Did you know that you can graduate with a bachelor of education degree without leaving the East Kootenay? The College of the Rockies (COTR), in conjunction with the University of Victoria, offers the full four-year bachelor of education program at COTR's Cranbrook campus.
“This program offers Kootenay residents a unique opportunity to gain a Bachelor of Education degree while remaining close to home,” said Sandi Lavery, East Kootenay teacher education programs co-ordinator.
Following one year of pre-education course work, students apply to University of Victoria to be accepted into the East Kootenay teacher education program. Students in the program acquire the knowledge, skills and practice to become elementary or middle school teachers. Once students complete the teacher education program they are eligible to apply for a teaching certificate in B.C. or in other provinces and countries.
“Our graduates are getting hired,” said Lavery. “Nine of our fifteen graduates in 2012 are working full-time in locations all over the world while others have secured roles as teachers on call.”
The advantages of taking a bachelor of education degree at College of the Rockies are many. Students gain a rural teaching perspective and rural teaching is one of the fastest growing opportunities in education. They also receive face-to-face instruction in smaller classes where they are a name and not a number.
“Our students are coming out of the program with better skills because of the hands-on experience they are getting,” said Lavery.
Many of the UVic faculty teaching in Cranbrook are practicing teachers and this allows students additional opportunities to work with local schools, teachers and children. In addition, students can choose to take practicums outside of the East Kootenay region and may choose international practicums in years two and three.
For more information, call Hugh Moore at 250-489-2751 ext. 3329 or visit www.cotr.bc.ca/EKTEP.
— COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES