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Professional Development Program

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Your K-12 teaching career starts here. Get certified to teach in B.C. schools, and further afield, through one of the oldest and most successful teaching programs in B.C. (20,000 new teachers and counting). Explore teaching theory, develop effective teaching skills and equip yourself to develop a long-lasting, rewarding teaching career.

Next Start Date: September 2026
Delivery Method In-person
Applications Open: October 1, 2025
Applications Close: January 31, 2026 at 4:00 PM (PT)
Estimated Total Tuition: $13,000
Location: SFU campuses and school placements

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This program is ideal for:

We designed the PDP for aspiring elementary and secondary school teachers in British Columbia. 

Program Structure

  • 16-month program consisting of 4 terms
  • In-person classes
  • Field experiences
  • Teaching practicum
  • For French Module: bilingual module taught mainly in French, with some course material and seminars in English

Intake Schedule

The Professional Development Program accepts applications on an annual basis in the Fall term

Next Term Intake

  • Fall 2025
  • Fall 2026

Program Design

Over 16 months, students uncover their motives for teaching, explore teaching theory and practices, and learn how to use critical inquiry and reflection as tools for ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.

Graduates qualify for a B.C. Ministry of Education teaching certificate that enables you to teach K-12 in B.C. public schools—and in many other countries around the world. PDP students can complete a Bachelor of Education (BEd) as a second degree without adding extra time or cost to the program.

FRENCH MODULE

The French Module enables you to receive a customized education program to teach French or in French as a second language, such as in Core French, French Immersion or Francophone programs. Taking the Minor in French Education as part of the BEd as a second degree will give you adequate preparation for teaching French in minority contexts and provides you with skills and knowledge that will serve you well throughout your career.

With the support of SFU's Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA), we offer language and identity support to help you build your confidence and continue to learn French and in French. You will also have access to a variety of social and professional activities offered in French and bursaries and awards exclusive to PDP - French module students, worth up to $10,000.

Learn more

Program Goals

Goal 1: The development of a clear, coherent and justified view of education that:

  • Demonstrates understanding of the place of education as contributing to the creation of an open, pluralistic and caring society;
  • Articulates the content, methods and institutional arrangements that are relevant, worthwhile and appropriate for the education of children;
  • Speaks to a personal vision of what one can achieve as an educator;
  • Continually and consciously reshapes through experiences with a variety of learners in a range of socio-cultural contexts;
  • Is informed by understanding of the historical and contemporary legacies of imperialism and colonization on the education system of British Columbia;
  • Realizes the powerful, and sometimes negative, impact that our Eurocentric education system has had, and continues to have, upon students.

Goal 2: The development of a clear commitment to lifelong and lifewide learning that:

  • Manifests an openness to considering alternatives and possibilities;
  • Is rooted in the development of reflective capacities; inherent in various forms of inquiry;
  • Engages in the wide range of subject-based practices that inform the practice of teaching;
  • Is demonstrated in the ability to form and reform ideas, methods, techniques;
  • Upholds standards of excellence
  • Sets an example for students and stimulates them to be continuous learners.

Goal 3: The development of a clear commitment to uphold the principles of professional responsibility that:

  • Is sensitive to the positions of privilege, power, and trust in which teachers are placed;
  • Recognizes that teachers are role models who are rational, reliable, organized, responsible and responsive;
  • Demonstrates thoughtful and self-initiating behaviour that is reflective, positive in outlook, genuine, non-defensive and non-judgmental;
  • Demonstrates a reflective approach to personal well-being and the well-being of others;
  • Results in an increasing level of personal resilience.

Goal 4: The development of a clear commitment to maintain ethical and functional working relationships with all members of the educational community that:

  • Is open and responsive to feedback and constructive criticism;
  • Is demonstrated through significant, on-going dialogue and collaboration with colleagues, students, parents and others in the educational community;
  • Shows care and respect for every student;
  • Is authentic, transparent and honest;
  • Communicates openness to other worldviews, belief systems and points of view;
  • Reflects humility and consideration for others.

Goal 5: The development of knowledge about curricular content, educational theory and effective practice that:

  • Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively in English or French;
  • Demonstrates the ability to understand and work with subject-specific content seen through Canadian, Indigenous and global lenses;
  • Sees opportunities for cross-curricular and cross-cultural connections;
  • Is cognizant of how individuals and groups of students learn;
  • Demonstrates the understanding and ability to create purposeful, contextually relevant lesson and unit plans;
  • Is aware of current, and varied, evaluation and assessment practices;
  • Is rooted in a strong sense of what is best for particular students in particular situations.

Goal 6: The development of the clear commitment to respect and celebrate students that:

  • Demonstrates respect and dignity for students as persons with varied interests, needs, backgrounds, points of view, plans, goals and aspirations;
  • Demonstrates care for students and their individual development;
  • Celebrates the diversity in our classrooms, schools and communities;
  • Demonstrates the understanding of how Indigenous epistemologies and pedagogies create opportunities to meet the needs of all learners and students of Indigenous ancestry;
  • Demonstrates the ability to observe, understand and respond respectfully to all students: including students with special educational needs and students for whom English or French is an additional language;
  • Demonstrates the ability to observe, understand and respond respectfully to the diversities of all students.

Goal 7: The development of the ability to create a caring, cohesive community of learners that:

  • Places students at the centre of decision-making;
  • Communicates openness;
  • Demonstrates tolerance for uncertainty;
  • Celebrates and appreciates the spirit of inquiry;
  • Demonstrates the ability to be a thoughtful and sensitive observer of what goes on in the classroom;
  • Develops and nurtures a positive classroom community conducive to the learning and well-being for all students;
  • Encourages interpersonally sound working relationships among students.

Goal 8: The development of the ability to create opportunities for learning that:

  • Accesses and engages students' ability to think and learn through their minds, bodies, and hearts;
  • Are significant, relevant and matched to students’ intellectual, physical, social, emotional, aesthetic and vocational development;
  • Are responsive to students’ individual learning needs;
  • Are consistent with the BC Curriculum;
  • Utilizes relevant learning resources and technologies;
  • Are conducive to the development of critical thought processes;
  • Are sensitive to issues of social equity and cultural diversity;
  • Incorporates assessment as foundational in planning.

Goal 9: The development of the ability to blend theory and practice in well-organized ways that:

  • Relies on the ability to critically examine one’s own practices and experiences;
  • Includes the ability to recreate, re-invent, re-constitute or discard practices that have been tried and found to be ineffective to individual and/or group learning needs;
  • Motivates students to take ownership of their learning;
  • Cultivates a disposition towards inquiry in the classroom.

Goal 10: The development of ability to use assessment and evaluation practices in a thoughtful and ethical manner that:

  • Makes use of varied practices of assessment that are congruent with learning Goals;
  • Respects the dignity of each learner;
  • Acknowledges the personal, relational, social and cultural perspectives that frame evaluative commentary on student growth and development;
  • Demonstrates the understanding that assessment, in its many guises, is foundational to effective and powerful learning.

COURSES

PDP has four full-time terms that combine professional coursework, multiple field experiences and a teaching practicum.

TERM 1: EDUC 400 - Foundations of Education & Schooling (15 units)

Start your learning journey by exploring the historical, philosophical, social and cultural foundations of education and schooling. Join a Professional Learning Community (PLC) to focus on the development of professional orientations and identities that recognize the expectations and responsibilities of practicing teachers. You also start your inquiry into Indigenous Education and Inclusive Education as an important basis for EDUC 401/402, and the remainder of the program.

For EDUC 400, large group seminars and required reading are in English – even for the French Module.

French Module Students
EDUC 410 - Linguistic and Professional Identities of Bi/Plurilingual Teachers of French (4 units - optional)

1 time per week - elective course that counts toward the summer session (EDUC 404) and toward the French Education Minor.

In this optional course, you will be invited to reflect upon your identity as speakers of French as an additional language and how this identity might intersect with the construction of your professional identity as teachers of French. Understanding the complexities of your identity will give you access to a sense of ownership of language.

Some parts of the course will be taught in French and others in English.

Learn more

TERM 2: EDUC 401/402 - Integration of Theory & Practice (15 units)

During the second term of the PDP (January - April), you will continue your transition from student to teacher by joining a module â€” a small group of student teachers who work with dedicated teacher educators to explore Education through a particular lens. In your module, you will participate in seminars and workshops that promote critical inquiry and reflection. As you become more familiar with theories and research related to teaching and learning, you will also gain more hands-on experience working in schools and educational communities.

TERM 3: EDUC 404 - Professional Coursework (15 units)

All PDP student teachers are required to take a minimum of 15 units of upper-division Education courses to complete the Professional Coursework requirements for certification. Take four to six professional courses related to teaching methods and practices. A minimum of 15 upper division EDUC units is required. 

Bachelor of Education (BEd) as a second degree: With careful course and minor selection, you can also complete a Bachelor of Education (BEd) as a second degree without adding any extra time or cost to the program. An Advisor will provide more information on this option during the second term of the program.

French Module: if you are part of the French Module, it is strongly recommended that you complete the Minor in French Education to prepare yourself adequately for the reality of the French classroom, but also to help you succeed in your long teaching practicum which will take place the following term. You can also have access to additional bursaries.

TERM 4: EDUC 405 - Teaching Practicum (15 units)

Complete a full-time, supervised teaching practicum at a B.C. school over 13 weeks. We use your performance in the classroom during your practicum to help us assess your personal progress and professional readiness for certification with the Teacher Regulation Branch of the B.C. Ministry of Education.

THE PDP LEARNING AND TEACHING COMMUNITIES AND MODULES 

Teaching is all about building relationships. Throughout the PDP, you will work with small groups of other student teachers in a Professional Learning Community (PLC) and a module. It’s an invaluable opportunity to establish and build close working relationships with your peers, teacher educators and practicing K-12 teachers.

Professional Learning Community (PLC)

In your first term, you join a PLC in Burnaby, Surrey or Vancouver. As part of a small group of student teachers, you will work closely with instructors to explore foundational themes, begin your guided inquiry, and take part in hands-on learning experiences in educational communities.

Placement in a specific PLC is not guaranteed. An internal (Faculty of Education) decision may result in your PLC changing prior to the start of the term. If a change occurs, you will be notified.

Note: Student teachers admitted to the French Module will have separate PLCs.

Modules

In your second term, we will place you in a themed module, which is a small group of student teachers who work with dedicated teacher educators to focus on the integration of teaching theory and practice.

There are three 'specialty' modules: French Module, Internation Teacher Education Module (ITEM) or Indigenous Perspectives on Teacher Education Module (IPTEM). If you are interested in participating in a specialty module, you must declare this at the time of application and submit a letter of intent.

We cannot guarantee placement in a specific PLC or module, but we make every effort to honour students’ requests. 

Specialty Modules

French

Prepare to teach Core French, French Immersion or Francophone Program at the elementary or secondary level in B.C. Nurture a strong connection with Francophone communities.
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Burnaby Campus (French Module)
School Experiences/Practica: Throughout the Lower Mainland
Additional Requirements: French Language Proficiency Requirement 
Bursaries and Awards: Up to $10,000 in bursaries and awards available for studies in French 
Program Options: Exchange and Dual Program with Université de Tours (France); BEd as a second degree
Community-based module: Students will spend this session at the Conseil scolaire francophone (CSF) Anne-Hébert school, accompanied by the SFU teaching team.  By studying and learning in a school environment, students can deepen and connect their learning to the educational community of which they are already becoming a part. 

Learn more

International Teacher Education Module (ITEM) - MODULE ON HOLD FOR FALL 2025

ITEM focuses on the internationalization of education and encourages student teachers to develop global perspectives.  Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Burnaby Campus (EDUC 401/402 Term in the Spring)
School Experiences/Practica: Oaxaca, Mexico (5 weeks; EDUC 400 Term in the Fall)
Additional Cost: $7,000 CDN (not including SFU tuition, SFU ancillary fees, and flights)

Learn more

Indigenous Perspective on Teacher Education Module (IPTEM)

Explore Indigenous perspectives on teacher education. Focus on Indigenizing curriculum, through the inclusion of Indigenous worldviews, knowledge and perspectives and increased awareness of colonizing behaviours and patterns. 
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Burnaby Campus
School Experiences/Practica: throughout the Lower Mainland
Additional Requirements: letter of intent

Learn more

General Modules

Burnaby Community

Explore the role of the community in the education of children and youth. The school district and community experts help guide your professional development.
Grades: K-12
Based:
 SFU Burnaby Campus
School Experiences/Practica: Burnaby (SD41) and neighbouring districts

Creative Collaborative Communities (C3)

Explore and experience the teaching profession's creative, collaborative, and community-building aspects. 
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Burnaby Campus
School Experiences/Practica: Throughout Lower Mainland

Fine & Performing Arts

Extend your background in the arts to schooling contexts through an arts-based curriculum and arts integration.
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Surrey Campus
School Experiences/Practica: throughout the Lower Mainland
Note:
Secondary student teachers with majors/minors in music, art, theatre/drama and/or dance are placed in this module. Others interested in fine and performing arts may be placed in this module, space permitting.

Imaginative Education

Explore how to use the theory and tools of Imaginative Education to frame content, make decisions about planning and implementation, and help students engage with content in their world. A focus on imaginative practices in pedagogy is highlighted.
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Surrey Campus
School Experiences/Practica: throughout the Lower Mainland

Literacy in the Urban Classroom (LUC)

Develop engaging, compelling, culturally responsive ways of teaching to help students think, write, read and talk about content across the K–7 curriculum. 
Grades: K-7
Based: Strawberry Hill Elementary (Surrey)
School Experiences/Practica: Surrey (SD36) and neighbouring districts

Playworks

Explore play, movement, physicality, and physical activity. Learn how to infuse a greater awareness of physical vitality and knowledge of physical literacy into your teaching. 
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Burnaby Campus
School Experiences/Practica: throughout the Lower Mainland
Note:
Secondary student teachers who hold a major or minor in PE in addition to another teachable subject will be placed in this module. Others with a keen interest in physical literacy may be placed in this module, space permitting.

Social Ecology, Environmental Diversity (SEEDS)

Explore sustainability education in a diverse environment. SEEDs is based on environment studies and focuses on environmental ethics and social justice. 
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Surrey Campus
School Experiences/Practica: Throughout Lower Mainland

Vancouver Community Module

Placed in the context of Vancouver's downtown core, the module focuses on teacher education in the urban context. Student teachers will explore ways to support culturally and linguistically diverse K-12 students in their local community.
Grades: K-12
Based: SFU Harbor Centre Campus
School Experience/Practica: SD 39 and neighboring Districts

School Experience and Practicum Placements

The Placement Office arranges all practicum placements. Practicum placements are determined by a wide variety of factors, including teachable subject area, transportation options, school availability, and more. Placements take place throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. While every effort is made to place you in schools within a reasonable distance from your home, you should be prepared to travel up to 90 kms (approximately one hour by car and longer by transit) to your school placement. You will not be placed in schools where there may be a conflict of interest such as previous volunteer work or where a family member works or attends.

Participation in a specific module does not affect your employability at the end of the program. Regardless of which module you participate in, if you successfully complete the PDP, you will be recommended to the Teacher Regulation Branch of the B.C. Ministry of Education for a teaching certificate.

INSTRUCTIONAL TEAM 

Like our other teacher education programs, the PDP uses a unique staffing model that teams SFU's world-class researchers (faculty members) with highly skilled seconded teachers (faculty associates) and practicing K-12 teachers (school associates) as teacher educators. Meet our Faculty Associates.

UPCOMING INFORMATION SESSIONS

Start your journey to becoming a teacher in British Columbia. Register for a Professional Development Program (PDP) information session. Hosted by the Admissions team, you will learn about:

  • The history and structure of the program
  • The different program options including the French module*
  • The admission requirements, including prerequisites
  • The application process and deadlines
  • A Q&A to get your questions answered

*Considering teaching French or in French? We recommend that you also attend an additional hosted by the SFU's Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs to learn more about the program and the possibility to become a teacher in Core French, French Immersion, or Francophone program in British Columbia.

NOTE: It is strongly recommended you attend an Information Session organized by the PDP Admissions office before attending the PDP – French Module information session.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the French Module? 

The PDP French module is designed for those interested in teaching in French Immersion or Core French (French as a Second Language). Most of this module is taught in French, but some lessons, seminars, readings and course material will be provided in English.

Elementary Core French or French Immersion 
Applicants who apply to the elementary stream are considered for both the French Module and the general elementary stream of PDP if they have completed 6 units of English Literature and have the required French language proficiency.    

Secondary Core French 
Applicants must have a teachable subject in French Language & Literature.  They also must have the required French language proficiency. 

Secondary Core French with a Second Teachable  
For applicants who have completed 6 units of English Literature, their second teachable does not need to be taught in French (e.g. teach an English-speaking Physical & Health Education course). If they do not complete the English Literature requirement, they need to have the required French language proficiency to teach both Secondary subjects in French Immersion.  

Secondary French Immersion
Applicants who apply to the secondary stream for French Immersion (with a non-Core French teachable) must have the required French language proficiency. They are considered for both the French Module and general secondary stream of PDP only if they have completed 2 English courses (minimum 6 units with 3 units of literature). Applicants may substitute French literature and composition for English courses if applying for the French Module. This may prohibit completion of a BEd as a second degree during the PDP.  

Prerequisites
 
If you want to be considered for the PDP – French Module only, the two required courses in English literature or composition (minimum of 6 units including 3 units of literature) may be substituted by courses in French. This may prohibit completion of a BEd as a second degree during the PDP.

Prerequisites must be completed by May 31. Applicants who complete only French Literature or do not have the prerequisite courses completed by May 31 are only considered for the French Module.  

French Language Proficiency
Applicants to the PDP - French Module must submit a French language requirement with their application to SFU.

The following are the minimum language requirements for admission to the PDP/PLP - French Modules at SFU, and are also used in determining the placements of practicums.

Program 

French language proficiency  

Core French or French as a Second Language 

elementary 

DELF B1 (tout public) or equivalency* 

secondary 

DELF B2 (tout public) or equivalency* 

French Immersion 

elementary 

DELF B2 (tout public) or equivalency* 

secondary 

DALF C1 or equivalency* 


If you require more information about the DELF-DALF Exam Centre at SFU, please visit the following website: French Language Requirement

What is the International Teacher Education Module (ITEM)? 

ITEM is a PDP English-language module that focuses on the internationalization of education. Applicants must indicate their interest in this module at the time of application and submit a letter of intent.

ITEM completes the EDUC 401/2, 404, and 405 terms in the Lower Mainland, but will travel Mexico for 5 weeks of the EDUC 400 term. There are additional costs for this module (approximately $7,000 CDN (not including SFU tuition, SFU ancillary fees, and flights).

Learn more

What is the Indigenous Perspectives Teacher Education Module (IPTEM)? 

IPTEM is a PDP module that focuses on two pressing issues in education today; increasing the number of First Nations teachers in B.C.; and augmenting the knowledge, skills, and understandings of non-Indigenous people teaching and working with First Nations children and youth.

Applicants do not have to be Indigenous to apply to this module. 

Applicants must indicate their interest in this module at the time of application and submit a letter of intent. Due to demand, we cannot guarantee placement in this module. 

Learn more

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions about our programs not covered on our website, contact our admissions team.

Email: pps_admissions@sfu.ca
To prevent missing emails from us, add pps_admissions@sfu.ca to your contact list if you are not using an SFU email account.
Phone: 778-782-3559

For questions relating to DELF-DALF certification, bursaries, and awards for studies in French, language support and student life in French, please contact SFU's Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs. Service available in French and English.

Email: educprog@sfu.ca
Phone: 778-782-7646

NOTE: All communication and interactions with the PPS Admissions office and Faculty of Education are considered part of the admissions process and are taken into account when considering applicants for admission. Admission may be denied to applicants who communicate in an unprofessional manner or who act in an inappropriate manner during the admissions process.

Virtual Hours

Get help with your application and connect with a member of the admissions team during our virtual drop-in hours: Monday (starting September 8, 2025) and Wednesdays from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (PST).** 

Meet on Zoom:

Meeting ID: 660 0788 5834
Password: 833520
Regular Schedule: Monday (starting September 8, 2025) and Wednesday, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (PST)

**Regularly scheduled time slot subject to change or cancellation without notice

NOTE: Virtual Hours will be unavailable August 27. We apologize for the inconvenience.