The TEO is pleased to announce two new additions to the UBC Bachelor of Education (BEd) program for 2025/26. A newly developed Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Decolonization (EDID) cohort will launch within the Elementary & Middle Years program option. At the same time, the UBC Faculty of Education, in partnership with the Vancouver School Board, is piloting a Digital Pedagogies & AI option for the 2025/26 BEd Secondary program. This innovative pilot will be offered to teacher candidates with teachable subjects in English and/or Social Studies. Learn more about each addition below.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Decolonization (EDID) Cohort
Elementary & Middle Years Program
The EDID cohort aims to prepare future educators to work with diverse learners to enrich and help them realize their learning potential. The cohort will support teacher candidates in exploring, developing, and deepening curricular and pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning that promote equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization. Teacher candidates selected for this cohort will collaborate with their peers in cross-curricular Inquiry settings.
Cohort practicum placements are scheduled to be in selected schools within the Burnaby and New Westminster school districts. The academic leads for this cohort are Dr. Bathseba Opini and Dr. Glory Ovie (EDST).
Digital Pedagogies & AI Pilot
Secondary Program
The Digital Pedagogies & AI pilot will focus on digital competencies and pedagogies to enhance teachers’ creative and critical thinking while embedding technologies into their planning and teaching. Teacher candidates will explore digital tools including, learning management systems (LMS), generative artificial intelligence (GAI), learning analytics (LA), assistive tools for accessibility and inclusion, and other hands-on technologies—learning to integrate them seamlessly into their teaching and practices.
Rooted in the British Columbia Ministry of Education and Child Care Digital Literacy guidelines, this pilot emphasizes critical thinking, the responsible and ethical use of technology, and the cultivation of strong digital citizenship. Teacher candidates will learn to guide students in using technology thoughtfully and safely, ensuring they become responsible digital citizens. This option is an opportunity to bridge established teaching practices and pedagogy with emerging technological advancements in today’s digital world.
Practicum placements for the Digital Pedagogies & AI pilot will be arranged in the Vancouver School District.