Teacher Education

Bachelor of Education degree

The Teacher Education department offers a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree for students who have already completed a four-year degree. There are two options within the Bachelor of Education: the Elementary/Middle School option (grades K–7) and the Secondary School option (grades 8–12). Within the Secondary option, there are two streams: the Math/Science stream and the Humanities stream (English/Social Studies).

The Bachelor of Education as a second degree consists of 55 credits. Course work spans over three consecutive semesters and can only be taken on a full-time basis. Courses and practica emphasize the integration of knowledge and practice, with program components that are specifically designed to meet the BEd values and goals, as well as the curricular requirements of the Ministry of Education. The BEd is intended to help prospective teachers attain the professional standards established by the Ministry of Education through the British Columbia Teachers' Council (see www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/teach/standards-for-educators for more information). Upon successful completion of the BEd, students will be recommended to the B.C. Ministry of Education for professional certification through the Teacher Certification Branch and will receive a Bachelor of Education from UFV.

Entrance requirements (Elementary/Middle option)

The BEd Elementary/Middle option is designed to prepare students to qualify for a professional teaching certificate issued by the Ministry of Education through the Teacher Certification Branch (TCB). Some of the following admission requirements reflect policies or standards of the Ministry of Education.

Academic entrance requirements

• Completion of a four-year bachelor degree from a recognized institution, including 12 credits of 300- or 400-level courses in teachable subject areas (see Note 1)
• Three credits of English composition (see Note 2)
• Three credits of English literature (see Note 2)
• Three credits of Canadian history (see Note 2)
• Three credits of Canadian geography (see Note 2)
• Four credits of an approved laboratory science course (see Note 2)
• Four credits of Math for the Elementary School Teacher (MATH 105) (see Note 2)
• Three credits of Educational Psychology (EDUC 200) (see Note 2)
• Four credits of Introduction to Best Practices in Teaching and Learning (EDUC 300) (see Note 2)

Note 1: All applicants must meet the course requirements of the TCB to qualify for professional certification. The required Bachelor's degree needs to include a minimum of 120 credits. Twelve credits of third- and fourth-year courses have to be from teachable subject areas: English, math, science, physical education, social studies (any combination of anthropology, geography, history, political science, or sociology), French, visual arts, and theatre.

Note 2: A minimum grade of C in each course is strongly recommended.

With the exception of EDUC 200 and EDUC 300, all other elementary breadth courses must be completed by December 31 prior to applying to the BEd.

Other entrance requirements

1. Interview: All applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be interviewed to assess their readiness and their dispositions for the teaching profession. Interview dates will be made available by invitation and are typically scheduled for March. Students unable to attend the interview must consult the Education Advisor.
2. Program preparation: Students are required to have work experience with children/adolescents in a variety of settings. While all experience with children/adolescents is valuable, classroom volunteer work is strongly recommended. Students are encouraged to highlight additional certifications, talents, and skills. In addition, UFV recommends that elementary/middle education applicants take courses in First Nations studies or Indigenous Peoples' knowledge to further enhance their preparation. It is also recommended that applicants have preparation in numeracy (e.g. MATH 205), modern languages, fine and performing arts courses, and kinesiology courses.
3. References: Two confidential references from professionals are required to support the application. Forms with guiding questions can be found on the Teacher Education department website.
4. Grade Point Average: UFV will calculate grade point average (GPA) on the most recent two years (approximately 60 semester hours) of undergraduate coursework (this may include post-degree coursework). Applicants with a GPA below a 2.80 on the 4.33 scale in this calculation will not be considered.
5. English language requirement: All BEd students are required to read, write, and speak at an advanced level of English; therefore, in addition to the general admission requirements, applicants must demonstrate the minimum level of English required of a certified K-12 teacher in B.C. prior to being considered for admission into the BEd. If the applicant's previous education is from a recognized university in a country where English is not the official language of instruction, they will need to achieve the competence standard indicated by either of the tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) that are officially recognized by the B.C. Ministry of Education:
   • TOEFL iBT: a score of 98 with a minimum of 23 on reading, 23 on listening, 27 on speaking and 25 on writing.
   • IELTS Academic: overall band score of 6.5 with no band below 6 and with a minimum of 7 on the speaking and writing bands.

Entrance requirements (Secondary option)

The BEd Secondary option is designed to prepare students to qualify for a professional teaching certificate issued by the B.C. Teacher Certification Branch (TCB). The BEd Secondary option includes two streams: Math/Sciences and Humanities (English/Social Studies).

The following admission requirements reflect the policies and standards of the TRB. There are three ways in which an applicant can be eligible for the BEd Secondary option:

1. Bachelor’s degree with a major in one of the four teachable subject areas (e.g. a major in Biology would make an applicant eligible for the Math/Sciences stream);
2. Bachelor’s degree with two minors, with both minors from the four teachable subject areas (e.g. a minor in Mathematics and a minor in Chemistry would make an applicant eligible for the Math/Sciences stream); or
3. Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of one minor in one of the four teachable subject areas (with a preference for a second minor in a subject area widely taught in B.C. schools).

Academic entrance requirements

• Completion of a four-year bachelor degree from a recognized institution, including at least one teachable area consisting of a major or a minor in one of English, Social Studies, Mathematics, or Sciences
• Three credits in English composition (see Notes)
• Three credits in English literature (see Notes)
• Three credits of Educational Psychology (EDUC 200) (see Note 2)
• Four credits of Introduction to Best Practices in Teaching and Learning (EDUC 300) (see Note 2)

Note 1: The English requirements must be completed by December 31 prior to applying to the BEd.

Note 2: A minimum grade of C in each course is strongly recommended.

Course requirements for major/minor distinctions

Teachable major

A teachable major is comprised of 42 credits of general and specific course work in any one of the following core B.C. secondary school subjects: Mathematics, Sciences, English, or Social Studies. At least 30 of the 42 credits must be at the upper level.

Teachable minor

A teachable minor consists of a minimum of 12–15 credits at the lower level and at least 18 credits at the upper level in any one of English, Social Studies, Mathematics, or Sciences.

Specific course requirements

Humanities stream (English/Social Studies)

Social Studies teacher applicants

To be accepted as a Social Studies teacher candidate, applicants must meet the following course requirements:

• For Geography students:
  • 12 credits in geography at any university level;
  • 12 credits in history, which must include three credits in pre-Confederation Canadian history, three credits in post-Confederation Canadian history, three credits in European history, and three credits in Asian, African, or Latin American history; and
  • 30 credits in upper-level geography courses (a minimum of 18 credits is required for the minor).

It is recommended that applicants have six credits in a social science other than history or geography, such as sociology, anthropology, First Nations studies, or political science.

• For History students:
  • 12 credits in history, which must include three credits of pre-Confederation Canadian history, three credits of post-Confederation Canadian history, three credits of European history, and three credits of Asian, African, or Latin American history;
  • Six credits in geography (three credits must be in Canadian geography); and
  • 30 credits in upper-level history courses (a minimum of 18 credits is required for the minor).

It is recommended that applicants have six credits in a social science other than history or geography, such as sociology, anthropology, First Nations studies, or political science.

Note: Social Studies teacher applicants will also be completing the English methods courses within the Humanities stream.

English teacher applicants

To be accepted as an English teacher candidate, applicants must meet the following course requirements:

• 12 credits in lower-level English;
• 30 credits in upper-level English (a minimum of 18 credits is required for the minor);
• Three credits in Canadian history and three credits in either European, Asian, or Latin American history; and
• Three credits in Geography.

Note: English teacher applicants will also be completing the Social Studies methods courses within the Humanities stream. English teacher applicants are encouraged to include English literature courses in their preparation.

Math/Sciences stream

Science teacher applicants

To be accepted as a Science teacher candidate for biology, chemistry, physics, or physical geography in the Math/Sciences stream, applicants must meet the following course requirements in order to be prepared for both the science and mathematics methods courses:

• MATH 111, and one of MATH 112 or MATH 118, or equivalent;
• A minimum of 18 credits of lower-level course work in one of the following designated content areas: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, or Physical Geography/Geology; and
• 30 credits of upper-level course work in the designated major subject area (or 18 credits for the minor).

Note 1: Applicants for the Physical Geography content area must hold a BSc in Physical Geography. The Teacher Education department strongly recommend that applicants with preparation in physical geography, have additional science courses in chemistry, physics, and biology (including lab courses).

Note 2: Science teacher applicants will also be completing the mathematics methods courses within the Math/Sciences stream.

Mathematics teacher applicants

To be accepted as a Mathematics teacher candidate in the Math/Sciences stream, applicants must meet the following course requirements in order to be prepared for both science and math methods courses:

• MATH 111, and one of MATH 112 or MATH 118, or equivalent;
• 12 additional credits in lower-level mathematics, (including one course in statistics);
• Eight credits from the completion of CHEM 113 and 114, or PHYS 111 and 112, or BIO 111 and 112; and
• 30 credits in upper-level mathematics courses (a minimum of 18 credits is required for the minor). Please note that the upper-level courses should be math courses and not statistics.

Note: Mathematics teacher applicants will also be completing the science methods courses within the Math/Sciences stream.

Other entrance requirements

1. Interview: All applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be interviewed to assess their readiness and their dispositions for the teaching profession. Interview dates will be made available by invitation and are typically scheduled for March. Students unable to attend the interview must consult the Advisor.
2. Program preparation: Students are required to have work experience with children/adolescents in a variety of settings. While all experience with children/adolescents is valuable, classroom volunteer work is strongly recommended. Students are encouraged to highlight additional certifications, talents, and skills. For those students applying with only one teachable minor in one of the four subject areas, preference will be given to students who have a second minor in another subject area widely taught in B.C. schools. In addition to the courses required to apply for each stream, applicants are encouraged to take additional courses to enhance their preparedness for today’s classrooms. Students are encouraged to pursue coursework in the following areas:
   • Mathematics/Sciences applicants: Six credits in computer science or six credits in a science subject different than the teachable major/minor.
   • Humanities applicants: Six credits in a social science other than history or geography, such as First Nations studies, Indigenous Peoples' knowledge, anthropology, sociology, or political science.
3. References: Two confidential references from professionals are required to support the application. Forms with guiding questions can be found on the Teacher Education department website.
4. Grade Point Average: UFV will calculate grade point average (GPA) on the most recent two years (approximately 60 semester hours) of undergraduate coursework (this may include post-degree coursework). Applicants with a GPA below a 2.80 on the 4.33 scale in this calculation will not be considered.
5. English language requirement: All BEd students are required to read, write, and speak at an advanced level of English; therefore, in addition to the general admission requirements, applicants must demonstrate the minimum level of English required of a certified K-12 teacher in B.C. prior to being considered for admission into the BEd. If the applicant's previous education is from a recognized university in a country where English is not the official language of instruction, they will need to achieve the competence standard indicated by either of the tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) that are officially recognized by the B.C. Ministry of Education:
   • TOEFL iBT: a score of 98 with a minimum of 23 on reading, 23 on listening, 27 on speaking and 25 on writing.
   • IELTS Academic: overall band score of 6.5 with no band below 6 and with a minimum of 7 on the speaking and writing bands.

Note: All documentation submitted as part of a student’s application is confidential and will be treated as such by UFV.

All teacher candidates must meet the B.C. Teacher Certification Branch acceptable degree policy, restricting the academic preparation acceptable for qualifying teachers. It is strongly recommended that prospective students attend the Teacher Education seminars which are regularly offered by the department. For more information please see the Teacher Education department website.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall semester only. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process. Applicants must submit completed applications, including documentation, by January 31 to be considered for the September admission of the same year. Applications received after January 31 may be considered, but only if space is available.

How to apply

Applicants are eligible to apply while completing a Bachelor’s degree acceptable to the TCB, provided all prerequisite courses (except EDUC 300) are completed in the Fall semester prior to starting the BEd. Students accepted into the BEd program must complete their degree and course requirements by the end of the Winter semester of the same year.

All students should apply online. UFV students can submit their application through myUFV. Students new to UFV can apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply. Students can obtain the BEd application forms online through the Office of the Registrar, or the Teacher Education department website.

Additional documents required for a complete application:

• Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. (UFV students are not required to submit transcripts.) To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details. To meet application deadlines, order transcripts early.
• A brief résumé detailing education, work experience, and volunteer experience is required. Directions are given on the Teacher Education department website.
• References must be submitted on the Referee Report form, with a separate form completed for each reference. At least one reference must come from an off-campus educator who has observed the applicant interacting with children/adolescents in an educational setting. Referees should be given the online link to the fillable PDF reference report. Once completed and saved, it should be attached to an email and sent directly to admissions@ufv.ca. References are held in strictest confidence and must be received directly from the referee from an identifiable email address. Two references are required.

Basis for admission decision

1. The Admissions Committee will consider each application.
2. Each applicant must meet all academic requirements. In addition, applicants are evaluated based upon the four additional admission criteria as outlined under “Other requirements”. The overall, summative score determines who will be admitted to the BEd. A waitlist will also be generated for each intake.
3. Conditional acceptance may be offered if students are still completing their Bachelor’s degree and/or EDUC 200 and EDUC 300 prior to beginning the BEd in September. Proof of completion of ALL entrance requirements is due by mid-May.

Admission to the BEd is on a competitive basis. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Criminal record check

Under the Criminal Records Review Act, students in a professional post-secondary program with a practicum component involving work with children and/or vulnerable adults must undergo a criminal record check. This is a requirement before students can participate in any practicum placements. Persons convicted of a criminal offense and given an absolute or conditional discharge are advised to contact the Commissioner for Teacher Regulation for clarification of their status before undertaking a teacher education program. The criminal record check will be administered through the Teacher Education department and the Criminal Records Review Program.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Books and additional supplies cost approximately $100 per course. The criminal record check (required by the Ministry for all prospective teacher candidates) is currently $28. As well, students must have reliable modes of transportation for travel to and from practica sites. Finally, other expenses will be incurred during the duration of the program including: fees for teacher certification, annual professional memberships, and costs incurred when acquiring a professional wardrobe. For additional information, please contact the Advisor.

Program duration

The program is 10.5 months in duration and consists of three full-time semesters.

Program outline (Elementary/Middle option)

This is the suggested order and sequence of courses taken by all students within the cohort model.

Semester I (mid-August to December)

Semester II (January to April)

Semester III (May to June)

Program outline (Secondary option)

This is the suggested order and sequence of courses taken by all students within the cohort model.

Humanities stream

Semester I (mid-August to December)

Semester II (January to April)

Semester III (May to June)

Math/Sciences stream

Semester I (mid-August to December)

Semester II (January to April)

Semester III (May to June)

Field study

In addition to time spent in teaching practica in schools, there are field experiences included within some courses and as part of the program. These field studies introduce teacher candidates to new places, methods and ideas, and complement the learning taking place on campus. For the most part, these field studies will take place during class time and notification will be given by the instructor ahead of time. Please note that there are certain risks associated with field studies off campus.

Transfer credit

The BEd is a full-time cohort program where students take all courses together on the same schedule. To ensure that students progress through the program at the same pace and receive consistent exposure to all aspects of the BEd curriculum, there is limited transfer credit from other institutions or from other programs at UFV toward credit in the BEd program.

The following criteria are used to determine the applicability of transfer credit or other UFV credits to the BEd program or entrance requirements:

• Relevance of the course, as determined by the Teacher Education department.
• Suitability of the course to the program, as determined by Teacher Education department.
• The date the course was taken. Generally, courses taken more than 10 years ago will not be considered applicable to the BEd entrance requirements and/or program requirements.
• The content of the course. If a course has been taken within the past 10 years, but there has been significant change to the course content, the course may not be considered applicable to the BEd entrance requirements or program requirements.

Once transfer credit has been evaluated through the process administered by the UFV Office of the Registrar, applicants should contact the Teacher Education department to determine whether courses assigned UFV transfer credit may be used toward the BEd admission requirements. When transfer credit to the BEd is not appropriate, unassigned transfer credit may be given towards electives for other UFV programs. Students should consult with the Education Advisor.

Program continuance

Teacher candidates must demonstrate a satisfactory level of understanding in all foundation courses, designs for learning courses, and short courses in order to receive credit. Courses are evaluated on a credit/no credit basis. Please note that the details of how a teacher candidate is evaluated in a course will be specified in each course outline. Teacher candidates must receive credit in the school experience and practica (EDUC 490 and EDUC 492) in order to complete the program. Moreover, teacher candidates are expected to be guided by ethically responsible professional conduct that includes behaviour consistent with the established Professional Standards for the B.C. Educators, as outlined through the B.C. Teachers' Council (BCTC).

Interruption due to extenuating circumstances

Teacher candidates may request permission, in writing, to interrupt the BEd due to extenuating circumstances such as medical, personal, or financial difficulties. There is a Program Interruption form which must be completed by the candidate and reviewed by the department head. Conditions for the candidate’s re-entry into the program are specified at this time. Re-entry into the program must occur within two years of the interruption. A Program Interruption is not an option once performance issues have been identified.

Academic standing in the program and due process

Grading for all courses in the BEd is on a credit/no credit basis. Teacher candidates must achieve credit in all courses to maintain good standing in the program. When concerns arise with a teacher candidate’s performance in the program in relation to the BEd program goals, these are identified and documented. The department has a due process to address these concerns with a teacher candidate through a notice of concern, a notice of potential no credit grade, and assigning a no credit grade for a course. Candidates who do not achieve credit in a course cannot continue in the program and will be withdrawn. All teacher candidates have access to the BEd Handbook which further explains the program’s continuance requirements and due process.

Course withdrawal

Teacher candidates who withdraw from any of the BEd courses will be considered withdrawn from the program. See Re-application or Re-entry section below for information on completing the program.

Auditing courses

Students will not be permitted to audit courses.

Program withdrawal

Depending on when the candidate is withdrawn from the program (whether voluntary or program-initiated), to return to the program the candidate will complete either a re-application or a re-entry as outlined below.

Re-application

Candidates who voluntarily withdraw, interrupt, or are withdrawn from any first-semester course (including EDUC 490) are required to re-apply as part of the regular admission process for the program. A previous admission does not provide any guarantee for re-application. If successful in their re-application, the candidate will be responsible for taking all program courses regardless of previously completed coursework. As a re-application is part of the regular application process, there is no time limit on a candidate’s re-application.

Program re-entry

Candidates who voluntarily withdraw, interrupt, or are withdrawn from any second- or third-semester courses (including EDUC 492) may apply for re-entry to the BEd provided that they demonstrate evidence of meeting the terms detailed in the withdrawal documentation. An interview with the Admissions Committee may be required. Re-entry must be successfully achieved within two years after interrupting or withdrawing from the program. Deadline for re-entry is October 15 of the subsequent year after withdrawal. A candidate who re-enters the program is required to repeat the semester in which the withdrawal occurred. Only withdrawn candidates who successfully meet the conditions of their withdrawal and meet the required application deadline will be considered for re-entry into the program.

Requirements for re-entry may include one or more of the following:

1. Documentation of new observations and/or volunteer experiences in educational/instructional contexts;
2. Completion of required coursework;
3. Completion of specific tasks involving reading, writing, reflecting, planning, and/or instructing;
4. Updated references; and/or
5. An interview with the Admissions Committee.

Note: Although every effort is made to accommodate candidates who wish to re-enter the program in the semester of their choice, this cannot be guaranteed. Space availability for re-entering candidates, as well as the total number of applicants in any given semester, inevitably influences the possibility of re-entry, even for candidates who are otherwise qualified.

Residency

This is a full-time program in which all students take all of the courses. Thus, transfer of courses from other institutions or earlier studies will not be considered.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, teacher candidates are recommended to the B.C. Ministry of Education through the Teacher Certification Branch for professional certification. In addition, BEd graduates will receive a Bachelor of Education from UFV.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.