Did you know that you can graduate with a Bachelor of Education degree without leaving the East Kootenay? College of the Rockies (COTR), in conjunction with the University of Victoria, offers the full four-year Bachelor of Education program at the Cranbrook Main Campus of College of the Rockies.

East Kootenay Teacher Education Programs Coordinator, Sandi Lavery says, “This program offers Kootenay residents a unique opportunity to gain a Bachelor of Education degree while remaining close to home.”

Following one year of pre-education course work, students apply to University of Victoria to be accepted into the East Kootenay Teacher Education Program that is based at College of the Rockies’ Cranbrook Campus. Students in the program acquire the knowledge, skills and practice to become elementary or middle school teachers.  Once students complete the Teacher Education program they are eligible to apply for a teaching certificate in BC or in other provinces and countries.

“Our graduates are getting hired,” Lavery comments. “Nine of our 15 graduates in 2012 are working full-time in locations all over the world while others have secured roles as teachers on call.”

The advantages of taking a Bachelor of Education degree at College of the Rockies are many. Students gain a rural teaching perspective and rural teaching is one of the fastest growing opportunities in education. They also receive face-to-face instruction in smaller classes where they are a name and not a number. Lavery notes, “Our students are coming out of the program with better skills because of the hands-on experience they are getting.”

Many of the UVic faculty teaching in Cranbrook are practicing teachers and this allows students additional opportunities to work with local schools, teachers and children. In addition, students can choose to take practicums outside of the East Kootenay region and may choose international practicums in years two and three.

Learn more about the  Bachelor of Education program at one of two information sessions to be held Wednesday, September 26 at 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. in Room 206 at College of the Rockies’  Cranbrook Campus.

For more information on the information sessions, call Hugh Moore at 250-489-2751 ext. 3329.  Learn more about the Bachelor of Education program at: www.cotr.bc.ca/EKTEP/ .

Above photo: The 2012 Graduating class of the UVIC East Kootenay Teacher Education Program in Cranbrook BC.  Front row, left to right:  Kristen Philpot, Natashia Liboiron, Kerry Barclay, Ruth Heal, Jodi Jackert, Keith Harrison, Shelly Jacobs  Back row, left to right: Jenn Doll, Colin Hall, Joel Kroeker, Kelsie London, Kelsey Quinn, Derek van Leusden, Linda Cote, Nina Erickson and former School District Superintendent Bill Gook.

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