Thompson Rivers University

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) School of Education offers both undergraduate and graduate options in education, including a Bachelor of Education - Elementary degree, a Master of Education degree, and a post-graduate certificate and diploma in Special Education. Students will also soon be able to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees in trades and technology education and physical education. Degree graduates from any discipline can also complete their TSL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Certificate at TRU, either part-time or in just one semester of full-time study.
   For students who have completed a diploma in Early Childhood Education, as well as in any other discipline, the path to a degree in education is now open through a General Studies degree option, and the new Interdisciplinary Studies degree option, both designed for diploma graduates.
   The B.Ed (Elementary) program prepares students to teach in both elementary and high schools in BC. Graduates obtain their professional teaching certificate from the BC College of Teachers, qualifying them to teach in any setting, in public, independent or First Nations elementary schools or in secondary schools if they are qualified to teach specific subjects. Degree recipients can also teach in any province or territory in Canada, and the Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) certificate can also be completed by education students to facilitate going abroad to teach English in other countries.
   The B.Ed (Elementary) is a two-year degree and features extensive teaching experience at schools in the interior of the province. The program offers many benefits to students, including small classes of approximately 25 people, frequent contact with professors, affordable tuition and three practicum experiences totaling 16 weeks. Because it is such a comprehensive program, many graduates who have their Arts and Sciences degrees now teach in the high school environment.
   Minimum requirements for admission include 90 credits (three years) of completed university study with coursework that meets the requirements of both TRU and the BC College of Teachers. It is strongly recommended that applicants complete a bachelor's degree before applying as admission is selective and only 50 students are admitted each year. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
   Applicants from other universities and colleges in Canada are given equal consideration as those applying from TRU. Students from the US are encouraged to apply, as graduates of Canadian education degree programs can generally be certified by state agencies without difficulty. Applications from international students are given individual consideration.
    A new Bachelor of Education (Trades and Technology Education) is designed to train certified tradespersons and technologists to teach in BC high schools. Admission will be open to journeyperson trades people, technologists, or those with a combination of academic and trades or technology training in disciplines/trades applicable to teachable subjects. In a 12–month intensive program, students will complete the requirements for a Developmental Standard Term Certificate from the BC College of Teachers, allowing for full-time employment in high school while completing the balance of their degree. Through summer programs on campus and through distance education, students will have four or more years to complete their full degree.
   A new degree in Physical Education, which may be offered as early as fall 2009, will be a three-year program that would include the complete B.Ed (Elementary) degree program, while the new Master of Education degree is now offered on a part-time basis through summer courses on campus. Two new post-graduate options now available to certified teachers are the Certificate in Special Education and the Diploma in Special Education, both offered on a part-time basis.    In addition to these Education degree options, the School of Education offers an Early Childhood Education (ECE) program with two specialties, preparing graduates for employment in preschools, private kindergartens and child care facilities. The program includes practicum placements and experiences in community settings, as well as at the Cariboo Child Care facility on campus.
   TRU's Early Childhood Education Diploma is completed in three semesters, after which students can choose between two post-diploma specialty certificates: Special Needs Educator and Infant/Toddler Educator, which are offered in alternating years. Graduates also have an option to ladder into the Child and Youth Care Diploma program at TRU.
   Admission to the ECE diploma program requires high school graduation or mature student status, completion of English 12 with a minimum grade of 73 per cent, at least 50 hours work or volunteer experience with children, and both First Aid and Foodsafe certification. Entry also depends on completion of a medical exam, criminal record check, group interview and letters of reference.
   The School and Community Support Certificate is a one-year program. Graduates provide support to children who are mentally or physically challenged in schools or educational/vocational programs. Admission requires high school graduation with English 12 (73 per cent minimum) or mature student status and two letters of reference. The new TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Certificate is open to any degree graduate and can be completed on a part-time basis or in one semester on a full-time basis. Students in the B.Ed program are allowed to complete this certificate during their second year of their degree studies.