BC Guide for Independent Schools

Teacher Certification

Terms and Definitions

Evaluator acceptable to the Committee and the Inspector

• The principal of the independent school in which the teacher is employed, providing the principal holds a permanent BC teacher certificate;
• An independent school system superintendent/supervisor holding a permanent BC teacher certificate;
• A chairperson of an External Evaluation Committee holding a permanent BC teacher certificate; or
• Any professional educator, holding a permanent BC teacher certificate, approved by the Inspector to evaluate teachers.

Post-secondary credits/years
The credits earned at a recognized university or college, after completing at least 12 years of elementary and secondary education (Grades 1-12, or equivalent, according to the Ministry equivalency guide). Credits from institutions that are not covered by the definition may be accepted for evaluation purposes, if they have been accepted for credit by a recognized university or college.

Principal
While independent school authorities may establish administrative structures that best fit their purposes and/or appoint other administrators to oversee such aspects of administration as financial accounting, transportation, public relations and school promotion, the "principal" of the school is the person "responsible for administering and supervising an independent school." It is expected that this responsibility includes student discipline, school accountability, student safety, the educational program of the school and supervision of teachers.

The "principal" must hold valid British Columbia certification of qualification for teaching in all Group 1 and 2 independent schools and in Group 4 schools where the school is certified by the Ministry of Education and the school's graduates are eligible to receive the British Columbia Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood).

• Training of persons to be teachers, which has earned provincial, state, or national accreditation in the province, state or country where the training takes place.
• Exceptions to the definition of "recognized teacher training" may only be granted on the recommendation of the Independent School Teacher Certification Committee and by approval of the Inspector.

• an institution that receives a majority of its funding from a provincial, state, or federal government, or
• an institution that: meets government or accreditation group standards in the province, state, or country where the institution operates; and,
• an institution that is subject to cyclical external evaluation of standards to determine if the university or college continues to meet those standards.
• Exceptions to the definition of "recognized university or college" may only be granted on the recommendation of the ISTCC and by the approval of the Inspector.

• Plans the instructional program.
• Delivers/teaches the majority of the course/subject.
• Assesses student learning.
• Reports to parents on student progress.