May 16, 2007

Since January 2001, when the Faculty of Education at SFU, the B.C. College of Teachers, and the Ministry of Advanced Education decided to look at why only a small number of foreign-trained teachers in B.C. were experiencing success with their re-certification efforts, a program called the Professional Qualification Program (PQP) was created.

“There is a large number of well-qualified teachers from outside of B.C. and Canada who are seeking re-certification for practicing in the province,” explained Meguido Zola, Director of the Professional Development Program in the Faculty of Education. “School districts have indicated that they are interested in employing these experienced teachers following certification and we are in a position to provide support.”

The PQP is a comprehensive 12-month program of study designed to support qualified teachers from outside B.C. who have previous teaching experience or qualification. The program increases the understanding of the cultural, social, political, theoretical, and practical contexts of education in Canada and B.C.

Over the years, PQP students have experienced a 90% rate of successful completion in the program with many finding teaching employment. Past PQP students have been from India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, the Philippines, Chile, Russia, and other countries around the world.

The Faculty of Education at SFU is the only post-secondary institution offering this program in the Lower Mainland.

Information about entry requirements, application processes, and deadlines can be found at the PQP website at: www.educ.sfu.ca/pqp

For more information contact the PDP Special Programs Advisor (seducadv@sfu.ca) or call 778.782.8128.