Teacher Education (PDP)

Admission Requirements

Program Requirements

The program’s duration is four terms.

Professional studies and activities are arranged in the following sequence.

In the first term, students complete

Through a combination of on-campus seminars and guided field experiences, students will investigate the historical, philosophical, social and cultural foundations of education and schooling, and begin to develop professional orientations and identities that recognize the expectations and responsibilities of practicing teachers. Grading is on a pass/withdraw basis.

External versions of the PDP may substitute 15 units of education coursework in lieu of EDUC 400.

In the second term, students complete both of

These courses are offered as an integrated program, combining theory and practice in both on-campus seminars and in-school practice in the second term of PDP. This is accomplished by alternating blocks of classroom teaching with workshops and instruction on campus.

During EDUC 401, students are assigned to a teacher (school associate) identified by school authorities and supervised by a faculty associate appointed by the university. Students observe, teach and participate in school routines and programs.

During EDUC 402, students participate in the study of teaching and learning, and make meaning of the complex world of educational practice, informed by extensive study of pedagogical literature.

In the third term, students complete

Students' complete enrollment in this course in consultation with the undergraduate program advisor, faculty members, and the student’s faculty associate, to ensure that professional, academic and certification requirements are satisfied, or to satisfy the educational requirements of designated PPS modules. Students undertake 15 units of upper division study in education.

Students completing degrees from the Faculties of Applied Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Business Administration, Communication, Art, and Technology, Environment, Health Sciences or Science may apply credit for EDUC 404 to that degree.

To be recommended for certification, in EDUC 404 students must achieve a minimum 2.0 grade point average in courses taken towards the EDUC 404 requirement (or receive a P in Pass/Fail courses).

See EDUC courses for prerequisites and grading.

In the fourth term, students complete

This course is a term of classroom experience supervised by university appointed faculty associates. The school placement is appropriate to the educational level and subject specialties in which the student expects to obtain certification. Students assume a large measure of responsibility and participate in a wide range of teaching and supervisory activities. School placements are made in school districts throughout the Lower Mainland.

* not offered in summer term

** this zero-unit course functions as an umbrella course where the student completes 15 units of course work

French Education

Normally, practicum placements are available in French immersion, core French and programme francophone. Most of the program placements and instructions in immersion and programme francophone is offered in French.

General Regulations

Students complete normal Simon Fraser University enrollment procedures before commencing studies in any term of the professional development program.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo a criminal record check. If the check indicates the applicant has a criminal record, that may preclude continuation in the teacher education program.

Students must meet program goals, as outlined in the Preservice Professional Studies Student Handbook.

Those with valid reasons may be given permission by the Director of Professional Programs to interrupt their program. A formal request must be submitted in writing to the Director, Professional Programs. A program interruption requested by a student may normally last no longer than two years.

Students who indicate their intention to undertake a given term and then do not honour this commitment are considered to have withdrawn from the program. Permission to re-enter is not given automatically.

Readmission

Students who withdraw from EDUC 400 must re-apply through Preservice Professional Studies Admissions.

EDUC 401/402: Students may apply for re-entry into EDUC 401/402 by the September 15 deadline for the following two spring terms. Students must meet the conditions for re-entry outlined in their withdrawal paperwork. An interview may be required. Applications must be submitted within two years of the withdrawal. Re-entry is competitive; there is no guarantee of admission to a particular term.

EDUC 405: Students may apply for re-entry by September 15 for the spring term or March 15 for the fall term. Students must meet the conditions for re-entry outlined in their withdrawal paperwork. An interview may be required. Applications must be submitted within two years of the withdrawal. Re-entry is competitive; there is no guarantee of admission to a particular term.

A student withdrawn from EDUC 405 for a second time may not re-enter the program unless by appeal.

Students who withdraw may apply for re-entry within two years of withdrawal. Students who do not re-enter within the specified time must re-apply to the program and must meet the admission requirements at the time of reapplication.

Recommendation for Certification

The academic and professional records of all students who have completed the teacher education program will be subject to review by the faculty before a recommendation for certification is forwarded to the Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB).

Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

• At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
• At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.