Standing in a Field Experience and a checklist of the required elements for the package submission.
3. Within 10 days of receiving the procedure documents, the candidate/intern submits a package to the Director of Undergraduate Programs. This package should contain the following information:
   • A statement of the decision from which the review has arisen.
   • A statement of relief which the candidate/intern seeks.
   • A brief chronological statement of the circumstances relating to the decision being reviewed.
   • Copies of any related documents the candidate/intern feels will support his/her/their perspective.
4. Within 10 days of receiving the package submission, the Director of Undergraduate Programs strikes a committee (hereafter referred to as the Review Committee) to review the outcome of the field experience course. Members of the Review Committee would normally include:  the Director of Undergraduate Programs (chair), up to three faculty members who have no knowledge of the candidate/intern’s case, and a student union representative who does not know the candidate/intern personally and has no knowledge of the candidate/intern’s case.
5. Within five days of the Review Committee formation, the Field Experience Coordinator submits a package to the Director of Undergraduate Programs. The package should contain the following:
   • A chronological sequence of the assessment process upon which the decision was based.
   • Any assessment reports, action plans, learning contracts or related documentation that describe both the concerns and the remedial strategies that were put in place to support the candidate/intern.
   • Copies of relevant documents that provide evidence of due diligence and due process in the decision-making process.
   • Copies of any communication with the candidate/intern that is relevant to the decision.
6. The Director of Undergraduate Programs will provide copies of the two package submissions and a meeting agenda (with a timeframe) to the Review Committee members, the Field Experience Coordinator, the field advisor, and the candidate/intern three days prior to the meeting date.

Procedures at the Review:

At the review, the following procedures should be followed:

1. The candidate/intern has the right to have a support person present during the hearing. The role of this person is to provide support to the candidate/intern during the review. The support person is present as an observer and does not make a presentation to the Review Committee, does not contribute to the discussion, and is not involved in the decision making process.  Examples of a support person could include a friend, family member, or personal mentor.
2. The Review Committee, Field Experience Coordinator, field advisor, and candidate/intern convene together to discuss the decision being reviewed.
3. The Review Committee may impose reasonable time limits for the review process, including opening and closing remarks.
4. The candidate/intern may make an opening statement.
5. The Review Committee may ask the candidate/intern questions for clarification.
6. The Field Experience Coordinator may make an opening statement.
7. The Review Committee may ask the Field Experience Coordinator questions for clarification.
8. The candidate/intern, Field Experience Coordinator and field advisor may each provide a brief closing statement before leaving the room.
9. The candidate/intern, support person, Field Experience Coordinator and field advisor leave the room while the Review Committee arrives at the decision.

The Decision:

1. If, after the review, the Review Committee requires further information in order to reach a decision, it may ask that additional information be supplied. This information can be requested in writing. The candidate/intern, Field Experience Coordinator and field advisor must be given the opportunity of commenting on the additional information supplied before the Review Committee reaches a final decision.
2. The Review Committee shall arrive at a decision on the basis of a majority vote of those voting members of the committee present at the review meeting.
3. Within 72 hours of the review meeting, the decision of the Review Committee shall be communicated in writing to the candidate/intern with copies to the Field Experience Coordinator, field advisor and Director of Undergraduate Programs.
4. The decision of the Review Committee is final.
5. If the course grade requires adjustment this will be done by the Director of Undergraduate Programs.
6. If the assigned grade is upheld, the candidate/intern has the right to make a Senate Appeal (refer to UBCO website). This information will be provided to the candidate/intern.

Additional Notes:

• With regard to these procedural guidelines, a reference to a number of days shall exclude Saturdays, Sundays and any days on which the University is closed.
• As the Review Committee chair, the Director of Undergraduate Programs may extend timelines if necessary.

You will engage in field experiences as part of your professional learning. Through site-based seminars and field experiences, you will have the opportunity to observe, implement and reflect on professional practice in schools, specific classrooms and community sites.

Field Experiences are in schools and/or school districts in the Okanagan Valley. The availability of placements in some areas may be limited and you must be prepared to accept placement for your field experience anywhere within 75km of your place of residence. You must make your own arrangements for and bear the cost of personal transportation and accommodation during field experience.

As an expectation of the Bachelor of Education Okanagan program, all teacher candidates will be expected to commute throughout the Okanagan Valley for various field experiences for the duration of the program. All teacher candidates are strongly advised to have regular access to reliable motor vehicle transportation with adequate snow tires.

Weather conditions

To miss a field experience day due to hazardous weather conditions you must first obtain approval from your field advisor and, if granted, must then inform the field experience site in a timely manner.

Getting to and from campus

Plan to be available 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.  Most campus classes will be held within that time frame; however, there will be exceptions where some of your classes may go later into the evening. We will give you as much notice as possible ahead of time. The specific times of your coursework will vary throughout the program of study.  Detailed schedules and syllabi will provide specifics as your program unfolds. School and community practica require you to have much flexibility within your day-to-day organization and management.

Teacher candidates are committed to lifelong learning and to supporting their colleagues (classmates, mentor teachers, and professors) in their learning as well. As a result, you are expected to attend all scheduled classes. Because of the interactive, collaborative and experiential nature of Education classes, missing classes is not a simple matter of “getting the notes” from a missed class. If you are unavoidably absent because of illness or emergency you should report to your instructors as soon as possible.

Regular attendance during field experience is required. You are expected to notify your mentor teachers and the field advisor whenever a school visit cannot be kept.

If you have a planned personal event that conflicts with course or field experience time, please book an appointment with the Undergraduate Director to discuss the event ahead of time.

Absence from Class

If you are absent, please submit the Absence Report Form. You will receive an email confirmation that your request for absence has been acknowledged. Please forward this confirmation to your instructors

Notes:

• If you are ill for two or more consecutive days, please be prepared to provide a doctor’s note.
• If you are requesting approval for an absence for a personal event, please book an appointment with the Undergraduate Director to discuss the event ahead of time.
• For unexcused absences, and in some cases excused absences, you may be required to submit a plan, agreed upon by your instructors, which includes make-up assignments for course times missed.

Absence from Practicum

In the event of illness, you must notify your school (front office) and field advisor without delay.

Forward your confirmation letter to all of your advisors as you would with missed coursework.

You will also need to provide your mentor teacher(s) with lesson plans and resources for any lessons you are scheduled to teach.

Absence from Community Field Experience

In the event of illness, or excused absence, you must notify your community partner and field advisor without delay, and complete the Absence Report Form.

If you are absent because of illness, you will be expected to submit a physician’s medical note to the Community Field Experience Coordinator.

As soon as you are able, you are expected to negotiate with your community partner to make up missed time and report how you will be making up your time to your field advisor and the Community Field Experience coordinator. Those unable to make up this time during the three weeks must discuss options with the Community Field Experience coordinator. Passing the Community Field Experience course is based upon 100 per cent participation.

Submit Absence Report

Your personal information is collected under the authority of section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). This information will be used for the purpose of notifying the Faculty of Education UBC Okanagan of your absence in attendance while enrolled in the BEd program. Questions about the collection of this information may be directed to education.ubco@ubc.ca.

1. Course Assessment: Course instructors development criteria for assignments using the program-wide assessment frame.

2. This course assessment criteria is used formatively during the course; for example: students (self assessment), instructors (formative assessment), and peers (peer assessment).

3. a) Student is satisfactorily meeting expectations on all criteria for each assignment

3. b) Student is experiencing difficulty and/or is not meeting assignment expectations. The student and instructor will met and determine a re-submit or remediation plan. The student will resubmit or complete the remediation plan by the end of the course break. If the student’s resubmission or remediation is still not meeting expectations then the instructor can either provide one final opportunity to resubmit or remediate (if time permits), and/or the student and instructor will meet with the Director of Undergraduate Programs or designate to review the plan and/or develop a Professional Assessment Report.

4. Academic Performance Evaluations/Progression: At the end of each course break or field experience:

• Instructors complete their course assessments using the course assessment criteria
• Field Advisors review assessment information
• A course grade of pass or fail is provided

If a student fails, the student will be discontinued or withdrawn from the program. A “student of concern” is one that is at-risk academically, if this is the case, a Professional Assessment Report with action plan will be developed and/or reviewed. If a student is “of concern” for more than two courses, or field experience, they will be withdrawn from the program.

View the steps in a flow chart: Download the Assessment Guidelines & Procedures steps

The criteria for assessment is based on the Ministry of Education Professional Standards for BC Educators. (Refer to Assessment Standards document for more detail.)

In EDUC 440/441/444, assessment is designed to be used formatively by the candidate/intern (as self-assessment) and by the mentors and field advisors (as formative feedback).  In EDUC 444, assessment becomes summative in the final report.

Procedure for Assessment

Throughout EDUC 440/441/444 field experiences, assessment evidence is collected, reviewed and discussed with reference to the Assessment Standards.

If a Candidate/intern is satisfactorily meeting expectations on all criteria.
Course grade: PASS

If at any point prior to and/or during the field experience the candidate/intern is experiencing significant difficulty and/or not meeting expectations on one or more criteria, the following protocol is in place:

1. Candidate/intern, field advisor and, if possible, mentor(s) meet in a timely manner to clarify the area(s) of difficulty. The field advisor and, if possible, mentor(s) will develop a written Action Plan outlining goals, supports (if applicable) and a timeline for review. This plan will be provided to the candidate/intern.
2. If time/context permit, a Professional Assessment Report (PAR) is completed outlining areas of concern, goals, supports and a timeline for review. Candidate/intern, field advisor, mentor(s) Field Experience Coordinator meet to review the PAR. Note: The Okanagan School of Education reserves the right at any time to terminate a practicum when it is determined that the scholarship, professional fitness, or professional conduct of a student is unsuitable for the teaching profession, or when responding to allegations of serious, unprofessional conduct.
3. At this point, there are three possible options:

• Candidate/intern is satisfactorily meeting expectations on all criteria.
  Course grade: PASS
• EDUC 440/441 only: Candidate/intern is not fully meeting the expectations of the action plan.
  Course grade: PASS with conditions (PAR required)
• Candidate/intern is not meeting the expectations of the action plan or PAR. Field experience is terminated.
  Course grade: FAIL
  Candidate/intern is discontinued or withdrawn from the BEd program.

Some instructors may allow generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT) for coursework and some may not. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with your instructor’s AI policy.

UBC Generative AI provides resources, training and additional tools.

• Academic Integrity and Generative AI Tools FAQ
• APA Style, how to cite ChatGPT

On July 1, 2009 the UBC Okanagan School of Education instituted a Pass/Fail assessment in all courses and seminars in the following programs:

• Bachelor of Education
• All other undergraduate Education courses including those in the Summer and Professional Institutes (400 level and lower)
• All post-baccalaureate certificate/diploma courses (400 level and lower)

Pass/Fail assessment will not apply to any UBC Okanagan Education graduate courses (500 level or higher).

The UBC’s Okanagan campus School of Education will use marking schemes and rubrics with a minimum pass equivalency set at a B+ (76%) in UBC’s standard marking system. Most teacher candidates are admitted to the School of Education with grades that are at this level or exceed this level. We feel that achieving a minimum equivalency of B+ is expected if one is to move into the profession as a well-informed, knowledgeable and capable educator.

Pass/Fail grading is common in professional programs. In addition to it being used in Education programs (including UBC Vancouver), many faculties of Law, Medicine and Dentistry have also implemented Pass/Fail assessment as an alternative to letter grading systems.

Overall we see Pass/Fail grading as changing the focus in our courses. Instead of teacher candidates concentrating primarily on getting high marks on tests and assignments, more effort can be made, and more time can be spent, learning how to become excellent teachers. This is not to say that outstanding achievement on tests and assignments is not valued, but this type of achievement is not the goal in itself. The goal of teacher education is to become a well-informed, knowledgeable and capable professional. With this in mind, as we move to a Pass/Fail system, we hope to see our teacher candidates engaged in learning that is meaningful and durable, not focusing upon competition with each other but focusing, instead, on developing and constructing collegial and cooperative learning environments that will serve as models for their future teaching careers.

Note:

Teacher candidates must achieve a Pass grade in each course and/or in each seminar of a module. Teacher candidates failing to achieve a grade of Pass will not be permitted to commence a practicum. Teacher candidates must achieve a Pass grade in all components to be recommended for graduation. Teacher candidates who successfully complete may request a letter summarizing the Pass/Fail grading practice from the Dean’s office, that they may attach to a future application to a graduate studies degree program.

The Bachelor of Education program must be completed within four years of the date of original admission. If you have been absent from the program and wish to return, please read the procedures below.

Reinstatement refers to the type of registration required when a student is returning to the program after an absence of less than one year due to an academic leave or a required discontinuation of studies. For more information about reinstatements, please refer to the Academic Calendar.

Readmission refers to the type of registration required when a student is returning to the program after an absence of more than one year due to an academic leave or a required discontinuation of studies. A completed application form and application fee is normally required for readmission. For more information about reinstatements, please refer to the Academic Calendar

Students who were granted an academic leave

WHO:

You are a student in good academic standing who requested and was granted an academic leave from the BEd program at some point during the coursework and/or field experience.

ACTION:

1. Prior to April 1st of the calendar year in which you are requesting reinstatement/readmission, contact the Education Office in writing and request an appointment to discuss reinstatement or readmission. In your email, please indicate your availability for either an on campus or a telephone appointment.
2. An appointment confirmation will be sent with instructions regarding how to prepare for the on campus or telephone appointment. This may include questions you may be asked and documents you will need to have ready to submit. Normally these appointments occur in mid-April.
3. Following your appointment, you will be asked to complete an application form either for Reinstatement or for Readmission to the Bachelor of Education Program. At this point, if applicable, you may need to provide information about courses or other steps you have taken that will demonstrate your readiness to return to the program. Applications for reinstatement or readmission are due by May 1st.
4. Your request will be reviewed by the Faculty of Education. By mid-May, you will receive a written summary of the initial meeting or phone call, and the decision to grant (full or conditional), defer or deny reinstatement or readmission. Instructions for your ‘next steps’ are also provided.

Students who were required to discontinue

WHO:

You were required to discontinue the BEd program. This may include having received a standing of Fail for any course or field experience.

ACTION:

1. Prior to April 1st of the calendar year in which you are requesting reinstatement/readmission, contact the Education Office in writing and request an appointment to discuss reinstatement or readmission. In your email, please indicate your availability for either an on-campus or a telephone appointment.
2. An appointment confirmation will be sent with instructions regarding how to prepare for the on-campus or telephone appointment. This may include questions you may be asked and documents you will need to have ready to submit. Normally these appointments occur in mid-April.
3. Following your appointment, you will be asked to complete an application form either for Reinstatement or for Readmission to the Bachelor of Education Program. At this point, you will need to provide information about courses or other steps you have taken that will demonstrate your readiness to return to the program. Applications for reinstatement or readmission are due by May 1st. Reinstatement or readmission is not automatic. Each application will be considered on its merits.
4. Your request will be reviewed by the Faculty of Education. By mid-May, you will receive a written summary of the meeting and the decision to grant (full or conditional), defer or deny reinstatement or readmission. Instructions for your ‘next steps’ are also provided.

The mission of the Bachelor of Education Program (the “Program”) within the Faculty of Education (the “Faculty”) at the University of British Columbia is to prepare teachers who are knowledgeable, skillful, flexible, and compassionate members of the profession guided by a sense of social and ethical responsibility in relation to their students and the wider society. The Faculty understands teaching as a moral activity guided by ideals of human good and conceptions of what is educationally valuable.

While many graduates of the Program enter the teaching profession and teach in public schools, others teach in international schools, independent schools, or non-school settings such as museums, art galleries, and recreational settings. The current Program reflects this diversity by placing students in a range of learning environments including, but not limited to, public school settings.

Students in the Faculty must comply with this policy in their interactions with faculty, peers, teachers, staff, and pupils at all times.

Role of the Faculty

The Faculty is charged with ensuring that all graduates of the Program have the requisite competencies and can meet the professional practice standards to be eligible for professional certification as educators in the Province of British Columbia from the British Columbia Ministry of Education. While students are ultimately responsible for their own behaviour, the Faculty appreciates that students are still in the process of learning. The Faculty and others involved in instruction in the Program are expected to model professional conduct and, where necessary, help students improve their understanding of professional conduct expectations.

Expectations for the Professional Conduct of Students

Professional conduct is the set of attitudes, behaviours, and characteristics deemed desirable in members of a profession and that define the profession and its relationship to its members and to society.

It is the responsibility of students in the Program to familiarize themselves with and meet the expectations for professional conduct in all settings.

Faculty members are expected to help students interpret specific school and/or practicum guidelines and apply them appropriately in their conduct.

Membership in the teaching profession demands integrity, competence, and adherence to ethical standards. Teaching is a profession that is enormously demanding and carries considerable responsibility as teachers assume a crucial and challenging role in the support, care, and development of other people’s children.

At all times students in the Program are expected to demonstrate:

Honesty and Integrity

• Act with integrity and demonstrate personal and academic honesty in all interactions and communications, both orally and in writing. Communicate truthfully with students, teachers and other school-based personnel, peers, faculty members, and staff.
• Acknowledge contributions made to course assignments, lesson plans, and materials designed or provided by others.

Respect for Others

• Engage only in respectful interactions with others that do not discriminate on grounds protected by the British Columbia Human Rights Code.
• Contribute to a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning and the conduct of professional work. Maintain personal composure and consideration for others in all interactions.
• Ensure that all communications, including those on the internet and social media, are respectful.
• Establish and maintain appropriate personal boundaries in relationships with others both on and off campus.
• Do not engage in conduct that exploits students or others for personal, sexual, ideological, or other advantage.
• Respect the confidentiality of student information, the dignity of children, and their right to confidentiality, subject to your legal and professional obligations, which include a duty to report abuse or suspected abuse.
• Treat students and their families with respect and dignity both in their presence and in discussions with other members of educational teams.

Responsibility

• Be accountable for personal conduct. Show enthusiasm, initiative, adaptability, and curiosity.
• Receive feedback in a non-defensive and receptive manner.
• Meet expectations related to dependability, punctuality, attendance, and participation. Meet deadlines.
• Use social media responsibly, refraining from posting any information or comments related to students or colleagues or any personal information without appropriate consents.
• Assure the primacy of students’ wellbeing.
• Respect boundaries between teachers and students in all interactions, including social media.
• Create environments that are conducive to student learning.
• Recognize your own limitations and seek help when your level of experience is inadequate.

Students are expected to adhere to the UBC Statement of Respectful Environment for Students, Faculty and Staff

Students are also expected to be familiar with and to comply with the policies of the University relating to conducting including but not limited to:

• UBC Policy on Academic Honesty and Standards
• UBC Policy on Non-Academic Misconduct

In addition, when students are in school or field settings, they are expected to be familiar with relevant policies and procedures governing conduct within those settings including but not limited to:

• Teacher Regulation Branch Standards for the Education, Competence and Professional Conduct of Educators in British Columbia
• British Columbia Teachers Federation Code of Ethics
• Child, Family and Community Service Act – Duty to report abuse or suspected abuse

You are guided by principles of professional conduct, as outlined by the B.C. Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB) Standards, while on campus, in the schools, and in your personal lives. This includes your online activities.

• Professional Standards Poster
• Professional Standards Handout 

If you wish to become a teacher, please ensure that your online presence (e.g. pictures you post or have posted and comments you make or have made) aligns with the high standard of leadership that is expected of educators.

During the field experiences, you are also subject to the School Act and you are expected to comply with the standards for professional conduct followed by school personnel and to act in accordance with guidelines published in the Members’ Guide of the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF).

Teachers are role models of contextually-appropriate appearance and good hygiene for their students. They convey this by maintaining a professional appearance when attending classes, place-based learning sites, field experiences, school visits or other professional events. What you wear should reflect that you are a positive role model for your students. When in doubt, wear business casual.

Addressing areas of disagreement or concern may be initiated by either the faculty member(s) (instructor and/or field advisor and/or faculty mentor) or the teacher candidate/intern and may pertain to academic performance, assigned standing, and/or professionalism.

In all cases of disagreement or concern between faculty members and teacher candidates/interns, the preferred course of action is for the candidate/intern or faculty member to raise the concern directly and constructively with the other party who is obligated to actively listen and provide a timely, respectful response. It is expected that most disagreements and concerns can and should be resolved informally.

If more formal process is required, the following steps should be followed:

Step 1. Teacher candidate/intern and faculty member(s) meet and discuss the concern. If the concern is not resolved informally, then, as an outcome of the meeting, a written summary that outlines the concerns, the desired outcome and a proposed action plan with a timeframe should be developed either collaboratively or by the person who initiated the process.

Normally, this meeting should occur within seven days of the written request.

Step 2. Teacher candidate/intern and faculty member(s) meet with the Director of Undergraduate Programs or designate. The summary from the initial meeting is discussed. If necessary, a formal Professional Assessment Report including desired outcomes, an action plan with a timeframe is developed.

Normally, this meeting should occur at the earliest possible date following the initial meeting (Step 1).

Step 3. Teacher candidate/intern and faculty member(s) meet with Associate Dean or designate. The Professional Assessment Report is reviewed and discussed.

Normally, this meeting occurs at the earliest possible date following the second (Step 2) meeting.

Step 4. Recommendations by Associate Dean or designate to the Dean regarding the issue are made. The final decision is made by the Dean.

Normally, this meeting occurs at the earliest possible date following the third (Step 3) meeting.

If a teacher candidate/intern is designated with a ‘Student of Concern’ status as an outcome of the Academic Performance Evaluation/Progression review at the end of each course and/or the Candidacy Review in June, then either Step 2 or Step 3 of the formal process will be initiated by faculty member(s) in consultation with the teacher candidate/intern and the Director of Undergraduate Programs.

The resulting Professional Assessment Report could involve re-submission of assignments and/or a remedial plan to address areas of concern.

Please refer to the sections entitled ‘Assessment Guidelines & Procedures: Coursework’ and ‘Assessment Guidelines & Procedures: Field Experiences’ for more information regarding addressing concerns during coursework or field experiences.

A teacher candidate/intern with a ‘Student of Concern’ status for more than two courses and/or field experiences may be required to discontinue or withdraw from the program. Please refer to the Academic Calendar sections entitled ‘Academic Performance Evaluations & Progression’ and ‘Candidacy Review’ for more information.

In order to graduate, students applying for Graduation must submit a formal application for graduation via Workday. You must apply to have your degree conferred and to be eligible for recommendation for a teacher certificate.

You are required to apply for graduation, even if you don’t plan on attending the ceremony.

Learn more

Information and useful links on jobs at UBC or for educators seeking employment in BC, Canada and internationally.

CAREERS

For Applicants

• Each employer requires a separate account to apply for jobs.
• Login or register by selecting an employer from the list
• Please note that you can link an existing account to create a new one.
• Districts marked unavailable do not accept online applications. Contact these districts directly.
• Need help? Contact Make a Future

Steps to get started:

1. Go to the login page.
2. Select a school district from the list provided on the page.
3. Log in or register to start applying.

Tips from previous grads:

Usernames/Passwords: Each school district/independent school requires a separate account with a unique username to apply online. To stay organized, develop a ‘username/password code system’ for your various districts e.g. JSmithSD23, pwd: JSmith23, JSmithSD22, pwd: JSmith22 etc. and write this information down somewhere for future reference.

Short Answer components: Most school district/independent school applications on Make a Future include several short answer questions.  As you work through these, consider writing your responses as a Word document first… proofread carefully, and then cut/paste them into the online form.

Hit save often.

Make sure you customize your letter of introduction and any short answer responses to the specific district or First Nations/off-shore/independent school.

You will be scanning/uploading various documents so have these ready in advance of your application, ideally as pdf’s.

Requested documents include:  resume, cover letter, list of references and/or reference letters, Ministry of Education/Teacher Certification Branch certificate, TQS (Teacher Qualification Service) category card, practicum report(s)*, official academic transcripts (photocopies are not acceptable; however, scanned electronic copies are permissible), post-secondary diplomas / certificates, work permit (required only for non-Canadian residents)

*Some districts/schools may request all final reports for all practicums.

Once you are off to a good start on applications for your selected districts make the account visible so that HR people can access them. Continue to update the application as you get your reports, transcripts and references etc.

For an overview of the application process, please go to the following Teacher Certification webpage.

Note: The Teacher Certification Branch (TCB) recently changed its name. Formerly, it was called the Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB) so you might see that name in some of the TCB website information and links.

Account(s) Set Up:

1. Account(s) set-up: BC eID & Teacher Certification Branch (TCB).

• If you don’t already have one, you will need to set up a BC eID account: https://www.bceid.ca/register/basic/account_details.aspx?type=regular

Note: For this account, use a personal email address that you will continue to use in the future.  Make note of your user name and password.

• After you created your BCeID (an email confirmation will be sent to you), go to the TCB website/Your Account area
• Login to Your Account area with your BCeID log in and password to begin the application process: https://teacherregulation.gov.bc.ca/LoginInfo/YourAccountLogin.aspx
• An email confirmation will be sent to you (from the TCB)

Application and Fee Payment

2. Go to Applicant’s Area and download the Certificate of Qualification (CoQ) and save it to your desktop. Complete the CoQ application form… Hit ‘save’ often.

• Enter personal information
• Answer a short questionnaire: answer truthfully and provide as much detail as possible.
• Make sure to list all your academic credentials and all post-secondary institutions you have attended in the Academic Qualifications section. This will avoid delays later in the process.
• Be sure to consent to a Criminal Record Check.
• For employment experience, list your field experience(s) to date and most recent jobs only (especially ones where you worked with young people). You do not need to provide an exhaustive list of your employment history.

3. Upload your completed CoQ application form in the area provided in the Applicants’ Area. If any information is missing, you will be prompted to complete or correct the information on the form. When the form is complete, you can submit your application and pay the application fee ($245) through the Applicants’ Area (credit card is easiest form of payment).
4. Email confirmation from TCB: Wait for an email from the TCB, which will arrive within five to seven business days after they receive your application. They will create a file for you and place it in a queue based on the date received. The email confirms that the TCB has received your application and will include your file number (letter ‘L’ + 6 numbers). This file number will eventually become your certification number. Please mention your full name and file number in all future communication with the TCB.

Once you have submitted your application and paid your fees, you can work on submitting the required documents…This can be completed over time. Future submitted documents are added to your file- that is why it is important to include your full name and file number in all communication with the TCB.

5. Documents: The TCB requires you to submit a number of documents as part of your application. These are all described in detail on the TCB webpage

 Link:  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/teach/your-application/submit-documents

You don’t need to send in all of the documents at once. Start with a few and then keep sending documents as you obtain them.  Because documents will arrive for your file at different times from different sources, the TCB will add each document to your file as it arrives. Just make sure that all submissions are properly identified with your full name and TCB file number.

Here are some additional notes about documents:

• You must consent to a Criminal Record Check (CRC): The Okanagan School of Education will not forward your CRC report to the TCB. TCB will submit your CRC application as part of your certification process. You don’t need to carry out an external CRC application.
• Transcripts: Please read the TCB website information carefully (see document link above). After you complete your program, the Okanagan School of Education will send your UBC transcript to the TCB and TQS on your behalf but you need to request transcripts for all other post-secondary institutions including coursework transferred to UBC from other institutions (including any Go Global exchanges).

Suggestion: When you are ordering transcripts from non-UBC institutions, order three copies – one copy to be sent directly to TCB, one sealed copy to mail to the TQS, and one copy for you to keep and use to scan when applying for teaching positions (most districts request a copy of all of your transcripts in order to assess your qualifications/eligibility for positions).

• Final practicum report: Submit your signed/initialed internship final report. Normally this document is sent to interns on the final day of internship.
• Verification of Identification Documents: Any TCB certificate holder (e.g. Okanagan School of Education field advisors) can verify documents on your behalf. The verifier will need to see your original document prior to signing the photocopied version. On the photocopied version, the verifier should write: “verified by… [print name], [signature], [TCB certificate number], [teaching position], [the date].
• Character references: Make sure these people will give you a positive reference and submit the completed reference form in a timely manner. You will need to complete and submit page 1 of the form. You will also need to ask two people acting as your references (your referees) who have known you for at least two years to complete page 2 and submit the forms directly to the TCB. Your referees do not need to have observed you in any teaching capacity. However, the TCB will not accept forms completed by referees who are closely related to you, such as relatives, partner, spouse or significant other. Also, the TCB does not accept letters of recommendation as a substitute for the character reference form.
• If you are planning to teach in another province, complete the Statement of Professional Standing form as well. See the ‘Teach in another province or country’ link on the webpage. The TCB will forward this form to the other jurisdiction when your certificate is issued. Link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/teach/maintain/moving

6. UBC transcripts: Following grade submission at the end of your teacher education program (BEd: mid-December), the Okanagan School of Education will forward to the TCB and TQS the names and UBC transcripts for all BEd students who have completed the program.
7. The TCB will issue your teacher certificate if/when your file is complete. At that point, you will need to pay your annual fee ($80).
8. Make sure you keep your account contact information up to date.
9. If you have questions at any point in the application process, please contact the TCB directly. The Okanagan School of Education is not in a position to advise you with regard to your application.

Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.

Note: The TCB cannot discuss application status or evaluations over the phone.

Victoria Phone: 250 387-6121

Vancouver Phone: 604 660-2421

Elsewhere in B.C. Toll Free: 1 800 663-7867

Outside B.C. Phone: 604 660-2421

Mailing: Ministry of Education, 400-2025 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 1Z6

Final notes:

• In the interim period before your certification is finalized: If you have been hired for a teaching position, your employer can request a letter of completion from the OSE by emailing education.ubco@ubc.ca
• If any jurisdiction or school district requires more than the TCB certificate, you can request a “Letter of Degree Completion” from the Okanagan School of Education. Email your request, with an accompanying reason, to education.ubco@ubc.ca.
• If the Letter of Degree Completion is insufficient, the Okanagan School of Education will handle these situations on an individual basis.

1. View the TQS webpage for email submission
2. Once your TCB application is well underway, you should start your TQS application process.
3. TQS has strict deadlines for submitting applications. Please make sure that you target the appropriate deadline for your completion date. It is advisable to submit your required documents to the TQS by mid-November (prior to their November 30 deadline).
4. Normally the TQS does not send you a confirmation email when you upload your application.
5. All transcripts (other that UBC/UBCO) must either be sent directly from the post-secondary institution to the TQS or included in your mail-in application in a institution-sealed envelope.
6. The Okanagan School of Education will send your UBC transcript to the TQS upon program completion.
7. The TCB will send a copy of your teaching certificate to the TQS once it is issued.