EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM COMING SOON TO VIU’S COWICHAN CAMPUS

Students in the Cowichan Valley region thinking about becoming elementary school teachers will soon have access to a full university degree program close to home.

Vancouver Island University’s Cowichan Campus in Duncan will offer a five-year Bachelor of Education degree program starting Sept. 2014. Prospective students can find out more at an information session at VIU’s Cowichan campus Nov. 27.

“We’re excited to offer this program and improve access to education for students who live in communities south of Nanaimo, from Ladysmith to Duncan to Victoria,” says Tina McComb, Interim Director of Enrolment Management at VIU.

VIU’s Bachelor of Education program to train elementary school teachers has only been offered at VIU’s Nanaimo campus, but come September, students have the option of completing their entire degree at VIU’S Cowichan campus in Duncan.

Some students may prefer the smaller, more intimate learning environment offered at the Cowichan campus, while others may save money by living at home and not having to commute to Nanaimo.

Eligible students selected to enter Year 3 of the program must have completed two years of post-secondary credits, including pre-requisites including six credits of English, and three credits each of math, science and Canadian studies. All pre-requisite courses are offered at VIU’s Nanaimo and Cowichan campuses.

Education Advisor David Sufrin says Bachelor of Education students will have opportunities to complete practicum assignments in various schools on Vancouver Island, elsewhere in BC, and internationally.

These experiences often lead to permanent teaching jobs. Sufrin points to Education grad Jeff Saunders. A day after graduation from VIU in January 2012, Saunders was en route to London, England to work for Classrooms Canada as a substitute teacher.

Six months later, Saunders returned to BC to accept a full-time job in Prince Rupert where he currently teaches music and social studies.

Interested students who want to find out more about VIU’s Education program at the Cowichan campus are invited to the information session, Wednesday, Nov. 27, noon until 1 pm, room 215 at the Cowichan campus, 2011 University Way, in Duncan. Free pizza will be available.

Students unable to attend this session can book an appointment with Sufrin at 250.740.6223 or 1.888.920.2221, extension 6223, or by email at David.Sufrin@viu.ca.

For more information, please visit www.viu.ca/education

-30-

Media Contact


Janina Stajic, Manager, Vancouver Island University P: 250.740.6288


E: Communications@viu.ca Twitter: @VIUNews