Requirements to teach grades 8 to 12
The BC Teachers’ Council (BCTC) sets the requirements for teaching at the secondary level (grades 8 to 12). In the Faculty of Education, these requirements apply to teacher education programs in various ways as outlined below.
Academic requirements
6 credit/semester hours or equivalent of undergraduate English course work with a minimum of 3 credit/semester hours in literature.
This is a program admission requirement in the following:
- Post Baccalaureate Secondary
Sample courses at VIU that meet the English Literature requirement include:
- ENGL 125 (3) Literature and Culture
- ENGL 127 (3) Literature and Culture: Indigenous Focus
- ENGL 135 (3) Literature and Criticism
Sample courses at VIU that meet the English Composition requirement include:
- ENGL 115 (3) University Writing and Research
- ENGL 117 (3) University Writing and Research: Indigenous Focus
Additional comments:
- Accepted is 6 credit/semester hours in English literature
- Not accepted is 6 credit/semester hours in English composition
- Accepted is completion of both
- Not accepted are any technical ENGL courses, such as:
- Not accepted are any creative writing or journalism courses, such as:
Required is the completion of:
- an initial bachelor's degree with a major or minor (or equivalent) in one, preferably two, teachable subject areas as articulated by the BC Teachers' Council and acceptable to the Faculty of Education
and / or
- Red Seal trade or BC Industry Trade Authority (ITA) Certificate of Qualification in a trade acceptable to the Faculty of Education such as automotive, carpentry, chef, or welding metal work
This is a program admission requirement in the following:
- Post Baccalaureate Secondary
Additional comments:
- Credentials supporting two or more teachable subjects and in teachable subject areas that support practicum placements in Faculty of Education partner school districts are given priority consideration.
Academic preparation for teaching assignments between grades 8 to 12 requires the completion of a minimum of 24 credits of academic coursework in support of a teachable subject. This coursework must be in fields of knowledge that are compatible with the BC curriculum at the secondary level and satisfy BC Teachers’ Council teachable requirements. This requirement can be satisfied in various ways, including:
- degree major
- degree minor
- degree elective coursework
- Red Seal certification in applicable trades
This is a program admission requirement in the following:
- Post Baccalaureate Secondary
Additional comments:
- The academic preparation to satisfy teachable subject area requirements does not always align with academic requirements set by individual BC school districts or independent schools for employment purposes; additional academic preparation may be required.
- It is recommended that at least half the credits supporting a teachable subject be in upper-level coursework.
Acceptable teachable subject areas
The Post Baccalaureate Secondary program can generally support the following:
- art
- biology
- business
- chef Instruction
- chemistry
- computer science
- dance
- drama
- earth science
- English
- First Nations studies
- French
- general social studies
- general science
- geography
- history
- home economics
- mathematics
- music
- physical education
- physics
- Spanish
- technology (industrial education)
Red Seal preferences are:
- automotive
- carpentry
- chef
- metal work
- welding
Teachable subjects with specific academic preparation requirements
A minimum of 6 credit/semester hours in theory-based non-studio based coursework required.
A minimum of 6 credit/semester hours in theory-based non-studio based coursework required.
A minimum of 6 credit/semester hours in theory-based non-studio based coursework required.
A major or minor in French, or Languages and Culture (Romance Languages) at VIU, is required to teach French as a second language; a teachable subject at grade 8 or above level.
- To teach a subject in French at the levels of grade 8 and above, requires proof of French language proficiency in addition to the required academic preparation (i.e.: a minimum of 24 credit/semester hours).
- French proficiency can be demonstrated by one of the methods outlined by the Teacher Regulation Branch.
- Note that the Post Baccalaureate Secondary program is not a French immersion teacher education program. All coursework and most practicum placements are conducted in English.
The following combination is required as academic preparation:
- 3 credit/semester hours each in:
- Canadian Studies
- History
- Geography
- An additional 15 credit/semester hours in one or more of these areas, or in related science disciplines such as:
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- Political Science
- Sociology
Additional comments:
- Canadian Studies coursework must focus on understanding the Canadian experience, with Canadian content central to the course and its relationship to the BC Social Studies curriculum. Courses typically include Canada in the title.
- Coursework in Classical, Environmental, First Nations/Indigenous, Urban, or Women’s Studies may also contribute to the requirement when the course description demonstrates a clear relationship to the BC Social Studies curriculum
The following combination is required as academic preparation:
- 12 credit/semester hours from a combination of at least three of the following:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Environmental Science
- Earth Science
- An additional 12 credit/semester hours in one or more of the following areas, or in related science disciplines such as:
- Geology
- Physical Geography
- Science
- Astronomy
- Other coursework with a demonstrated science focus
A minimum of 6 credit/semester hours in theory-based non-studio based coursework required.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Application requires the completion of the Casper test and the Applicant Profile.
For more information on all admission requirements, see the blue Admissions Requirements tab for the Secondary Teaching Option on the Post Baccalaureate Bachelor of Education program page.
Yes. Application requires a minimum grade point of average of 2.33, or C+, on the 60 most recent attempted credits.
For more information on all admission requirements, see the blue Admissions Requirements tab for the Secondary Teaching Option on the Post Baccalaureate Bachelor of Education program page.
Yes. For those with a completed thesis in English, maybe be credited 3 credit/semester hours or equivalent of English composition.
No. However, there are school districts and independent schools in BC that look for flexibility in the teachers they hire. Having satisfied the elementary teaching prerequisites could be advantageous.
VIU's Goal Planning System (GPS) helps you plan your educational path and track your progress toward degree completion and graduation.
GPS is accessed through the Academics tab in the left menu of your online VIU Student Record. You can use GPS to conduct a degree audit without an Education Degree Advisor. Check your progress at least twice each term. If your audit does not look correct or your progress is off track, make an appointment with an Education Degree Advisor.
Additional support
For general questions or support visit:
Official assessment of meeting prerequisite requirements is made upon formal program application.
Official assessment of meeting program progression requirements is made by an Education Degree Advisor.