ICS courses approved for the CSTC, administered by Vocate and endorsed by Edvance.
The Christian School Teacher's Certificate (CSTC) is a professional credential that integrates theory and practice in Christian education. It is required by many Edvance-affiliated schools across Canada as a priority for professional development.
The CSTC requires one approved course in each of four areas of study. Several ICS education courses are approved across multiple areas, letting you build toward the CSTC while also earning graduate credit that counts toward the MWS-E or MA-EL.
Eligible ICS Courses
Each area requires one approved course. The courses below are ICS offerings currently approved for the CSTC.
Theological Studies
Biblical Foundations
Biblical Foundations: Narrative, Wisdom, and the Art of Interpretation
Explore the biblical story as the grounding narrative for Christian educational practice and worldview formation. This course invites you to read Scripture afresh and discover how its overarching themes shape what it means to teach and lead.
Philosophical Studies
Philosophy of Education
What Is Christian About Christian Education?
Engage Reformational philosophy to develop a deeply Christian understanding of the educational task. Explore how worldview, faith, and the ICS tradition of integral scholarship inform what happens in the classroom.
Called to Teach: From Formation to Transformation
Explore your vocation as an educator, reflecting on teaching practice in the context of faith and spiritual disciplines. An inner journey of refreshment and renewal.
Explore positional and contributory leadership, algorithmic and heuristic practices, and the work of motivating a group of people to shape what they share.
Instructional / Curricular Studies
Psychology of Education
Cultivating Learning Communities of Belonging
Explore school and classroom cultures, including social and cultural contexts, racial justice, Indigenous perspectives, human sexuality, and restorative practices.
Called to Teach: From Formation to Transformation
Also approved for Area 2. Explore your vocation as an educator, reflecting on teaching practice in the context of faith and spiritual disciplines.
Worldview Studies
Faith & Cultural Expression
What Is Christian About Christian Education?
Also approved for Area 2. Engage Reformational philosophy to develop a deeply Christian understanding of the educational task.
ICS's summer study-abroad program in Orvieto, Italy. Courses offered through ART in Orvieto are approved for Area 4 of the CSTC.
Additional ICS Philosophy Courses
Several ICS graduate philosophy courses are also approved for Area 4. Check the ICS Course Catalogue or contact the Academic Registrar for the most current list of approved courses each term.
Note: A single course can satisfy only one CSTC area, even if approved for multiple areas. Choose strategically.
How It Works
The CSTC is administered by Vocate, not ICS. Here's how to use ICS courses toward your certificate.
Step 1
Register for an ICS education course through the Academic Registrar.
Step 2
Complete the course and receive your transcript from ICS.
Step 3
Submit your CSTC application to Vocate with proof of completion.
Contact the ICS Academic Registrar to register for a course, or visit Vocate for full CSTC requirements and application forms.