Located in Nelson B.C., the West Kootenay Rural Teacher Education Program (WKTEP) has a strong focus on rural and small school settings, recognizing that they offer educational opportunities for teachers. There is also an emphasis on place-conscious learning with strong ties to local communities and school districts. The West Kootenay Rural Teacher Education Program provides teacher candidates with the opportunity to develop the professional qualities and effective practices for teaching in today’s complex learning environments with a strong focus on community, collaboration, and innovation.