International Baccalaureate
Educator Certificate Program
Designed and delivered by our global network of IB experts, to help you as practicing teachers, aspiring teachers, and school leaders.
Strengthen your ability to think critically using a global mindset, while building a valuable peer network
Flexible, online learning allows you to participate from anywhere in the world at a time that suits your schedule.
Gain access to employment in 386 IB World Schools in Canada and more than 5,700 IB World Schools worldwide.
6 months - Online
Access to more jobs
Globally Recognized
Engage with the IB Network
Description
Western Education offers two IB Educator Certificates: the IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning and the IB Certificate in Leadership Practice. Both provide cost-effective professional development that is delivered completely online.
The IB supports schools and teachers to provide a rigorous, high-quality education, offering professional development that improves pedagogy and leadership.
Important note
The successful completion of the IB Educator Certificate Program doesn’t lead to certification with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).
IBEC Program Policies & Guidelines
IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning
This is a six-month, online program for practicing and aspiring teachers that qualifies educators to register for the IB certificate in Teaching and Learning. You will become a reflective practitioner and teacher researcher capable of succeeding in an IB World School at the PYP (Primary Years, Pre-K to Grade 5), MYP (Middle Years, Grades 6-10), or DP (Diploma, Grades 11 & 12) level. If you select either the MYP or DP Programme, you must also select a specific subject for the focus of your IBEC. Western offers the following options:
Primary Years Programme (PYP)
- K-G2
- G3-G5
Middle Years Programme (MYP)
- English Language and Literature
- Individuals and Society
- Mathematics
- Science
Diploma Programme (DP)
- History
- Economics
- Business Management
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Language A: English Language and Literature
- Language B: French
- Mathematics
IB Certificate in Leadership Practice
This is a six-month, online program for practicing and aspiring leaders that qualifies educators to register for the IB Certificate in Leadership Practice. You will build confidence in implementing and sustaining IB programs in IB World Schools.
The objective of this certificate is to develop and refine leadership capabilities in an IB context. This certificate is designed for educators and administrators looking to apply, implement and sustain IB programs in IB World School.
Students must register with the IB directly in order to access IB resources and to receive official certification with IBEC at the end of the program. Please note that IBEC has their own fee for certification. This fee is not set by Western.
Timing and Delivery
The IB Educator Certificate program is comprised of 4 consecutive modules; each module is 5 weeks in length with a two week break in between the start of each module. In total, the entire program is completed within a scheduled 26-week timeframe (6 months).
This program of study is a cohort model, with a time commitment of approximately 10 hours per week. Approximately 20 students will be admitted to each cohort. This cohort structure will provide ongoing support within the course work, enabling students to develop a professional community of practice. To ensure the integrity of the cohort model, continuous enrollment is required and will necessitate that students complete all the required courses within the timeframe stipulated.
| Term | Application Deadline | Program Start | Program End | Length/Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | September 20, 2024 | September 30, 2024 | March 28, 2025 | 6 months - Online |
| Winter 2025 | January 6, 2025 | January 27, 2025 | July 25, 2025 | 6 months - Online |
Courses
IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning
| Module | Course |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Philosophy and Program Components Gain an understanding of the IB philosophy and mission, and how these are reflected in each of the three programs (PYP, MYP, DP). Each curriculum model, as well as the principles that underpin it to create meaningful and appropriate learning, is explored in depth. |
| 2 |
Teaching and Learning Introduces candidates to the principles, processes, and tools of lesson-planning with interdisciplinary concepts and subject specific content in mind. A variety of instructional strategies are examined, including ‘inquiry’ as a personalizing pedagogy. |
| 3 |
Assessment, Evaluation, and Impactful Student Feedback Focuses on the importance of generating and using high quality assessment data to inform instruction and to improve student learning. The measurement of the impact of feedback on student understanding and performance will also be explored. |
| 4 |
Professional Learning Networks Focuses on two important professional practices (1) learning through reflection while doing and (2) collaboration as a member of professional learning communities (Communities of Practice). This module aims to create and sustain professional networks, real and virtual, that include academics and practitioners, spreading beyond the immediate community. |
IB Certificate in Leadership Practice
| Module | Course |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Leading in an IB World School Participants explore how the contextual differences of the International Baccalaureate impact the leadership processes and practices in a school and influence the way a school is led. Participants will also be connected to a practicing IB school leader to interview and learn directly from their experiences |
| 2 |
Instructional Leadership In this module, leaders develop a critical understanding of the relevant curriculum and instructional design processes, as well as the strategies for enabling and sustaining changes in teaching and learning practices associated with implementing one or more IB programmes. |
| 3 |
Leading Learning Communities In this module, leaders learn the importance of engaging with others in ways that builds relational trust and encourages the practices of collaboration and reflection-in-action. In addition, leaders are reminded of the necessity of an organizational commitment to continuous improvement, access to reliable data, transparency and integrity, teamwork, and a solution focused mindset. |
| 4 |
Leading Beyond the School Walls Schools are open-systems, microcosms of the communities they serve, and leaders must accept that environmental factors, as well as community values impact how the school implements IB programs. Leaders learn the importance of scanning the environment for threats as well as opportunities to strengthen relationships among stakeholders and across communities |
Admissions
Required:
- A four-year degree (20 full courses or equivalent) from an accredited university
- Completion of – or enrollment in - a recognized teaching program
or
Three years of full-time teaching experience in a K-12 setting - A minimum of 3 years of teaching experience (K-12) is required for the Leadership Practice Certificate*
- English Proficiency Requirements
Note:
- The successful completion of the IB Educator Certificate Program doesn’t lead to certification with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).
- Teaching and Learning Certificate: Any student currently enrolled in a qualified teaching program can apply. Students do not have to be fully graduated or currently practicing teachers.
English Proficiency Requirements:
For admission into the IB Program, applicants must be from an English-speaking country or meet either of the following English test scores:
- Min TOEFL ibt: 86.0 (Minimum reading: 20.0; Minimum writing: 20.0; Minimum listening: 20.0; Minimum speaking: 20.0)
- Min IELTS average: 6.5 (Minimum reading: 6.0; Minimum writing: 6.0; Minimum listening: 6.0; Minimum speaking: 6.0)
- Students whose first language is not English may be considered exempt from providing an English Proficiency test score if the student has studied academic courses, full time, for at least two years, in an English-speaking University.
French Proficiency Requirements:
Applicants to the IB Educator Certificate Program who wish to enroll in the IB French B program should be aware that Modules 2 and 3 will cover the full Language B syllabus, organized into five prescribed themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization, and sharing the planet. All instruction and coursework will be completed in French. Therefore, proficiency in French must be confirmed in the application by providing the necessary documents listed below.
- Four-Year Degree in French:
- A four-year undergraduate degree where the medium of instruction is French or an equivalent qualification. The degree must have been completed within the last 5 years.
- A letter from the institution stating the medium of instruction was French and the years of the applicant’s attendance is required.
- DELF/DALF Test or TEF
- A DELF test with a B2 level or a TEF with a level 4 proficiency.
- Although the DELF test is valid for life, candidates must demonstrate current use of the language through teaching. This can be done by submitting a letter of employment. The letter should state that you are teaching French, provide details about your role, and include the duration of your employment.
- ASPirE French Proficiency Test:
- Candidates who do not have the DELF/DALF or TEF and have a non-traditional background in French can take the ASPirE test.
- To register for the ASPirE French proficiency test, contact the IB office at ibwestern@uwo.ca
- Transcripts from French Studies:
- Official transcripts demonstrating the completion of courses in French.
- Proof of Education in a Francophone Institution:
- Documentation verifying education received in a Francophone country or institution.
Tuition
IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning – $3,700
IB Certificate in Leadership Practice – $3,700
Application Fee – $100
- The Program fee is paid by logging into the IB application portal with your username and password. Acceptable payment methods are Visa and MasterCard
- The program fee can be paid in one lump sum or in four equal installments, due a week before the start of each module
- Upon completing the IB Educator Certificate Program, candidates must register with the IB to obtain their official certificate. The registration fee, set by the IBO, is USD $295 and is not determined by Western University
“Obtaining an IB certificate shows a genuine commitment to join the IB community and makes job candidates stand out from the competition.”
- Brian Cook, Recent IBEC graduate, hired at an IB World School in Japan
