Teachers, Teacher Education, and Professional Development
Teacher Education Specific to Reading
Completion of a four year bachelor’s degree program in preschool and elementary education is required to teach at the preschool and elementary school levels. These programs train generalists (who do not teach subjects that require specialists, such as music, physical education and health, and second languages). An additional diploma is not required to teach reading in elementary school. To teach in the languages subject area at the secondary level, teachers must hold a bachelor’s degree in teaching the specific subject.
Requirements for Ongoing Professional Development in Reading for Teachers
The most common forms of professional development for teachers are university studies, training provided by school boards or the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur, and conferences. Teachers are increasingly taking advantage of peer training and action research projects. Additionally, the English school board system has developed centers that offer training and support to teachers of students with language difficulties.