UofC " This Is Now

Recognizing that teaching is one of the most important and difficult professions in society, the BEd at the University of Calgary promotes the view of a teacher as one who is knowledgeable, thoughtful, and deeply caring about the responsibilities associated with education.

Teaching and learning are complex acts, undertaken in diverse and uncertain environments. For this reason, the core idea that underlies teacher preparation in the BEd program is that becoming a teacher requires not only the development of pedagogical skill and subject area knowledge, but also the cultivation of practical wisdom. This complex set of qualities is developed in the BEd program by providing students with experiences based on five Dimensions of Engaged Inquiry:

• Engaged in learning about learning,
• Engaged with/in specializations,
• Engaged with contemporary contexts,
• Engaged with/in teaching and learning communities, and
• Engaged in ethical action

The Faculty of Education offers a two-year program for holders of approved degrees and a direct entry, five-year concurrent program. All program graduates will be prepared for provincially recognized schools serving students from kindergarten through grade 12. There are two distinct but connected routes - the elementary education route (kindergarten through grade 6), and the secondary education route (grades 7 through 12). Students must declare an emphasis in either elementary or secondary education and complete a block practicum in their chosen area. All students must successfully complete Education  201 (Introduction to Educational Studies) prior to beginning Semester 1 of the BEd. In the four semesters of the BEd, learning experiences are integrated conceptually around a series of interrelated themes. "Courses" are offered as integrated thematic units. These thematic units are delivered through plenaries, inquiry seminars, integration seminars, specialization seminars, and field experiences.

Each thematic unit has an emphasis on particular knowledge and professional skills. Thematic units serve to integrate and guide students' learning experiences in group, individual and field contexts. There are four thematic units in the BEd.