The University of British Columbia has announced that starting in September, its 25-year-old West Kootenay Teacher Education Program (WKTEP) will locate in area schools for 2014 to 15.
Working in partnership with the four regional school districts, WKTEP staff will deliver a program immersing student teachers into school life for three days each week, all school year long.
Host schools will adopt student teachers who will learn to teach alongside experienced educators, support K-12 students, and debrief with peers on organized “hub” days that link them to UBC courses and community experiences.
WKTEP coordinators and instructors, UBC teacher educators and district leaders believe the time is right for a bold step forward.
Andy Leathwood, SD 8 director of learning is enthusiastic about the plan. “Through this immersion experience, student teachers will get to know the life cycle of a school year, form more ongoing and meaningful learning relationships, and be able to observe and take part in many more types of classes and extra-curricular activities.”
“This is a teaching and learning adventure,” said Linda Farr Darling, UBC advisor to WKTEP.
“We have gifted coordinators in Kristi Crowe and Geoff Burns, a creative team of instructors, and wonderful mentors in all four districts. Working together we can enrich education for teachers and students, our teacher candidates, and the communities we serve.”