In 2004, the Legislative Assembly began to offer a unique opportunity for both public and independent school teachers from around the province. The British Columbia Teachers' Institute on Parliamentary Democracy is an instense four days of professional development. The objectives of the program are to foster an increased understanding and appreciation for parliamentary democracy in B.C. while introducing teachers to the many available learning resources designed to support their teaching of social studies. Many of the program's activities give teachers the rare opportunity to see first hand how parliamentary democracy operates in B.C. with meetings and presentations from MLAs, Clerks, and senior public servants, as well as the opportunity to attend Question Period.
The experiences offered by the program are designed to give teachers of elementary, middle, and secondary schools a comprehensive understanding of the politics and practices of B.C.'s Legislative Assembly. It is expected that teachers will return to their classrooms and communities better prepared to help foster an informed and more active citizenry that will help shape future generations.
More on the B.C. Teachers' Institute on Parliamentary Democracy can be found on the Legislative Assembly website.
