r/BCteachers

Hi,

I'm an Ontario teacher trying to find a job in BC. I have already had one TTOC interview but didn't get the position, so I'm wondering if there are any buzzwords or common questions that I'll see during the interviews? I know Ontario is big on differentiated instruction, UDL, inclusive education, etc. - I'm just not sure if BC has any different things I need to know for interviews. Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks.

Hello!
I’m a fairly new grade 5/6 teacher and I was curious about how you guys assess for competencies for science?
Any help is great! Thanks!

Vancouver teachers- anyone else experiencing shocking cuts to FTE? Our small elementary school is down a division and 4 teachers surplused. It seems impossible.

Hi, I'm looking for some people to share their experience going from secondary to elementary.

I've taught as a secondary teacher for 15 years before moving to BC and working for a BC school district. I've been hired as a secondary French immersion teacher, starting as a DOC but haven't been able to get a permanent position for the last couple of years, so I'm considering applying as a French immersion elementary teacher.

However, I've never taught elementary and I consider it to be a really different job.

To anyone who's switched from secondary to elementary:

How was it like?

What were your main struggles, biggest adaptations, things you had to learn to be efficient as an elementary teacher compared to teaching to teenagers?

Where you happy with the change (or not) and why?

How different was your workload (time spent, nature of it)?

Thank you everyone

I’m looking to volunteer in an elementary classroom. I enjoy working with students in small groups or 1:1, especially those who require some extra support (IEPs).

If I was a volunteer in your classroom, what would you like me to assist with to support the work you do?

What would you want me not to do while I’m in your classroom volunteering?

Thanks!

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 in the background and I just wanted to see what your school was doing. Thanks!

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.

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

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!

I’m hoping to chat with anyone who works in SD68 (Nanaimo, Ladysmith) or SD69 (Qualicum, Parksville).

I moved to the island while on mat leave and am looking to start working again either this school year or the following year. I left behind a permanent position in my old district, but I’m hoping to TOC part time to avoid putting my child in full time daycare.

Is there much TTOC work available in these districts? What is the minimum availability/number of days worked to stay on the TTOC list? Is there much demand for kindergarten/primary teachers? Any other info about these districts you think I should know?