Valuable Learning Takes Place Outside the Classroom

To prepare for teaching careers BEd students are encouraged to think "outside the classroom."

Many people enrolled in a BEd program intend to work in the school system, whether it be public or private but a BEd can be used for more than teaching. The skills learned in a BEd degree can be transferred to many different areas. A BEd degree does not only prepare student teachers for the classroom - it prepares them for leadership roles in many arenas. Because of this, UPEI Education students are encouraged to get involved on campus with various clubs and societies as well as with educational stakeholders in the surrounding communities.

A BEd degree can prepare one for the classroom, for graduate degrees, for counselling, for working in HR, for teaching adults - the possibilities are endless. Within the Bachelor of Education program at UPEI, there is an opportunity to have a teaching placement in an alternative setting; whether that be with NGOs, government, art galleries, immigration departments, colleges, or other organizations. Students enjoy this variety, and so too do the organizations. It often introduces students to educational possibilities they had not known about before, and often leads to jobs once they complete their BEd.

On-campus, students can join social and academic groups including the Graduate Students Association (GSA) and the Mature and Part-time University Students Association (MAPUS). The Education Society is one that most education students join and it keeps students up to date with on and off campus activities. Since teachers do so much more than teach nowadays, it is imperative that BEd students find a way to interact with the communities and educational stakeholders. Relationship building is a key part of the future of education and can be a positive experience for all.