Life as a B.C. Teacher

Live and Teach in B.C.

Check out the video to learn more about British Columbia’s diverse lifestyles, recreational opportunities and gorgeous natural environments. While the landscapes differ, some things hold true provincewide. These include supportive learning communities, innovative curriculum, and physical surroundings that are constant sources of inspiration and enjoyment.

The British Columbia education system serves a diverse student population, including 600,000 students in public schools, 91,000 in independent schools and 4,500 homeschooled students. Along with a high quality of life, diverse culture, excellent healthcare and education systems, the province is surrounded by natural beauty.

The Good News!

• Some districts offer financial incentives for qualified teachers.
• Housing in some communities is much more affordable than other parts of B.C.
• Develop rich connections to local First Nations communities, languages, art, culture and events.
• Experience easy access to nature and recreation in your backyard.
• Be an integral part of the lives and learning of your students.

British Columbia Curriculum

B.C.’s world-class curriculum is built on a learner-centred approach that fosters deep understanding and prepares students for future success.

The B.C. curriculum emphasizes

Core Competencies
Communication, thinking, and personal and social skills form the foundation for lifelong learning across all subject areas.

Foundational Skills
Literacy and numeracy are integrated throughout the curriculum to support strong academic development.

Essential Learnings
Each subject area includes key content, concepts, skills, and “big ideas” that promote high-level thinking and real-world understanding.

Indigenous Perspectives
Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are embedded across all grade levels, reflecting their essential role in B.C.’s education system.

Inquiry-Based Learning
Students explore concepts, ask questions, build critical thinking skills, and deepen their understanding through the inquiry process.

Flexibility and Personalization
Teachers have the flexibility to adapt learning experiences to meet the diverse needs of their students, supporting personalized learning pathways.

Inclusivity
The curriculum celebrates diversity, including cultural identities, family diversity, gender identity and sexual orientation. Government initiatives further support students with disabilities through adapted programs, assistive technologies and modified assessment methods.

Opportunities for Teachers

Contribute your perspective
Bring your experience and insights to enrich B.C. classrooms.

Embrace innovative teaching methods
Apply inquiry- and place-based learning approaches to create engaging, student-centred experiences.

Collaborate with colleagues
Help build a supportive, inclusive school environment that values diverse perspectives and lived experiences.