January 2009 PDP Application News

The PDP application for January 2009 is now available.  The deadline is May 15th, 2008. Please remember to review the application procedures available at the PDP Admissions site.

Professional Programs is the teacher certification component of the Faculty of Education at SFU. Students can enroll in two programs to complete their certification requirements for teaching in British Columbia. A teaching certificate from BC is acceptable in most countries around the world. Professional Programs offers a unique differentiated or complementary staffing model which teams tenure track Education Faculty with seconded, highly effective teachers selected from school districts throughout the province.

The Professional Development Program (PDP) is dedicated to the development of outstanding teachers—ethically responsible, competent professionals committed to preparing children and youth to live as decent, informed, knowledgeable participants in a democratic, pluralistic society.

PDP is a full-time, three semester program that comprises twelve months of study. The program is made up of a combination of practicum experiences and professional coursework integral to the understanding of important educational ideas and their application to classroom practice. When teacher candidates successfully complete the program, they are recommended to the British Columbia College of Teachers to receive a BC Teaching Certificate.

The Professional Qualification Program (PQP) at SFU is a 12-month program located in the lower mainland designed to support teachers who have previous teaching experience or qualifications from outside Canada to enter the teaching profession in BC. Prospective students need to first contact the BC College of Teachers to have their credentials evaluated.

In addition to providing students with the theory and practice required to teach effectively, Professional Programs offer a number of international opportunities for graduates of PDP. International Internships and International Mobility Exchanges are facilitated through Professional Programs.

We value the diversity that students and teachers bring with them into our classrooms, diversity that includes race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, language, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, and religious difference. We have a strong commitment to social justice and anti-racism, and we encourage applicants who have demonstrated educational and/or life experiences that can contribute to this perspective of our program.