Department Organization

The department has an ongoing commitment to learning, research and service in the community.

Learning

Required and elective undergraduate studies are provided for approximately 1000 Bachelor of Education students and approximately 450 students in the Guidance, Special Education and Infant Development and Supported Child Development Consultants Diploma Programs. With approximately 450 graduate students, the department has the largest graduate enrollment in the University.

The department is committed to the preparation of pre-service teachers through the B.Ed. program, inservice and professional development for teachers, guidance counsellors, and infant development specialists through the diploma programs, advanced professional preparation in each of the program areas through magistral studies. The department offers four graduate level professional preparations that meet national standards for specialist certification for educators, counsellors and psychologists: Counselling Psychology; Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Education of the Blind and Visually Impaired; and, School Psychology. Through our doctoral programs, the department is also committed to the advancement of knowledge and the preparation of scholars in, and across, each of our five program areas.

Research

Faculty are recognized internationally for their scholarly expertise because of our strong record of scholarly productivity and active involvement in local, national, and international research projects. Department faculty have a very strong record of attracting research funding, and thus contribute to the development and application of both theory and research methodology in their diverse disciplines. Faculty work collaboratively with colleagues within the Department and across the University bringing a multi-disciplinary focus to their research.

The Department is committed to mentoring graduate students to become world class practitioners and scholars. The department supports colloquia and research seminars, provides research apprentice opportunities, and assists students with obtaining research and scholarship funding.

The Department is committed to fostering a strong and collaborative research climate for faculty and graduate students.

Community

The Department meets local community needs through off campus study including Diploma programs offered in Langley, Squamish, and Richmond as well as other parts of the province.

The department operates the New Westminster Counselling Centre, a joint venture with the New Westminster School District. The department also offers counselling clinics at the UBC Counselling Centre and assessment services to the community through the Psychoeducational Research and Training Centre in the Faculty of Education.

Faculty are involved in research that while extending the disciplinary theory and practice also provide service to the local community, including schools and community and mental health agencies.

Faculty of Education Equity Statement

"The Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia is committed to providing its employees and students with the best possible environment for working and learning, an environment that encourages collegiality, support and respect to flourish. Every student and member of faculty and staff has the right to study and work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment, including but not limited to age, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, and unrelated criminal convictions. The Faculty, therefore, does not condone discrimination or harassment of any kind. Indeed the Faculty of Education regards discrimination and harassment as serious offenses that are subject to a wide range of disciplinary measures, including dismissal or expulsion from the University. Accordingly, the Faculty of Education has established its own Equity Committee to advise the Faculty on how to carry out its commitment to an equitable environment. Membership includes faculty, staff and student representatives and is chaired by the OGPR Associate Dean and/or Administrative Officer."