- Handong Global University Graduate School of Education, accredited by the International Baccalaureate (IB), has obtained certification for pre-service training of IB teachers, the first in Gyeongbuk province
- The program aims to enhance the expertise of Korean language educators and contribute to the improvement of public education teacher competencies.
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(Photo) Handong Global University, first in Gyeongbuk to receive certification for IB teacher training program.
On September 22, 2023, Handong Global University (President Dosoung Choi) successfully passed the evaluation for International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) teacher certification from the IB headquarters. With this achievement, Handong Global University now operates programs for the training of IB Educator Certificate for Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), being the first institution in Gyeongbuk to do so.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an internationally accredited educational program developed and operated by the nonprofit educational foundation, IBO, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It is an educational curriculum system optimized for fostering critical and creative thinking through student-led inquiry and learning.
Handong Global University Graduate School of Education opened a Korean language education program in September 2021, where both the Master's degree program in education and IB Educator Certificate (IBEC) can be completed simultaneously. Following this, in September 2022, the university received certification for training teachers for the IB Primary Years Program (PYP), and it is successfully operating the IBEC program (a one-year non-degree program) to enhance the expertise of elementary and middle school teachers affiliated with the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Office of Education and Gyeonggi Province Office of Education.
President Dosoung Choi of Handong Global University stated, "Obtaining certification for IB Middle Years Program (MYP) teacher training in September this year is the result of Handong Global University's efforts in internationalization based on practical-oriented talent development. Through this, we expect to become an even more globally competitive university that influences the enhancement of public education."
The IBEC program is open to anyone with a desire to develop teaching competencies, even if they are not currently working at an IB school (teacher certification is required). It consists of various curricula, including IB teaching and learning approaches, process-based assessment, curriculum development, and building professional learning communities. The program collaborates with IB schools both domestically and internationally to conduct on-site learning, workshops, and seminars, allowing participants to enhance their expertise as future IB teachers or as current educators.
Holders of the IBEC certification can highlight that they possess verified qualifications (in-depth understanding of IB programs) to prospective employers in the international education community. They are exempted from the Category 1 workshops, mandatory according to IB standards, and have access to the IB Program Resource Center (PRC) for three years, exclusively provided to IB teachers. They can also receive the latest updates on the IB community through the official IB magazine and have opportunities to collaborate and establish relationships with other IB teachers.
For detailed information on the recruitment of new students starting from the spring semester, please refer to the website of Handong Global University Graduate School of Education. (www.ibechandong.com).
