Students preparing to enter the teaching profession should inform themselves concerning teacher certification levels and teacher qualification levels.
Teacher Certification
Possession of a certificate of qualification to teach is mandatory for teaching within BC public elementary or secondary schools. The Teaching Profession Act has assigned to the Teacher Certification Branch (TCB) authority to issue teaching certificates and determine the classes of certificates of qualification issued. Persons convicted of, or given an absolute or conditional discharge on, a criminal offence and considering a teaching career, should contact the Registrar, TCB, for clarification of their status before undertaking a teacher education program.
The Faculty reports to the TCB at the end of each session the names of students who have satisfied requirements for BC teacher certification. This report includes a copy of each student's UBC academic history but does not include copies of transcripts from any other institutions. Those not wishing to have their status reported and their academic histories forwarded to the college should inform the Associate Dean, Teacher Education, in writing at least one month before they complete teacher certification requirements.
Visit the Teacher Certification Branch for current information on membership and certification requirements.
Qualification Categories
The Teacher Qualification Service (T.Q.S.), sponsored jointly by the BC Teachers' Federation and the BC School Trustees' Association, is an advisory service to teachers and school boards. The Service acts only on application by a teacher and only after the individual has been granted a British Columbia teaching certificate.
Qualifications are evaluated in categories assigned on the basis of years of professional preparation and programs completed. At present the Service recognizes six categories, each corresponding to the number of years of preparation acceptable to the Teacher Qualification Board. One of the years must be a professional year.
The Faculty reports to the BC Teacher Qualification Service at the end of each session the names of students who have satisfied requirements for BC teacher certification. This report includes a copy of each student's Academic History. Those not wishing to have their status reported to T.Q.S. should inform the Associate Dean, Teacher Education, in writing at least one month before they complete teacher certification requirements.
Visit the Teacher Qualification Service or the Teacher Education Office for Request for Evaluation forms.