Dual Degree and Education
 

November 26, 2015


Education Materials.

A B.Sc. or B.A. degree can be a kind of liberal arts degree depending on your course selections. You will have developed transferable skills. If you like teaching, then you will need professional training in teaching through a B.Ed. degree.

B.Ed. after a degree.

There are worksheets about course requirements for UBC B.Ed. to pursue a secondary specialization in Physics or Mathematics.
Go to the UBC website:
UBC Teacher Education and obtaining admssion information including
worksheets for Math to determine prerequisites for Secondary Mathematics specialty.
Note that these breadth requirements are quite vital to teaching. You may find other opportunities as you progress through your degree to develop teaching skills including volunteering for various outreach activities. There is a requirement of 75 hours of volunteering to qualify for a B.Ed.
Richard Anstee (anstee@math.ubc.ca) is the current Mathematics advisor for Education.

Comments from a Math student in the B.Ed. program in 2012. The current job market is improving but in the recent past getting a permanent contract in the lower mainland of BC was difficult. Some graduates have had success finding employment in other provinces or overseas.

Dual Degree B.Sc./B.Ed.

Students in second year of B.Sc. must fill out an application by by January 31st of their second year Winter term 2. Please contact me (Richard Anstee Anstee@math.ubc.ca if you will be applying) We do require strong academic performance; slightly stronger than the direct entry option to B.Ed. (measured after you have graduated from your B.Sc. or B.A.) There are various benefits to the Dual Degree route including 6 credits fewer requirements and the opportunity to be taking Mathematics courses at the same time as Education courses.

If a third year B.Sc. student wished to apply to the dual degree, s/he would need to apply by January 31st of the third year Winter term 2, same as a student would doing so in second year. We would then combine the first 1 week EDUC 319 school experience with the second EDUC 399 school experience (2 weeks) so that they are in one school for both courses. This effectively 'catches' the student up in terms of the flow of B.Ed. beginning courses allowing them to proceed as

With regards to the Mathematics specialization, this program is open to second year Math students in Science who will have completed the equivalent of MATH 200,221,215 and 220 by the end of this term with satisfactory standing as well as the Computer Science requirement by the end of the coming summer. There is currently some option to enter in third year as described above. Of course you can always apply to enter a B.Ed. after your B.Sc. is completed. If interested in the Dual Degree in Mathematics, you need to make an appointment to see Richard Anstee anstee@math.ubc.ca The application form is at Form An accepted application requires signatures on the form from Math (Richard Anstee), Education, and also Science Dean's Office. Education requires a short essay.

Letter writers (in general)

Many applications to schools (including Teacher Education) will require reference letters. Typically 3 letters. Choosing letter writers is a challenge but also remember that you need to give them time and information to compose a letter for you . You should be handing your letter writers a statement of purpose and/or resume, a transcript (unofficial is fine) and arrange to talk with them. Creating lists of information and deadlines for them (and addressed stamped envelopes if appropriate) is helpful even in the new world where most letters are submitted online. You may wish to send reminders of important due dates or have some way to keep track of letters they have entered on your behalf.
Choosing writers: They should know you in some nontrivial way (instructor of courses in which you did well; someone you have worked with outside of courses would be best) and able to write about skills required for what you are applying. Of course Hard work, diligence, smarts are all skills to be commented on. Some of your potential letter writers may not know you that well so that is why you help them with supplementary information as well as visiting them and talking to them in person.

Best wishes Richard Anstee

anstee@math.ubc.ca