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B.C. Teachers' Institute on Parliamentary Democracy

​​​​Sponsored by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the annual British Columbia Teachers’ Institute on Parliamentary Democracy is an intensive four-day professional development opportunity for teachers of social studies and related subjects in elementary, middle and secondary school. Participating teachers return to their schools with an enhanced understanding of parliamentary democracy and political process in B.C.

Upcoming Session​

Dear Teachers: Owing to the uncertainty caused by COVID-19, the October 2020 session of the B.C. Teachers' Institute on Parliamentary Democracy has been postponed. We hope to hold our next session in late-February 2021. Please visit this page in the fall for further information and to access the online application form. We appreciate your understanding during these challenging times.​

Best wishes,

The Parliamentary Education Office

Benefits of the Teachers' Institute

Attendees can expect to:

  • Develop in-depth knowledge of B.C.'s parliamentary system;
  • Meet with MLAs and key Legislative Assembly staff;
  • Engage in discussions to further promote understanding of and appreciation for parliamentary democracy and the work of the Legislative Assembly;
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues from across the province to develop new lesson plans or classroom activities; and,
  • Share and receive resources on B.C.’s parliamentary system.

Eligibility

Both new and experienced teachers are invited to apply; however, all applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Applicant has not previously participated in a session of the B.C. Teachers’ Institute;
  • Applicant is a certified teacher and is currently working in B.C.’s K-12 education system;
  • Applicant will continue working in B.C.’s education system in the next school year.

Please Note: applications from learning assistance teachers, administrators or educators who are not currently working in a classroom setting will also be considered.

Cost

A registration fee of $175.00 includes all meals, accommodation and resources. Travel subsidies are available for teachers who reside in distant or remote locations outside Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

Teachers are responsible for arranging coverage of Teacher Teaching on Call costs through their school or district.

Teachers are able to defer their attendance once. If a teacher who has registered for the current session cancels their attendance within one month of the session start date, they are ineligible for deferral and must re-apply the following year.

Download a brochure about the B.C. Teachers' Institute on Parliamentary Democracy.​

Apply Now: Education Steering Committee

The Parliamentary Education Office is seeking two new members for our Education Steering Committee (ESC). 

We are looking for innovative teachers who have previously attended a session of the B.C. Teachers' Institute on Parliamentary Democracy and wish to provide expert advice on the development of learning resources and a range of new and ongoing educational programs. The ESC also provides support and advice to the Outreach Coordinator at Elections BC. As an ESC member, you can expect to participate in around four conference calls per year and to attend one in-person meeting in Victoria in late-August. ESC Members are asked to commit to a two or three-year term.

If you are interested in applying, please read the Terms of Reference for more details. Submit your completed application including your curriculum vitae and a letter of reference by July 10, 2020. The term for new members will begin in late-August 2020.


Apply now

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Facilitators

Teachers who have attended a prior session of the B.C. Teachers’ Institute on Parliamentary Democracy are eligible to apply to return as a facilitator.

Facilitators are the first point of contact and provide ongoing guidance and support to participants. Facilitators are expected to be approachable, knowledgeable and to have excellent organizational and leadership skills. In addition, facilitators will have the ability to promote discussion and critical inquiry into key aspects of parliamentary democracy. Successful applicants will have their travel, accommodation, meals and Teacher Teaching on Call costs paid for by the B.C. Teachers’ Institute.

The online facilitator application process for the fall 2020 session of the B.C. Teachers' Institute on Parliamentary Democracy will open in the spring. 

​B.C. Teachers' Institute Alumni Corner

To update your Alumni contact information with the Parliamentary Education Office, please contact us by email at PEO@leg.bc.ca.
Parliament Buildings, Victoria BC V8V 1X4 Canada
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