The most common pathway to becoming a technology education teacher in British Columbia is through the completion of the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Technology Teacher Education Diploma and the University of British Columbia’s Bachelor of Education Program.
This pathway allows teacher candidates to become certified by the Teacher Regulation Branch and to begin teaching in middle and secondary schools as technology education teachers.
Completion of this pathway typically requires four academic years of study, including the following:
- 30 credits of transferable liberal arts and/or science courses
- BCIT’s two-year diploma in Technology Teacher Education at their Burnaby campus
- UBC’s 11- month teacher education program at their Vancouver campus
Accelerated educational programs for certified tradespeople may also be available. These pathways confer academic credits to qualified tradespeople from relevant trades in recognition of their vocational credentials, which can be cou
nted towards the requirements of the B.Ed, allowing candidates to complete their studies more quickly.
One such program was launched in 2022, by Thompson Rivers University. Their Bachelor of Education in Trades and Technology is intended for teacher candidates who hold certain trades certifications.
It is important to note that in some cases alternate pathways may only qualify candidates to teach within their area(s) of trades certification, rather than in the full range of courses offered within the technology education specialization.
Accelerated pathways have historically been offered to certified tradespeople through BCIT, UVIC, and VIU. Similar ones may be offered again in the future. Inquire with these institutions for more information or check this site for updates.
Prospective technology education teachers should also know that Student Aid British Columbia continues to extend the B.C. loan forgiveness program to eligible graduates who go on to teach technology education in publicly-funded schools in the province.
