Education (BEd)

Laurier’s Bachelor of Education (BEd) equips you to thrive in a dynamic world. Our innovative two-year, full-time program seamlessly integrates theory with practice, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. We prioritize respect for diverse worldviews, Indigenous perspectives, and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. 

Specialize in teaching Primary/Junior (K-6), Primary/Junior French as a Second Language (K-6), or Junior/Intermediate (Grades 4-10) to shape young minds and make a lasting impact.

a professor and student smiling

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your Laurier academic experience is current, complete, and designed to open doors. Here are a few things you can count on: 

  • Expertise of Award-Winning Faculty: Immerse yourself in teaching with guidance from acclaimed faculty and OCT-certified educators. Gain firsthand experience and insights into effective classroom teaching and student engagement.
  • Dynamic Classroom Experiences: Experience the passion and creativity of our Education faculty through interactive, engaging courses and seminars designed to inspire and challenge you.
  • Real-World Impact with the Professional Development School Model: Build valuable connections with educators through our Professional Development School model, offering over 100 days of hands-on experience in diverse classroom settings and teaching environments.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree:

  • Extensive Practicum Experiences: Gain practical teaching experience with over 100 days of hands-on practice through four block placements and weekly practicum days at carefully chosen partner school boards.
  • Professional Learning Seminars: Enhance your teaching practice through Professional Learning Seminars where you'll reflect on your experiences, link theory to practice, share insights from your placements, and delve into the roles and responsibilities of a teacher.
  • Innovate and Research with Faculty-Led Initiatives and Projects: Engage with cutting-edge research and collaborative projects led by our faculty, such as STEMovation and the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity Coalition. Explore opportunities to contribute to innovative research and educational initiatives.

Courses and Learning Outcomes

Required Core Courses

  • Curriculum Foundations
  • Principles and Applications of Learning and Development
  • School and Society
  • Assessment and Evaluation
  • Special Education I and II
  • Equity and Diversity in Schools
  • First Nations, Métis and Inuit Topics in Educational Contexts
  • Multilingual Learners in the English-Dominant Classroom

Sample Electives

  • Environmental Education for a Sustainable Future
  • Global Education
  • Restorative Practices in Education
  • Anti-Discriminatory Education: From Defecit Thinking to Strength-Based Approaches
  • Teaching Through Technology

Curriculum Methods Courses

  • Language and Literacy Education (course in first and second year)
  • Mathematics Education (course in first and second year)
  • Integrating Through Science and Technology 
  • Integrating Through the Arts 
  • Teaching Health and Physical Education 
  • Curriculum Pedagogies in Social Studies and Indigenous Education
  • Teaching in Kindergarten 
  • Teaching French as a Second Language in Ontario Schools

 

High School to BEd Pathway Programs

Finished High School and Interested in an Education Degree?

Laurier's Bachelor of Education program is only open to applicants who have already completed a qualifying undergraduate degree. But if you're wrapping up grade 12 now (or maybe you finished a few years ago!), we have several undergraduate pathway programs that can help you check off that prerequisite degree and start preparing to be an outstanding teacher right from year one.

If you maintain your GPA up and meet all the progression requirements, you'll have a spot when it comes time to apply to Laurier’s competitive Bachelor of Education program.

Here's what you need to qualify for admission to our BEd program:

  • Meet all requirements of associated undergraduate program.
  • Achieve a 10.5 GPA on the ten final full credits completed at Laurier.
  • Complete all requirements of the Teaching Option.
  • Satisfy all application requirements of the BEd program.

About the Undergraduate Teaching Option

Laurier’s Undergraduate Teaching Option consists of 4.0 credits throughout your degree: five core half-credit courses offered through the Faculty of Education, plus three elective half-credit courses from an approved list. The option is designed to provide students with a foundational course of study focusing on teaching.

Programs with Pathways to the BEd

While you can add a Teaching Option to most programs in your upper years, a subset of programs on both our Waterloo and Brantford campuses are eligible for a direct application BEd pathway (look for the 'with Teaching Option' designation on Laurier's OUAC program listings).

The Teaching Option direct entry pathway is competitive. Only students applying for an honours degree with Teaching Option will be considered for admission directly into the B.Ed. program.

Admissions

  • Format: full time
  • Duration: two years
  • Start: September (fall term)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • teacher, Kindergarten to Grade 10
  • assistive technology consultant
  • camp/museum executive director
  • curriculum developer
  • educational software support coordinator
  • French teacher
  • instructional designer
  • leadership program coordinator
  • private school teacher

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Scholarships

There are many elements to consider when calculating costs to continue your education, including tuition, fees and living expenses. At Laurier, we offer financial support for students through a variety of different programs and options.

Tuition and Expenses

Note: For one year (or two terms) studying full time. Fees are based on 2024/25 and are subject to increase.

Breakdown of Expenses
Fee Type Domestic Students International Students
Tuition

$8,051
(based on ten .50 credits of $805.12)

$33,220
(based on ten .50 credits of $3322)

Ancillary Fees

$2,632

$2,632

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Global 2000 World University Ranking

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2023

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2023

Waterloo and Brantford Campus

The Waterloo campus is home to more than 17,700 undergraduate and graduate students. You're steps away from classes, residence, and campus amenities on this close-knit campus.

On the other hand, the Brantford campus is woven into the downtown core of the City of Brantford and is home to more than 3,000 students. With classrooms and study spaces close to great restaurants, shopping and hiking trails, you get the best of both worlds.

There are many ways to tour both of our campuses to help make your decision. The choice of where you study is up to you!

Chat with Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be in this program? U Community is our Discord server where future Golden Hawks like you can connect with current students to get their first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email eduadmissions@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?