Simon Fraser University

 

Pre-application

  1. I am a certified teacher in my home country. How do I get certified in BC?
  2. Where can I get my official transcripts translated?

Application

  1. When is the deadline for the PQP application?
  2. Where do I mail my PQP application package?
  3. Can I apply to PQP online?
  4. Why do I need to apply to SFU Student Services/Undergraduate Admissions?
  5. Where can I apply to SFU Student Services/Undergraduate Admissions?
  6. When I apply to SFU Student Services/Undergraduate Admissions, what program do I choose?
  7. Am I eligible for Student Loans?
  8. Can I apply for PQP without a successful Language Proficiency Test?

Application Preparation

  1. What are the criteria for being accepted into PQP?
  2. What do I need to include in my application package to make sure it is complete?
  3. How many sets of transcripts do I need to submit and to where do I submit them?
  4. What is a portfolio and how is it assessed?
  5. What is the purpose of including a portfolio?
  6. What if I send my PQP application but my supporting documents are late?

Cost

  1. What is the cost of the Professional Qualification Program?

Interview

  1. Does everyone get an interview for PQP?
  2. What is the purpose of the interview?

Program Structure

  1. When does the next PQP module start?
  2. How many intakes are there for PQP each year?
  3. What is the structure of PQP?
  4. How many seats available in the PQP module for January 2008?
  5. Can I do the program part time?
  6. Can I work during PQP?
  7. Can I make my own practicum placement?
  8. Can I apply to the program while out of the country?
  9. I have practicum experience in my home country so do I still have to complete PQP?
  10. Is there a specific number of seats in PQP by subject or by ethnic background?
  11. What do I do if I can’t get my transcripts from my home country?
  12. Can I transfer credits from other courses towards completing PQP?

References

  1. How many references do I need?
  2. Who should act as my reference?

Volunteer Experience

  1. How much volunteer experience do I need?Is BC public school volunteer experience mandatory?
  2. What should I be doing during my volunteer experience that will enhance my application to PQP?

Other Questions

  1. In my home country, I taught at the elementary level. Can I teach at the secondary level here in BC?
  2. When can I get my documents back?
  3. Who can I contact if I have other questions?

 


PRE-APPLICATION

1.  I am a certified teacher in my home country. How do I get certified?

Contact the BC College of Teachers (BCCT) at 604-731-8170. Ask for an evaluation of your educational background in order to determine what you need to become a BC certified teacher. BCCT requires translated transcripts and granted diplomas/degrees from your home country’s post-secondary institutions. 

There is an evaluation fee.

back to top

2.  Where can I get my official transcripts translated?

MOSAIC Interpretation Services
1720 Grant St., 2nd Floor • Vancouver, B.C. V5L 2Y7
Tel.: (604) 254-8022 • Fax: (604) 254-4606
interpretations@mosaicbc.com

 

MOSAIC Translation Services
1522 Commercial Dr., 2nd Floor • Vancouver, B.C. V5L 3Y2
Tel.: (604) 254-0469 • Fax: (604) 254-2321
Toll-free Tel.: 1-877-465-0469 • Toll-free Fax: 1-877-254-2321

back to top

APPLICATION

1. When is the deadline for the PQP application?

March 31, 2008.

back to top

2. Where do I mail my PQP application package?

ATTN: France Verret, Special Programs Advisor (PQP)
Faculty of Education
Simon Fraser University- Surrey Campus
250 - 13450 - 102 Avenue

Surrey, BC V3T 0A3

Canada

 

 

back to top

3. Can I apply to PQP online?

No. However, you may download the application online and print it out: http://www.educ.sfu.ca/pqp/

 

 

back to top

4. Why do I need to apply to SFU Student Services/Undergraduate Admissions?

To become a student in any program at SFU, you need to apply to the University through SFU Student Services.

back to top

5. Where can I apply to SFU Student Services/Undergraduate Admissions?

You can apply online at: http://www.sfu.ca/applicantundergrads/.

back to top

6. When I apply to SFU Student Services/Undergraduate Admissions, what program do I choose?

Education Non-Degree. 

back to top

7. Am I eligible for Student Loans?

Currently, no. However, representatives from our Faculty are working on having PQP candidates eligible for student loans.

back to top

8. Can I apply for PQP without a successful Language Proficiency Test?

Yes, you can. However, please note that until you receive an acceptable score, you will not be recommended to the BCCT and Teacher Qualification Service.

back to top

APPLICATION PREPARATION

1. What are the criteria for being accepted into PQP?

Preference will be given to candidates with volunteer experience in the BC school system, who gained experience in a BC educational context with children, and reflect knowledge of and interest in the BC school system as shown through evidence in the portfolio and fluency in English (both written and spoken).

back to top

2. What do I need to include in my application package to make sure it is complete?

  1. Evaluation letter

  2. An introductory Letter and Resume

  3. Non-refundable Application Fee for PQP

  4. Application to SFU - for University Admission

  5. Official Transcripts from your home country

  6. Teaching Certificate(s)

  7. A minimum of 2 (but not more than 4) letters of reference

  8. Portfolio

  9. English Language Proficiency Test Score

back to top

3. How many sets of transcripts do I need to submit and to where do I submit them?

You will need 2 sets of translated transcripts and all post-secondary degrees from your home country. One set will go to PQP Admissions and the other will go to SFU Student Services/Undergraduate Admissions.  Please send originals.

back to top

4. What is a portfolio and how is it assessed?

The portfolio is one aspect of your application that helps the Admission Committee understand who you are, your approach to teaching and your educational philosophy. It should be a collection of items that reflect your teaching practice.

 

The Admission Committee uses the following criteria to assess portfolios:

  • evidence of organization and planning

  • evidence of some knowledge of BC curriculum, goals and objectives

  • evidence of understanding of relationship between curriculum and needs of students

  • evidence of initiative and positive interaction with students

  • evidence of commitment to continual professional growth

back to top

COST

1. What is the cost of the Professional Qualification Program?

If you are a landed immigrant and/or Canadian citizen, the total cost of the program is approximately $6000.00. This does not include cost for books.

back to top

INTERVIEW

1. Does everyone get an interview for PQP?

No. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for an interview.

back to top

2. What is the purpose of the interview?

The purpose of the interview is to learn more about you and determine your candidacy for PQP. The interview does not guarantee you a position in the program.


The Admissions Committee uses the following criteria to assess the candidates during the interview:

  • clarity of expression

  • ability to express ideas clearly and stay on topic

  • evidence of proper use of language, enunciation, and grammar  

back to top

1. Is there a written assignment as part of the admission process?

Yes. As part of the interview process, short listed candidates will be asked to complete a written assignment, which will be assessed with the following criteria:

  • evidence of proper use of vocabulary and grammar

  • ability to express ideas clearly and stay on topic

  • evidence of reflective writing

back to top

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

1. When does the next PQP module start?    

The next PQP module will start in January 2009.

back to top

2. How many intakes are there for PQP each year?

There is only one intake per year beginning in January.

back to top

 3. What is the structure of PQP?

First semester: January – March

Includes EDUC 352 and EDUC 483. This consists of classroom work and a 5-week practicum. This 5-week practicum occurs from February–March.

 

Second semester: April – August 

There is a 6 week practicum from April to May. From May to August, you will take methodology courses toward PQP credits and courses prescribed by your BCCT evaluation. Your Academic Advisor and Faculty Associates will help you determine what courses you require.

 

Third semester: September – December

This is called EDUC 406 which is your full-time practicum.

 

back to top

4. How many seats available in the PQP module for January 2008?

The number of seats available for PQP is between 20 and 24.

back to top

5. Can I do the program part time?

No. PQP is a full time program that runs from January to December.

back to top

6. Can I work during PQP?

PQP is an intense program, which demands time and energy commitment. It is recommended that candidates do not work during PQP.

back to top

7. Can I make my own practicum placement?

No. Practicum placement will be made at the discretion of the Program Coordinators. Expect to travel up to one hour each way, to reach your practicum school.

back to top

8. Can I apply to the program while out of the country?

Yes you can. Please note that correspondence should be made between representatives at SFU and the applicant directly. You must also be available for a potential interview. 

back to top

9. I have practicum experience in my home country so do I still have to complete PQP?

Yes. This requirement is prescribed by the BCCT and would be indicated in your evaluation letter from the BCCT (604-731-8170).

back to top

10. Is there a specific number of seats in PQP by subject or by ethnic background?

No. The most suitable candidates are accepted into PQP.

back to top

11. What do I do if I can’t get my transcripts from my home country?

You must submit your transcripts for review. Consult with the Special Program Advisor.

back to top

12. Can I transfer credits from other courses towards completing PQP?

No. PQP requires that you successfully complete 36 credits as part of the PQP. Credit from other courses may be used to fulfill BCCT requirements.

back to top

REFERENCES

1. How many references do I need?

Please submit a minimum of 2, but not more than 4, professional references. These references should come primarily from current or past employers, or a supervisor of volunteer work. Reference letters from friends and relatives are not appropriate.

back to top

2. Who should act as my reference?

Your referee should be someone who has observed you in an educational setting. It should be recent (within the year) and preferably based on your volunteer experience.

back to top

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

1. How much volunteer experience do I need?

The Admissions Committee looks at the quality of experience versus the quantity of experience. For example, we prefer to see that you have volunteered one day a week for several months versus eight hours a day for a few weeks.

The Admissions Committee uses the following criteria to assess your experience:

  • evidence of interest in and experience with children of school age

  • evidence of special related talents and skills

  • evidence of initiative and/or leadership in these settings

  • evidence about teaching and learning

back to top

2. Is BC public school volunteer experience mandatory?

Your application will be strengthened if you seek volunteer experience at a school where the teachers must have BCCT certification. 

back to top

3. What should I be doing during my volunteer experience that will enhance my application to PQP?

  • You should be proactive in understanding what is being taught, why it is being taught

  • Ask your supervising teacher to mentor you during your volunteer experience

  • Ask the teacher specific questions about curriculum, planning, classroom management, instruction, assessment and evaluation.

  • Become part of the classroom, helping groups of children and/or help children one-on-one with classroom work

  • Volunteer to actually teach lessons (with permission from your supervising teacher)

back to top

OTHER QUESTIONS

1. In my home country, I taught at the elementary level. Can I teach at the secondary level here in BC?

This would be determined by the BCCT when they evaluate your educational background. Contact them by telephone at 604-731-8170 to ask for an evaluation of the specific grade level you want to teach.

back to top

2. When can I get my documents back?

We keep your documents for 2 years. The PQP Admissions Office could supply you with a photocopy upon request.

 

 

We hope that most of your questions were answered.  If you have further questions please contact:

 

 

France Verret, Special Programs Advisor (PQP)
Faculty of Education
Simon Fraser University - Surrey Campus
150 - 13450 - 102 Avenue

Surrey, BC V3T 0A3

 

Email: seducadv@sfu.ca

 

Phone: 778-782-8128

 

 

 

back to top

Pre-application

 

Application

 

Application Preparation

 

Cost

 

Interview

 

Language Requirements

 

Program Structure

 

References

 

Volunteer Experience

 

Other Questions

 

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

Last Updated February 4, 2008 FOE