The UBC BEd International Baccalaureate option is Canada’s first IBO-recognized teacher education program.
Teacher candidates in the UBC BEd IB option have an interest in an international education that is concept-based, inquiry-driven, and student-centred. Guided by key concepts and transdisciplinary themes, teachers create enriching, hands-on learning opportunities that promote discovery, exploration, and thinking about real-world issues.
The UBC Bachelor of Education program was recognized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) because of our strong alignment with the educational practices and underpinnings of the IB, including a focus on inquiry, reflective practice, Indigenous perspectives, and diversity in its many forms.
The IB Options:
Elementary Level Cohort:
IB Primary Years Programme (IB-PYP)
Secondary Level Options:
IB Middle Years Programme (IB-MYP) & IB Diploma Programme (IB-DP)
IB Cohort/Option in the BEd Program
Teacher candidates interested in the IB option, may indicate their interest by either registering into the IB cohort (Elementary) or expressing their interest after registration for the Secondary option—after being admitted to the BEd program. Prior experience with International Baccalaureate is desirable but not a pre-requisite.
Before the Program Begins in September:
IB teacher candidates take a mandatory orientation session during the week before the program begins in September:
- 1 day for elementary
- 4 days for secondary
- A weekly IB seminar and an IB-oriented inquiry seminar during Terms 1 and 2, and
- Undertake practica in IB World Schools.
Candidates will be invited to enrol for an IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning from the IBO for the PYP, MYP or DP during September.
IB Primary Years Programme (IB-PYP)
Elementary teacher candidates may select the IB Primary Years Programme cohort as one of several cohort options.
IB teacher candidates are expected to participate in a one-day orientation during the week before program begins in September, as well as a weekly IB seminar and inquiry seminars during Terms 1 and 2. Teacher candidates in the IB Primary Years Programme (IB-PYP) will complete an additional three credits to fulfill their program requirements.
Practicum Placements
Practicum placements for the elementary IB cohort will be in authorized IB World schools in school districts Vancouver, North and West Vancouver, Surrey, Maple Ridge or Delta.
IB Middle Years Programme (IB-MYP) & IB Diploma Programme (IB-DP)
Secondary teacher candidates may select either the IB Middle Years Programme (IB-MYP) or Diploma Programme (IB-DP) as an option, in addition to a teachable subject.
IB teacher candidates are expected to participate in a four-day orientation during the week before program starts in September, as well as a weekly IB seminar and inquiry seminars during Terms 1 and 2. IB-MYP and IB-DP candidates will also take a two-day subject-specific seminar during Term 1.
Teacher candidates in IB-MYP and IB-DP will complete an additional 2 credits to fulfill their program requirements.
Practicum Placements
Practicum placements will be in authorized IB World Schools throughout Lower Mainland school districts.
There are a very limited number of seats available. Selection will be made based on subject-area specialization and geographical location of practicum preference.
IB & UBC Core Strengths
IB:
- is committed to helping students become inquiring, knowledgeable and caring citizens of a global community.
- sharpens students’ critical thinking skills.
- values differences in learners — IB’s Learner Profile.
- contains an internationally-minded focus and cultural sensitivity.
- is consistently of high quality irrespective of country or region within a country.
- focuses on educating the whole child.
- emphasizes inquiry-based teaching and learning.
- requires a significant service component.
- is distributed worldwide in over 140 countries.
UBC:
- is committed to preparing today’s grads for the current job market at home and abroad.
- possesses the largest number of IB Diploma Programme graduates of any university world-wide.
- is an internationally-focused university.
- emphasizes inquiry-based practice in the Faculty of Education.
- emphasizes differentiation of instruction and learning.
- emphasizes collaboration for teachers and students in all IB programmes.
- is ideally located to serve Pacific Rim’s international student community.
- has state-of-the-art infrastructure to serve international students.
- is located in a desirable, world-class city.