"This agreement is just the beginning of a long journey, but it's a journey that I believe will lead to remarkable outcomes for our communities."
Dr. Robert Williamson is confident a new transfer portal between two B.C. post-secondary schools can inspire and produce a multitude of educators to help the next generation of diverse learners.
On Aug. 14, an agreement was unveiled that will allow Classroom and Community Support students at Douglas College to transfer 75 per cent of their credits directly to Simon Fraser University's (SFU) Bachelor of General Studies in Education.
This means 45 of 60 credits can move students from the New Westminster-Coquitlam school up Burnaby Mountain and into the second year of SFU's program.
In a news release, SFU stated this will address the "ongoing shortage" of diverse learning supports in B.C. schools — specifically for students with disabilities.
We're excited to announce our new transfer agreement with @douglascollege, creating a seamless path for Classroom & Community Support grads to become inclusive educators! Together, we're shaping a brighter future for B.C. students.
— SFU Faculty of Education (@sfueducation) August 15, 2024
Learn more: https://t.co/NKQIzMi5CC pic.twitter.com/36FIDBfk34
Williamson, who has more than 20 years of field experience in advancing inclusive education, added he's grateful for the milestone announcement.
"I'm a father of children with disabilities, so I have lived this experience," the Director of Undergraduate Studies at SFU's Faculty of Education said.
"My current research has brought me around the world to study how to meet the educational needs of the most complex and marginalized population on Earth: refugee children with disabilities.
"This agreement acknowledges the quality of Douglas College's CCS program and reflects our commitment to preparing educators who can meet the needs of all students, particularly those with disabilities. By aligning our programs, we are creating a more direct and efficient route for students to gain the qualifications they need to become leaders in inclusive education."
The new diverse learning educator transfer portal is live with spots still open for DC's Classroom and Community Support program for the fall 2024 semester.
SFU noted it also hopes to develop an Inclusive Education program with a double Bachelor of General Studies minor, graduating to what Williamson believes would be "the best-trained inclusive educators globally."
"This partnership is a crucial step in that direction, as it adds two years of targeted coursework to the robust preparation that Douglas College students already receive."
For more information about the new inclusive education pathway, you can visit Douglas College's and SFU's respective websites.
