UBC’s rural teacher education program in the West Kootenays is accepting double the number of applicants this year. But despite its increasing numbers, it’s now harder to get into the program than ever.
After the passing of a new BC education referendum making class sizes smaller, the province has a shortage of teachers, especially in rural areas where there is a huge need for them. The West Kootenay Rural Teacher Education Program (WKTEP) — located in Nelson, BC — provides students with the opportunity to do a short and long practicum in rural schools.
Teaching in rural schools can differ from urban schools due to the potential for mixed classrooms, where a teacher could be teaching students ranging from kindergarten to grade 12.
Students enter the program after finishing their undergrad, and given the high demand, leave highly employable. Their education, while making them more qualified to teach in rural areas than others, also does not prevent them from going elsewhere.
“They might teach in the rural schools, but they might end up going international or going back to urban schools,” said Denise Chan, WKTEP’s administrative assistant.
UBC’s faculty of education is very reputable, ranking first in the country and ninth in the world, and also contributing to demand. Their teaching program tries to make sure different groups and teaching styles are being presented to their students.
Currently, there are nine different styles of teaching programs available, including the WKTEP program. Associate Dean of Teacher Education Wendy Carr noted that they are currently trying to garner interest in their French immersion program due to a lack of teachers who are available to teach within it.
Overall, the program aims to educate graduates in a way that leaves them prepared to teach anywhere.
“Our graduates teach everywhere — all over Canada and also internationally,” said Carr.