Training and professional development for teachers

Teacher education programs

Teacher education programs at B.C. universities are one to two years long. Course work and practicum experience focus on education, competence and professional conduct standards for educators in B.C.

• Learn where the approved teaching programs are located

Familiarization with the B.C. education system

Teachers who have been issued a Conditional Certificate and have completed an acceptable teacher education program outside of Canada must complete an approved familiarization course while their Conditional Certificate is valid. The course, Introduction to the BC K-12 School System and Professional Standards for Educators, has been approved by the British Columbia Teachers' Council. The following institutions offer Introduction to the BC K-12 School System and Professional Standards for Educators:

• Simon Fraser University
• University of British Columbia 
• University of the Fraser Valley

Under previous Certification Standards, teachers who were issued a Conditional Certificate may have been required to complete the approved familiarization course and either: 

• 15 months of full-time teaching experience in a British Columbia K-12 school(s), or  
• 3 credits/semester hours of coursework in the British Columbia context in diversity and inclusion in education, Indigenous education in British Columbia, and child rights and/or child welfare

Please email trb.certification@gov.bc.ca prior to completing this additional coursework to confirm it is still required.

Professional development

Like students, teachers need to stay sharp. Enhance your skills by taking a course or signing up for a professional development opportunity designed for teachers.

• Self-guided
• BC Teachers Federation professional development opportunities

Leadership development

The quality and skills of B.C.’s education leaders are a critical factor in the success of our students and B.C.’s education system as a whole.

• Learn about the Leadership Development Framework and leadership resources

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships for teaching programs

• Pathway to Teacher Education Scholarship

Scholarships for teaching abroad

• Teacher Exchange and Mobility Award

Scholarships for teaching in French

• Visiting French Teacher Placement Scholarships
• Visiting French Teacher Training Scholarship

Bursaries for professional development

• Bursaries for B.C. Teachers – Professional Development in French
• Bursaries for B.C. Teachers – University Courses in French