Future looks bright as WKTEP graduates class of 34
By Nelson Daily Staff
The future looks bright for the teaching profession in the region after the West Kootenay Rural Teacher Education Program (WKTEP) graduated 34 new instructors at a recent graduation ceremony hosted by Dr. Blye Frank, Dean, Faculty of Education, UBC at the Adventure Hotel in Nelson.
The 11-month WKTEP is located in Nelson and surrounding communities. The graduation ceremony was attended by more than 50 alumni, future alumni, faculty members and friends of the UBC Faculty of Education.
WKTEP has a strong focus on rural and small school settings, recognizing that they offer exciting educational opportunities for teachers. There is also an emphasis on place-conscious learning with strong ties to local communities and school districts.
The program includes the full complement of UBC’s BEd coursework and practica, with both a 2-week and a 10-week practicum hosted by four school districts (SD8, SD10, SD20, SD51), as well as a three-week Community Field Experience in non-formal settings.
Completing the West Kootenay Rural Teacher Education Program leads to a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree and recommendation for teacher certification by the Ministry of Education Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB).
To be eligible for the BEd degree, individuals must have completed a Bachelor’s degree including relevant academic preparation. Applicants must also have volunteer or work experience in a group setting with children or youth, preferably at the age level you wish to teach.
This year, due to the increased demand for rural educators, West Kootenay Rural Teacher Education Program WKTEP grads will have even more opportunities, and there will be additional seats for students in the program this fall.
Recently, Dr. Blye Frank, Dean, Faculty of Education, UBC, hosted a reception for alumni, future alumni, faculty members and friends of the UBC Faculty of Education.
Prior to the alumni reception, the UBC Teacher Education Office hosted a graduation reception for all those completing the West Kootenay Teacher Education Program (WKTEP) in 2016-17.
Photo Caption: A graduating class of 34 new instructors recently posed for a team photo outside the Nelson Courthouse. — Submitted photo
