Escape Vancouver to take UBC's rural teaching program

Mar 21 2017, 11:41 pm

Never let anything get in the way of your pursuit to become a teacher.

What if you could complete your Bachelor of Education in a unique setting where a holistic, place-based approach prepared you to educate others?

Gwilliam Lake/Erika Momeyer

The West Kootenay Rural Teacher Education Program (WKTEP) does exactly that.

This immersive 11-month program allows you to develop the skills and practices of an effective rural educator. And this year, the program is accepting double the number of applicants.

We’ve compiled a list of this program’s key features to show why this might just be the right time and right place for you.

Practicum placements

One of the best ways to learn to be an educator is by spending lots of time working in classrooms with students, a mentor teacher, and a faculty advisor. Both the WKTEP elementary and secondary course schedules include placements at a school in one of the districts in the West Kootenay region, or in another rural or remote region of the province. In preparation for these practica, candidates will spend two days a week in a local school where they learn some of their coursework in-situ, working alongside a mentor teacher.

“Often in rural schools, classes are mixed so they could be teaching children who are K-12 in one school,” said Dr. Wendy Carr, UBC’s Associate Dean of Teacher Education.

A wide range of teachable subjects

In the WKTEP secondary program, candidates choose from a wide range of teachable subjects, based on their background and experience. This includes everything from English, math, social studies, physics, biology, chemistry, home economics, French, physical education, theatre, music, art and more.

Place-based approach to teaching and learning

Learning to teach in community settings supports teacher candidates’ understanding about the relationships between a place and the character, aspirations and experiences of those who live there. WKTEP courses will engage learning within communities, with community partners and with a direct link to the outdoors.

“It’s really important to have the opportunity to learn to teach in a rural community. It’s very different from learning in a classroom on a campus in the city,” said Dr. Carr.

Career opportunities

WKTEP grads enjoy a high rate of employment as their specialized preparation to teach in rural and remote schools is sought after throughout British Columbia as well as in other provinces. A UBC Bachelor of Education degree sets them apart from the traditional course.

This year, due to the increased demand for rural educators, WKTEP grads will have even more opportunities.

“We are extending a special welcome to applicants who are interested in taking their coursework in the West Kootenay region and then doing their long practicum in a community outside the region, elsewhere in BC. Districts are very interested in hosting these practica,” said Dr. Carr.


WKTEP is currently accepting late applications for its Bachelor of Education program. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree and have volunteer or work experience with children or youth, ideally at the age level they wish to teach.

For more information and to apply, check out WKTEP online, on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram. You can also email [email protected] with any questions you may have.

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