7 things Canadian teachers need to know before applying for a teaching job in BC
If you're new to British Columbia and you're considering a teaching career in our education system, there are a few important things that you need to know. Here's a list of six things to learn about our education system, the job application process, and how you can get started in a career in our beautiful province.
1. We have a "Know-Do-Understand" model to support a concept-based, competency-based new curriculum
Our new curriculum aims to connect learning to the real world, focusing on literacy and numeracy. Learning can happen anywhere and is centred around developing three core competencies: communication, thinking, and personal and social competencies.
The "Know-Do-Understand" model has three elements that support deeper learning: 1) the Content (Know), 2) Curricular Competencies (D0), and 3) Big Ideas (Understand). A detailed description of the new curriculum is on the Government of BC's website.
2. The Ministry's Teacher Regulation Branch issues teaching certificates
From gathering and submitting your documents to having your application evaluated and approved, the entire application process can take up to several months to complete. Processing wait times vary from month to month. You can expect a delay when all the new teachers graduate and apply for their certification simultaneously. We encourage you to start your application even if you don't have all the required documents. You can always update your application as you receive more of the required documentation to complete the application. Learn more about the application for teacher certification.
3. The Teacher Qualification Service (TQS) determines your pay category
The Teacher Qualification Service (TQS) evaluates teachers' qualifications to place a teacher in a particular salary category. Your assigned category indicates your placement on a school district's salary grid. Applying for your TQS card is just as important as obtaining your teaching certificate. Learn more on the TQS website.
4. Job alerts are your way of keeping your ear to the ground
Teaching jobs are posted throughout the year on www.makeafuture.ca. Jobs are posted when new positions are created, student enrolment increases and employees take leave, so opportunities are available year-round. So that you don't miss out on any opportunities, sign-up for job alerts on our job board. Just enter your search criteria (e.g. position type, location, etc.), type in your email address, and click the subscribe button. When a job opportunity matches the search criteria you've entered, you'll get an email right away notifying you to apply.
5. Make a Future doesn't hire on behalf of school districts
Make a Future is not a recruitment agency! We do occasionally help school districts find candidates, but we're not involved in hiring decisions. As much as we'd like to have this privilege, each school or district handles recruitment individually. When you apply for a job with a particular employer, an HR person or school principal from that organization will be in touch with you.
6. You'll likely have to create an online application portfolio to apply to jobs
All 60 school districts and more than 100 independent schools advertise their job openings on www.makeafuture.ca. However, there are a few school districts that still prefer to receive dropped-off or emailed applications. If you see the "Apply Online" button at the bottom right-hand corner of a job posting, that means you can apply online.
If you're applying for a job with one of our independent schools, don't worry, they all accept online applications through our site.
7. You can call, email or DM a real person if you have questions about teaching in our province
If you have questions about teaching in a particular school and district, you can usually email or call someone in human resources. If you can't find their contact details in the job posting or employer profile page, please contact us, and we'll find someone you can speak to.