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Second Teacher Education Programs and Familiarization Program Changes

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Notices - Second Teacher Education Programs and Familiarization Programs (December 2019)

Second Teacher Education Programs and Familiarization Programs

TQS practice regarding second teacher education programs and familiarization programs has changed.  If you are in TQS category five (5) or lower, these changes may affect your upgrading requirements or category eligibility.  Please see the definitions of a second teacher education program or familiarization program at the end of this document.

PLEASE NOTE: No reviews or upgrades will be processed automatically.  You must apply in order to receive a review or upgrade.

What Changed?

• Second Teacher Education Programs -- The TQS now accepts second teacher education programs that meet our program requirements for category purposes.
• Familiarization Programs -- The TQS now accepts familiarization programs and course work for familiarization that meet our program requirements for category purposes.

Who Should Apply?

1. If you are in category five (5) or lower and have completed a second teacher education program for which you have not been granted TQS category credit, please apply for an upgrade.
2. If you are in category five (5) or lower and have completed a familiarization program for which you have not been granted TQS category credit, please apply for an upgrade.
3. If you require clarification as to how these changes might affect your upgrading requirements or current category placement, please request a Director's review of your file.

To request a Director's Review:

Submit your request through the "Contact Us" page on our website.  You must provide verification of current employment in the BC public school system (most applicants photocopy a pay stub) in order to receive a Director's review.

To apply for an upgrade:

Complete the Upgrade Application form on our website.  Indicate that you are applying for an upgrade based on the policy and regulation changes.  You must provideverification of current employment in the BC public school system (most applicants photocopy a pay stub).  Please indicate if the official transcripts are already on file or if they are being forwarded by mail.

Please Note: If you are currently in category five plus (5+) or six (6), these changes do not affect you.

Definitions:

A second teacher education program is one taken after an initial program that resulted in teacher certification for the public school system.  The second teacher education program must also be eligible for teacher certification in the public school system.  Previously, the TQS accepted only a single instance of a teacher education program designed for initial licensure for category placement.

A familiarization program or course work is that which is required by the Teacher Regulation Branch, formerly BC College of Teachers, prior to certification or recertification for those who already hold a teacher education program.  The TQS will also consider familiarization course work and programming taken on independently from any certification requirement.

Both second teacher education programs and familiarization programs must meet the program requirements outlined in TQS policy and regulation in order to be considered.

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