Teaching in Canada?

[Dan77]

Hi,

I would like to ask you a few questions since I want to move to Canada and to teach in British Columbia.
Firstly, I passed my PGCE at the University of Sheffield in Modern Languages in 2006. I mainly taught French but also Spanish, Russian and English (EAL and mainstream) for 3 years in various schools in Sheffield.
Then I decided to move back in France in summer 2009 and taught English in a French public college for a term and a half in 2010.
In England, I acquired the FA coaching cerficate level 1 for soccer in 2005.
I seek to prepare for my "first dan, black belt" in Aikido next year.

Would you be able to advise on how to proceed in approaching Canadian administration ? Should I apply to a University in British Columbia to earn the necessary credits ? If yes should I try any/all universities or is there one in particular I should apply to ? Do I have to apply to a student or work permit visa from France ? Is there any particular administration point for me to sort out before I officially apply ?

I considered the fact that I'll have to be a supply teacher for a few years before eventually getting permanent. I'm seeking for a new challenge and a new place to live. My first choice is British Columbia. I'm also considering Quebec but would rather live in a English speaking province. Do you have any advice on this ? Am I making any sense with such choices/priorities in locations ?

I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks in advance,
Best regards,

Daniel Bernert

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.

[chan_konabe]

You'll need to apply to the BC Teacher Regulation Branch to have your teaching qualifications assessed. On the web site, they have country-specific information for international graduates. The BC Teacher Regulation Branch recently replaced the BC College of Teachers as the professional regulation body for teachers in the province. Only they will be able to tell you which courses, if any, you need to take before you can be certified to teach in BC.

[EVHB]

But it doesn't give you a visa to work it Canada.

[Dan77]

Hi all !

First thanks for your replies, helpful!
I am currently applying for a "French immersion Teacher" job in British Columbia so that I can be part of the "Provincial Nominee Program organised" with the French Canadian Embassy.
This is a fast track immigration process for specific skilled workers which I can qualify for thanks to my English experience/ education and French Passport.
Also I have checked BC regulations on both English and French side since my studies were in both countries. Although for now I follow the process the best I can there are areas I am not sure about. I have had a unique and rare education in between France and England. That has enabled me to acquire important teaching experiences.
One of my referees is the Director of the teaching program at the University of Sheffield.

If the employer in British Columbia has an offer for me then we have to apply to "PNP" and that is a 4 up to 8 weeks process until the start of work in Vancouver. I imagine this is the period of time where all my credentials are gonna be checked.

The only thing I'm struggling to find out is the precise administration papers the British Columbia regulation branch will require from me? I have a original profile and set of skills that fit really well the job offer.
Any advise on this ? Should I just follow the process and provide thoroughly all that's requested from me?
It seems to me that applying for certification means paying the certification fee first, but what if I don't know precisely what documents to send ? What if my profile makes it impossible to get it right because I have to guess what to send ? Should I leave it to the immigration initiative to request or sort out ?

Many thanks,
Kind regards,

Dan