r/BCteachers

Hi Folks,

I’m new to BC but have been teaching since 2016. I’m looking for advice on the hiring process.

I was lucky to have a position this year in a continuing position, but to my surprise that seems to really mean nothing if I don’t have seniority. I was also told during an initial new hire PD that the focus would be on ensuring teachers without jobs get placed before those with, but that wasn’t the case in the hiring so far and it’s really discouraging seeing people with high seniority taking these jobs during the postings. I understand the idea behind seniority and all that, but at the same time it’s so disappointing and feels utterly hopeless for anyone below the lay off line to have any type of job security. In the current economic climate I’m literally not sure how anyone who had to get student loans is capable of living off of the unstable nature and often lack of sub jobs.

Is there any district that doesn’t do seniority based placements? I’ve worked in 3 other provinces and nobody else did this so getting that continuing contract to only realize it’s not what most places use that terminology for was heartbreaking and has me thinking of just leaving all together.

Is it worth it to go to private or independent schools? My priority has to be job security right now and I’ve really lost faith in my district in their support for teachers.

For those who teach in Vancouver proper, especially in schools downtown/close to downtown, what are your school's plans during FIFA? Are you planning to close, teach online, etc (June 13 forward, or even earlier)? I realize it's just when classes are winding down, but I've heard a few things back in the background and I just wanted to see what your school was doing. Thanks!

Hi!

So I've been looking to move to BC from Ontario for a change in pace, but I've been having trouble finding a job. I applied as TTOC to Surrey, Delta, New Westminster, Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Coquitlam and Burnaby. Of those, only Coquitlam got back to me and offered an interview. Unfortunately, they told me they will not be proceeding with my application yesterday.

I'm trying to figure out if I'm just applying at a bad time for hiring (I applied to all a little over a month ago now), or if it's something else? Has anyone heard back from any of these boards, and do you have any tips on how to get hired in this general area? I'd love the chance to work in a different province.

Thanks!

There is a huge lack of work for TOCs this year due to a new attendance management program that the district (SD41) brought in. For context in 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, I was pretty much able to TOC every day for 4-5 days a week. Now, I'm lucky if I get 3. The availability and selection of jobs is pretty limited too. Is anyone else concerned about this?

How are TOC's supposed to stay alive like this for another year or two?

Is this the case in your district too?

Hello! I am considering doing a post-baccalaureate in Education after completing my BA in Geography. I have enough credits to fit a Geography and Social Studies teachable for secondary school. I meet the requirements for elementary, as well. I am open to either, but am not sure which would be more employable. I have to choose between the two for the post-baccalaureate program. I live in the central Vancouver Island area. Any insights? TIA!!:)

Hi Everyone,
I am currently working as an EA in a high school and hold bachelor’s degree in science. I got accepted in UBC for BEd. I am looking for advice- should I keep working as EA or apply as TTOC for 2026-2027 year.
Thank you in advance

I’ve only had luck with Fraser Valley Districts, and I’m trying to find work closer to Metro Van.

VSB has been incredibly hard to deal with and offered to interview me AFTER I move there in person in the summer. Wtf?

Really not trying to have to commute so far as my wife is working in the city.

Hi everyone,

I'm a little bit confused about BC's curriculum and grading system, especially the K-9 proficiency scale. I'd really appreciate it if I could find answers to some of my main questions...

My biggest concern is the competency grading. If you have competencies to base yourself on when you're grading students, how does it work with the proficiency scale? Would you create a grading rubric that uses number grades and just assign certain grades to a certain proficiency scale? Or would you just build the rubric around the "Emerging/Developping/Proficient/Extending" scale?

My other question is how you're supposed to weigh each competency. For example, if a subject has two competencies, how do you calculate the final grade? Are each competencies worth a certain amount? If so, how do you average it in a final grade if you only have a profiency scale grade and not a number?

For example, ELA. The two competencies are "Comprehend and Connect" and "Create and Communicate"... If a student is at an "emerging" in one and a "proficient" in the other... What do you give as a final grade? Developing?

Would you be able to assign a number scale to each category to guide how you average out each competency and then the final grade? If not, I really can't picture how it's doable and would love some guidance on how you do it.

I'm an ELA teacher who was trained with Quebec's curriculum and grading system and here is how it works for us. English has three competencies: Oral expression, Reading comprehension, and writing. Each competency is worth 33%. If a student receives a 87%, 63%, and 54% in each competency, their final grade for that specific report card is 68%. I can't really understand how the grades stay fair and valid if the curriculum and grading system is not attached to any number at all and is just based on vibes. If you could explain how it works by comparing it to what I'm used to, that'd be really helpful:')

I hope this makes sense, I'm just generally confused about it all. Thank you in advance!

Hello everyone, ​I would like to know if any of you have managed to become a French immersion teacher in BC without a formal university degree in education, but leveraging being a native French speaker, relevant classroom experience, and a letter of permission. ​I know there is a critical shortage of French and French immersion teachers in the province. I am wondering if any schools or districts consider practical experience and native language proficiency when issuing these permits. ​Any advice, experiences, or insights from people working in the education sector here would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Does anyone who has attended or is attending UBC B.Ed. have information about the specialized cohorts - IB (PYP), Primary, HOPE, etc. There is very little info online. Are they beneficial or is a generalist program better? Any feedback appreciated!

Hello, I'm a student at SFU looking to apply for the PDP program for Secondary Visual Art.

I'm looking to get some volunteer experience at high schools. Does anyone know where I can go or have any suggestions? Are any teachers looking for volunteers?

I live in Vancouver, and I am comfortable with public and private Christian/ Catholic schools if that helps.