Introduction to the BC K-12 School System & Professional Standards for Educators
This non-credit online course is required for individuals who hold teaching credentials issued outside of the province of British Columbia (BC) and who are seeking their Certificate of Qualification in BC (via the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care, Teacher Regulation Branch). In order to take this course, individuals must first have received their Conditional Certificate of Qualification from the Ministry.
Over the course of 10 weeks, through synchronous and asynchronous engagement, students will explore the educational landscape in BC, including the professional standards for BC educators and the BC curriculum.
Eligibility
This course is restricted to individuals who hold a valid Conditional Certificate of Qualification from the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care, Teacher Regulation Branch and who are pursuing a pathway to full certification.
In order to take this course, participants must first have received their Conditional Certificate of Qualification and possess a valid teaching certificate number, issued by the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care Teacher Regulation Branch. Proof of this requirement (i.e. the letter from the Ministry) will be requested upon registration.
Individuals who have not yet applied to receive a Conditional Certificate of Qualification should visit the BC government website on applying to teach in the province.
Course Fees
The course registration fee is CAD $600.00 plus GST and is due at the time of registration.
Secure Payment
Payment is made through the secure UBC Canvas Catalog via credit card or accepted Interac cards (BMO, RBC, ScotiaBank, TD CanadaTrust). Please note, we are unable to accept Visa Debit cards.
Refund Policy
Participants who wish to withdraw from the course and request a refund must submit written notice via e-mail to pdce.educ@ubc.ca at least three business days before the course begins to be eligible for a refund (less a $50 administration fee). Requests for cancellation and/or refunds received less than three business days before the start of the course will not be honoured.
Cancellation Policy
We are sometimes obliged to cancel a course for operational reasons, including, but not limited to insufficient enrolment. If this happens, all participants will be notified as soon as possible and a full refund will be issued via the original method of payment.
Schedule
APRIL-JUNE COURSES
Sections 1A & 1B
April 5 - June 14, 2023
Synchronous sessions: April 5, May 3, May 24, June 7, June 14 | Wednesdays, 4PM-6PM (Pacific Time)
Section 2
April 6 - June 15, 2023
Synchronous sessions: April 6, May 4, May 25, June 8, June 15 | Thursdays, 4PM-6PM (Pacific Time)
JULY-SEPTEMBER COURSE
Section 1
July 5 - September 13, 2023
Synchronous sessions: July 5, August 2, August 23, September 6, September 13 | Wednesdays, 4:30PM-6:30PM (Pacific Time)
Section 2
July 12 - September 20, 2023
Synchronous sessions: July 12, August 9, August 30, September 13, September 20 | Wednesdays, 4:00PM-6:00PM (Pacific Time)
It is estimated that this course will require, on average, 1-3 hours of engagement per week. Individuals who are not prepared or able to commit to this amount of time should consider taking the course when they can.
Requirements
Attendance Requirements
Participants must attend all synchronous sessions. For these sessions, participants must have access to a computer with a functioning microphone and camera, as on-camera presence will be required throughout the sessions to verify attendance.
For the asynchronous, or self-paced, portion of the course, participants are expected to engage in their learning team and submit all learning tasks in a timely manner.
Completion Requirements
Participants will be assessed a final recommendation of ‘Complete’ or ‘Incomplete’ (i.e. there will be no final letter or numeric grade).
Participants who receive a recommendation of ‘Complete’ will be issued a letter of completion. This letter will also be forwarded to the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care, Teacher Regulation Branch.
Participants who receive a recommendation of ‘Incomplete’ may attempt the course again when next offered, either at UBC or another offering institution.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the BC Curriculum and the Professional Standards for BC Educators through the creation of a professional action plan. This personal action plan will enable participants to reflect on and articulate who they are and who they can become in light of the expectations for teachers in British Columbia, providing them with a path forward.
Instructors
Meredith Fenton
Director of International Baccalaureate Programs, Lecturer, Primary Years Program Cohort Coordinator, Inquiry Course Coordinator, and Faculty Advisor
Faculty of Education, Teacher Education Office
University of British Columbia
January 2023 and April 2023 Section #1B
Simone Hausknecht
Learning Designer
Faculty of Education, Educational Technology Support
University of British Columbia
January 2023
Dr. Lynne Tomlinson
Assistant Dean
Faculty of Education, Professional Development and Community Engagement
University of British Columbia
April 2023 Section #1A and July 2023 Section 1
Sarah Lockman
Manager, Professional Development
Faculty of Education, Professional Development and Community Engagement
University of British Columbia
April 2023 Section #2 and July 2023 Section 2
How to Register
You can submit your registration details by clicking the ‘Register Now’ button below. You will be re-directed to a form where you will enter your personal data and be asked to upload the required documentation.
To facilitate registration, please have electronic copies (e.g. jpg, pdf) of the below ready to upload:
- Copy of your letter of approval for your Conditional Certificate of Qualification from the Ministry AND the Conditional Certificate of Qualification
- Copy of a piece of government issued photo ID
Once you have submitted your information, a member of our team will evaluate your eligibility to take the course within 1-2 business days and, if you are eligible and there are seats available in the upcoming session, you will receive an e-mail with the link to enroll in the course and pay your registration fees.
To enroll in the course, you will be asked to enter a campus-wide login or CWL. If you already have a UBC CWL, you may enter it; however, if you have never had a UBC CWL, you will be asked to create one. Once you enter/create your CWL, you will be taken to a payment screen to pay your course fees.
Please note: your registration will not be considered final and a space will not be held for you in the course until the fee is paid.
Register now for JULY-SEPTEMBER 2023 Section 1 (July 5-September 13)!
Register now for JULY-SEPTEMBER 2023 Section 2 (July 12-September 20)!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What learning management system is the course delivered on?
The course is delivered on Canvas Catalog.
Do you have to purchase textbooks or other materials?
All required and optional course readings, videos, and other media will be available for no additional charge in Canvas Catalog through the weekly modules.
Does this course qualify for a federal tax receipt?
As this course is non-credit, it does not qualify for a federal tax receipt.
Do I have to take this course before I meet the other conditions of my Conditional Certificate of Qualification?
You may do this course at any point in meeting your conditions (i.e. before, after or while meeting any other conditions).
How long are my results valid for?
Your final result/recommendation will be valid as long as your Conditional Certificate of Qualification is valid.
Who should I contact if I have questions related to the evaluation or status of my Conditional Certificate of Qualification?
All questions about the overall application or evaluation process, as well as questions about your individual case should be directed to the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care, Teacher Regulation Branch at trb.certification@gov.bc.ca.