The University of British Columbia announces that in September its 25-year-old teacher preparation program, West Kootenay Teacher Education Program (WKTEP), will locate in area schools for 2014-15.
Working in partnership with the four regional school districts, WKTEP staff will deliver a unique program immersing student teachers into school life for three days each week.
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, SD8 Director of Learning is enthusiastic: “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,” says 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.”