New SFU and Douglas College Partnership Creates Pathway for Future Inclusive Educators

A promising new transfer agreement between Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Douglas College is set to open doors for students in the Classroom and Community Support (CCS) program. This partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing inclusive education across British Columbia, addressing the ongoing shortage of educators trained to support diverse learners in B.C. schools. 

Under this new agreement, graduates from Douglas College's CCS program can transfer 45 of their 60 credits into SFU's Bachelor of General Studies in Education (BGS), allowing them to enter directly into the program's second year. This streamlined process is a significant opportunity for students who are passionate about supporting learners with disabilities and want to continue their education without losing the progress they have made.  

Dr. Robert Williamson, Director of Undergraduate Studies at SFU's Faculty of Education, has dedicated his career to advancing inclusive education. With over two decades of experience in the field, including work in the United States and Canada, Williamson has been a vocal advocate for the rights of students with disabilities. This professional commitment is deeply personal for Williamson. "I'm a father of children with disabilities, so I have lived this experience," he shared. "My current research has brought me around the world to study how to meet the educational needs of the most complex and marginalized population on Earth: refugee children with disabilities." This combination of personal and professional dedication drives his commitment to creating more inclusive educational opportunities in B.C.

Williamson's optimism about the new partnership is palpable. "This agreement acknowledges the quality of Douglas College's CCS program and reflects our commitment to preparing educators who can meet the needs of all students, particularly those with disabilities. By aligning our programs, we are creating a more direct and efficient route for students to gain the qualifications they need to become leaders in inclusive education," he expressed.  

Looking ahead, the Faculty of Education is developing a new Inclusive Education program that offers a double BGS degree minor. "Our goal is to produce some of the best-trained inclusive educators globally. This partnership is a crucial step in that direction, as it adds two years of targeted coursework to the robust preparation that Douglas College students already receive," Williamson explained. 

This collaboration is crucial for addressing the growing demand for educators trained to support diverse learners. "Schools across the province desperately need teachers who can inclusively teach students with disabilities," shares Williamson. "This agreement ensures our future teachers are well-prepared academically and have the practical experience to support every student effectively."  

As the partnership evolves, it promises to play a pivotal role in bringing together educational efforts across the province. "I hope to see all of B.C. come together in this effort," Williamson shared. "We need a province-wide, collaborative approach to ensure our schools can inclusively meet the needs of all students. This agreement is just the beginning of a long journey, but it's a journey that I believe will lead to remarkable outcomes for our communities." 

The transfer agreement is already in effect, and applications for the CCS program at Douglas College are still open to domestic students for the upcoming Fall semester. As this partnership continues to grow, the future of education in B.C. looks brighter, more inclusive, and more hopeful than ever.