UBC Education expands rural teacher program to meet demand

As a result of the province’s announcement of increased demand for teachers, with particular need in rural and remote areas, UBC Education is expanding its West Kootenay Teacher Education Program. Located in Nelson, BC, and serving the West Kootenay region and beyond, the 11-month program provides elementary and secondary teacher candidates with the opportunity to develop the professional qualities and practices needed for teaching in rural areas.

The program emphasizes place-conscious learning in which teacher candidates connect lessons with their local communities and environment and create opportunities for students to do the same. Examples include winter recreation and safety workshops in the Monashee Mountains, camping and environmental study in Kokanee Creek Provincial Park or visits with a local elder to better understand Aboriginal ways of knowing. The program has strong ties with local communities and school districts including Kootenay Lake, Boundary, Kootenay-Columbia and Arrow Lakes, with practica in those districts and others throughout rural BC.

“Often in rural schools, classes are mixed so teacher candidates could be teaching children who are K-12 in one school,” says Dr. Wendy Carr, Associate Dean, Teacher Education. “It’s really important to have the opportunity to learn to teach in a rural community. It’s very different from learning in a classroom on a campus in the city.”

Teacher candidates undertake courses in both on-campus and in-school settings. The instructional team supports teacher candidates to develop capacity as leaders in addition to competencies such as critical and creative thinking, communication, and personal and social awareness and responsibility. Teacher candidates spend two days per week in their practicum schools working alongside a mentor teacher in preparation for an extended practicum. School placements are personalized for each teacher candidate.

Application deadline for UBC’s West Kootenay Teacher Education Program is March 31, 2017; however, some will be accepted after this date. Applicants need an undergraduate degree and volunteer or work experience with children or youth, ideally at the age level they wish to teach.

For more information and to apply, visit: teach.educ.ubc.ca/wktep.