Please note:
To view the current Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar.html.
Helping Ease Access for Returning Teachers (HEART) Practicum
The HEART Program supports teachers who need to recertify or acts as a refresher program for teachers who have been out of the classroom for a period of time. HEART is a one-term program including a 2 week orientation and preparation time on campus followed by a 10-12 week practicum in a BC public school. The program offers educators an opportunity to reacquaint themselves with the BC school system, to update their teaching experience, and to acquire certification from the Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB).
Admission Requirements
Applicants must be attending Simon Fraser University, or be admissible.
Candidates who have not attended Simon Fraser University previously, or who have not attended in any of three terms prior to intended enrollment in EDUC 406, must apply for admission or readmission.
Students intending to complete Simon Fraser University courses in preparation for application to EDUC 406 can email Preservice Professional Studies Admissions at pps_admissions@sfu.ca for more information.
All candidates are required to complete the online HEART application form located at https://www.sfu.ca/education/programs/teacher-ed/heart.html.
All applications must be submitted to the Preservice Professional Studies Admissions office by: February 15 for fall term; September 15 for spring term.
All applicants pay the HEART application fee online.
An interview is required as part of the application process.
All HEART applicants are required to submit the following:
- three online reference forms
- a resumé
- a letter of introduction
- all transcripts
- one unit plan and three fully developed lesson plans from the unit using the templates found on our website
- copy of your TRB evaluation letter (if applicable)
- copy of your teaching certificate from the TRB (if applicable)
- copy of any other teaching certificate(s) you hold (if applicable)
If the number of HEART applicants exceeds facilities and staffing capabilities, the admissions committee will select the best qualified candidates.
Program Requirements
Students complete
Education 406 is designed for those who need to meet BC certification requirements. It is a supervised orientation/observation/teaching sequence of approximately ten weeks, in a BC public school. This practicum is designed as an opportunity to familiarize students with the British Columbia school system and update their teaching skills. EDUC 406 is not applicable toward the credit requirements for a degree or diploma, i.e. not counted in total units. Grading will be on a pass/withdrawal basis. Prerequisite: Permission will not be given to students without previous teaching experience. Students must successfully complete a Criminal Record Check.
This is a supervised orientation/observation and teaching sequence of about 10-12 weeks in a British Columbia public school. This practicum offers educators, who do not meet BC certification requirements, an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the BC school system and to update teaching skills to acquire certification. The course is normally offered in the fall and spring terms only and space is limited. Grading is on a pass/withdraw basis.
* not offered in summer term