The new BC Curriculum Plan recognized the need for a strong Industrial Arts and Applied Design program in BC schools. This has caused an increase in demand for existing programs which have traditionally taught trades people to teach in schools. CityU Canada has taken an alternative and progressive approach with this new program, launched in Fall 2018, aimed at giving existing teachers skills to teach trades offered through Industrial Arts in our schools. But beyond skill sets within a teaching environment, the CityU program will apply "design thinking" across multiple courses, allowing integration of disciplines, so fundamental to problem solving and innovation which is critical for students these days.

The program is intended to provide current British Columbia teachers with the knowledge and skills required to teach Industrial Arts, with an Applied Design focus, in BC schools. It is based in fundamental design principles of applied design outlined in the new BC Curriculum Plan. Applicants will learn curricular and pedagogical skills applicable to the teaching of Industrial Arts in BC schools, including woodworking and applied design. Participants will learn skills and strategies both in the classroom and an actual Industrial Arts Shop, where effective teaching skills and strategies are learned experientially. The use of a workshop environment will allow teachers to experience design and innovation thinking as they learn how to integrate cross curriculum competencies. Safety is an additional primary focus throughout the program; instruction and practices adhere to BC WorkSafe principles and practices. Applicants who complete this program will have the knowledge, skills and certification necessary to teach Industrial Arts in BC K-12 schools.
The Graduate Certificate in Industrial Arts and Applied Design Instruction will use some existing MEd Leadership in Education courses, allowing graduates of the certificate program to earn 17 credits and then continue on to the MEd Leadership in Education degree, should they wish to do so. Certificate courses are eligible to be used towards a TQS upgrade. In addition to laddering into the MEd program, the non-linear approach to problem solving is expected to invigorate your teaching approach across disciplines. We will also be integrating Aboriginal and Indigenous studies into the woodworking component of studies, further reinforcing the principles within the new BC Curriculum.
This program will be based in the Fraser Valley region. The ideal candidates are early/mid career teachers looking to add to their learning, appreciative of progressive approaches to cross curricular learning, and wanting to position as an educator with a passion for problem solving and innovation. Plus you shouldn't mind getting your hands a little dirty. In fact, you likely would find that fun!
We are now accepting applications for October 2019 in Langley.
“The ability to innovate—to create something new and better—is a skill that organizations worldwide are looking for today.”
-- From The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity. George Couros
"Design thinking isn't a subject, topic, or class. It's more a way of solving problems that encourages positive risk-taking and creativity."
-- From Launch by John Spencer and A.J. Juliani
Courses
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If you are a certified teacher with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, get in touch with our MEd advisor, to learn more about our MEd in Leadership program in B.C., or phone 1-800-663-7466.
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Here is our application process.
If interested in 2019 start date, please contact a program advisor at 1-800-663-7466 or email BCAdmissions@CityU.edu