Teaching in Canada?

[chan_konabe]

I too am English and want to emigrate to BC with my wife and daughter in a few years time. Ideally I would like to train as an immersion elementary teacher. I have a BA in French and will be begining a Primary PGCE course this september to become a primary school teacher here in the near future.

I understand there is a great need for specialists of French in Canada and was wondering what yiou could tell me about elementary teaching work in BC and in the area that you live.

French immersion teachers, unlike elementary school generalists, are in high demand in BC. Many parents want to put their children in French immersion programs - some even camp overnight in lines before the registration dates in order to guarantee enrolment. As a result, every district would like to have as many French immersion programs as possible. As a French immersion teacher, you could have your choice of school districts to work in - something that other teachers can't say.

3)And also what subjects do you think I would need to study to qualify as a teacher in BC?

As I mentioned above, you'll have to contact the BC College of Teachers for such information. They'll evaluate your education and training to see if it is equivalent to that of a teaching graduate from a BC university. They'll let you know which courses, if any, you're missing.

[Oliver]

Thanks so much for your info, I've asked related questions before on the forum and got vague answers so thanks.

Also, I understand that getting work in BC is more through who you know and getting to know people is just as important as putting in lots of applications. Do you have any suggestions of who I could contact/speak to/write to to almost get connected before I move over (or could I even visit some schools when we take a trip in BC in the near future)?

What are your thoughts on how I could best get work coming in from overseas and all (seeing as you are already in the education system).

Thanks for your thoughts and your time,

regards,

Oliver.

[chan_konabe]

Thanks so much for your info, I've asked related questions before on the forum and got vague answers so thanks.

I'm an elementary school teacher in BC so I can give you very precise information about teaching and the education system here.

Also, I understand that getting work in BC is more through who you know and getting to know people is just as important as putting in lots of applications. Do you have any suggestions of who I could contact/speak to/write to to almost get connected before I move over (or could I even visit some schools when we take a trip in BC in the near future)?

For teachers in BC, the employment situation doesn't really work like your description. Teaching in BC is heavily unionized so years of seniority play a more important role in gaining employment than experience, education or ability. Whereas networking might be important for other professions in BC, for teachers, that isn't the case. Everything depends on where you are on the seniority ladder. It gets very detailed too. All teachers in a school district are given a number to mark their seniority. If two or more teachers were hired on the same date, the specific time of their hiring would determine the more senior teacher. Whenever there are any hirings, bumpings and lay-offs, the school districts continually refer to this seniority list. The higher you're up on this list (ie, the more seniority you have), the better your position.

As for putting in lots of applications, many school districts won't consider you for a position (even though you could teach a much desired subject!), without having permission to work in Canada and a BCCT teaching certificate. Be sure to get these first.

As for school contacts, you'll have to know which school district to contact. Use this map to help you get further information on the various school districts in BC.

BC School District Contacts

As for arranging school visits during a trip to Canada, that might be difficult, but not impossible. Usually guests to the school require a completed criminal record check beforehand. Talk to the HR department of the school district to see if it would be possible to arrange a visit to a school. Again, as a French Immersion teacher, I imagine you'll have more flexibility than normal.

What are your thoughts on how I could best get work coming in from overseas and all (seeing as you are already in the education system).

As I mentioned above, there is a job waiting here for you because you're a French Immersion teacher. The only thing you'll need to do is make sure that your paperwork is complete (permission to work in Canada and BCCT teaching certificate). Nothing much can happen until those two things are complete. Although the employment situation for other teachers in BC isn't good at this moment in time, for French Immersion teachers, it's much better. You will find a job without too much difficulty so don't place too much effort on your job search until the above two items are near completion.

[Dwoodpeace]

Originally Posted by DTHOMAS

Hello:
I've been teaching HS English in Quebec for 11 years. I did a PGCE (English) in the UK back in 96-97. I can teach anywhere in Canada - I'm registered with the MELS (Quebec), theOntario College of Teachers and the BC Teacher's College. I had to submit all my credentials and transcripts to get equivalency or teaching certification. Some provinces (QC and BC) require foreign teachers to take 3-6 credits of iniversity in Canada (usually equivalency or provincial systems courses). You will not have to go back to school to retrain if you have a PGCE and a BA in a teachable subject.
Primary teaching opportunities are really scarce in BC, Quebec and Ontario - with one exception; remote areas. Declining demographics and city-centred populations are responsible for this. If you can teach French (language or subjects) this is a huge advantage - the demand for French speaking teachers exists in every province, including Quebec.
As a new teacher you are at a great disadvantage - it will take a number of years as a sub/supply teacher and much moving from school to school before you get permanent or tenured. One option is the private sector, which sucks, as the pay is unfavourable and the schools often take advantage of their staff (working them excessively and with too many responsibilities). Good luck with your efforts.

Hi,
I'm French and got an English degree from a French university, but I'm now teaching Languages In the Uk where I got a PGCE. I'm interested in moving to canada for good but must admit I just don't know where to start. Could anyone point me in the right direction please?!

Thanks