Academic and Professional Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Teachers

Announces a fourth cohort to begin September 2010

Applications available December 1, 2009

Contacts: Dr. Lee Anne Block, program coordinator, 474-9368 or blockla@cc.umanitoba.ca. 

 Ms. Mandy Mou, program assistant, 474-6411 or moum@cc.umanitoba.ca

Brochure 2009-10

What the program provides for internationally educated teachers (IETs): a way to attain Professional Certification in Manitoba and qualify to practise their profession in Manitoba schools.

The Bridging Program is a 10 month academic and professional bridging initiative designed for internationally educated teachers who require additional university coursework for Manitoba teaching certification as determined by the Manitoba Professional Certification Unit.

Orienting teachers to the cultural, social, and political contexts of Manitoba schools, the program includes courses on educational foundations, the Manitoba curriculum, language development for non-native, English-speaking teachers, and 12 weeks of supervised practicum in collaboration with mentor teachers.

How the program accomplishes this:

Program curriculum is designed so that IETs can make a successful transition into the Manitoba school system

• All courses and seminars take place in the Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba
• Core program of 30 credit hours includes the practicum
• Twelve weeks of practicum (2 blocks of 6 weeks) in Winnipeg schools
• Language development seminars integrated with course curriculum
• Participants work as a cohort and support each others’ learning
• Professional Development workshops where IETs have an opportunity to integrate and network with B Ed students, faculty, mentor teachers and school division administrators.
• Possibility of a “cost of living allowance” from Professional Immigrant Pilot Program (Employment Canada), Employment Insurance, and Income Assistance

Who is eligible for the program?

Internationally educated teachers with a teaching degree from an accredited university in their home country and a minimum 2.0 grade point average

• IETs who have a written evaluation of their credentials from the Manitoba Professional Certification Branch
• IETs who have achieved a 3.0 on their Can-TEST
• IETs who are permanent Manitoba residents
• Must be available to be full time students