www.education.ualberta.ca
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Faculty ofatEducation the University of Alberta
The Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta is committed to creating an exceptional experience for the student. We understand that choosing a post-secondary institution is one of the most important decisions in life and that is why we want to help you with that decision. As one of the oldest and largest education faculties in Canada, we are highly regarded provincially, nationally and internationally. While our Bachelor of Education degree prepares you to be a teacher, it can also open the door for you to be a leader in industry or government, to develop a career as a corporate trainer, or provide you with the knowledge and skills to confidently pursue other education related opportunities. Your degree can lead directly to a fulfilling career as a teacher, or it can be a stepping stone to various other career paths. It takes great educators to create great educators, and the University of Alberta has the most prestigious teaching staff of any university in Canada (bold statement!). We pride ourselves on having exemplary professors of education. The Faculty of Education at the U of A currently offers over 30 different majors and over 20 different minors. Here you can build a degree that not only helps you to achieve your academic and professional goals, but also reflects your personality and interests.
Undergraduate Programs
Choose to Learn. Choose to Teach.
3 Four Year (1+3) Bachelor of Education Degree Program – Learn to teach 3 Bachelor of Education After Degree Program – Teach what you’ve learned 4 Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) – Bring campus to the community 4 Five-Year Combined Degrees – Countless possibilities 6 Collaborative Degree Programs – Big degree small campus 9 Student Teaching – Theory meets practice 9 Support Services – We are here to help 10 International Experience – Learn globally 11 The University of Alberta – Bigger can mean better 13 Healthy Body and Healthy Mind
– Learn to move
13 Campus Community – Learn to belong 13 Education Student’s Association – Learn leadership
Dean’s Message
Dear Prospective Student, You are at an important crossroad in your life as you consider which career path to begin. As Dean of one of the largest and most vital Faculties of Education in Canada, I invite you to consider the professional opportunities that exist within our Faculty. The Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta was the first such Faculty in Canada; now with 3400 undergraduate students, 800 graduate students, and world class teachers and researchers as professors, our graduates make a difference in educational and professional spheres across the globe. In addition to being prepared to teach, many of our graduates choose professions in business, communications, government agencies, public relations, and more. Our standards are high and you will need to work hard to keep up with a rigorous curriculum and equally intense student teaching terms. At the same time you will be inspired by the energy of your instructors, your peers and your students in K - 12 classrooms, all of whom will help you become the best you can be. Keep your aspirations high and find joy in your journey. I hope we may see you within the Faculty of Education. Fern Snart, Dean
Undergraduate Programs
Four Year Bachelor of Education Degree Program
Bachelor of Education After Degree Program
Learn To Teach
Teach What You’ve Learned
The four year (1+3) Bachelor of Education Degree program prepares you to teach all subject areas in elementary school or specific subject areas in secondary school, depending on which route you choose. Upon completion of the four year program (1+3), you will earn a Bachelor of Education Degree in elementary education (Kindergarten to Grade 6) or secondary education (junior and senior high).
The After Degree in Education is a program specifically designed for those who already hold an undergraduate degree. Upon completion of the After Degree program you will earn a Bachelor of Education Degree in elementary education (Kindergarten to Grade 6) or secondary education (Junior and Senior High), depending on which route you choose. The After Degree program builds on your previous degree by providing you with the knowledge and skills required to be a teacher.
The program may be divided into a pre-professional year of study (which can be completed at the University of Alberta or at another post-secondary institution) followed by three years in the Faculty of Education. Before applying to the program you must complete a Pre-Professional Year, which includes a minimum of 24 credits that are transferable to the University of Alberta and that fit within your chosen program.
Five Year Combined Degree Programs
Five Years + Two Degrees = Countless Possibilities Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP)
Bring Campus to the Community “It has been recognized for decades that having Aboriginal teachers in the classroom is the first line of change in the education of Aboriginal children and youth.� - Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (1996) The Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) is an off-campus program designed to improve the educational success of Aboriginal children. This unique program works towards developing a greater understanding of the Aboriginal culture and perspective on teaching and learning. Elders are involved in many capacities throughout the program, but their primary involvement is in the classroom and with student teaching. The Aboriginal Teacher Education Program can be completed as a four year Bachelor of Education Degree or a two-year After Degree. Upon completion of the program, you will earn a Bachelor of Education Degree in elementary education (Kindergarten to Grade 6). While the program aims to increase the number of Aboriginal teachers in the classroom, individuals from all backgrounds and cultures are welcomed and encouraged to apply.
The Combined Degree programs provide you with the opportunity to earn TWO undergraduate degrees in just five years. Along with a Bachelor of Education Degree, you can earn a bachelors degree in one of the six following areas: Drama, Human Ecology, Music, Native Studies, Physical Education, or Science. If you are interested in a Combined Degree, you will begin by applying to one of the faculties listed above and then transfer into the Faculty of Education after two or three years of study. The Combined Degree programs are highly structured programs that allow you to study in two different areas at the same time. Two degrees also means you will have more options and flexibility when choosing your dream job!
Collaborative Degree Programs
Big Degree - Small Campus The Collaborative Degree programs are off-campus programs that provide students with the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Education Degree in elementary education from the University of Alberta at one of the following institutions in Alberta: Grande Prairie Regional College, Medicine Hat College, Red Deer College and Keyano College. The Collaborative Degree programs are unique in that they provide you with the opportunity to study in a small group setting while earning your degree on a smaller campus. The Collaborative Degree programs also focus on specific areas of education that are relevant to teaching in Alberta. The program at Grande Prairie Regional College focuses on teaching in northern communities, the programs at Medicine Hat College and Keyano College (these two institutions alternate intake years) focus on teaching in rural communities and the program at Red Deer College focuses on teaching the middle years (Grades 4-9). Due to a limited amount of space, the Collaborative Degree programs are very competitive.
“I have been greatly impressed with the quality of the grads from the University of Alberta / Red Deer College Middle Years Program. These students seem better prepared for the rigors of middle school teaching and are fully grounded in middle school philosophy. Of greater significance, however, is their preparation as collaborative team members. The program is highly collaborative in nature and this shows as these graduates work extremely well with other staff members. In a recent interview for a middle school position, after shortlisting and interviewing a large number of candidates, our top three candidates were all U of A / RDC graduates. Keep up the great work!” Stu Henry, Principal, Eastview Middle School, Sylvan Lake, Chinook’s Edge School Division
Our Featured Student
Rebecca Lehman Rebecca Lehman is an Elementary After Degree student who took advantage of the many volunteer opportunities on campus to explore different areas within the field of education. It was through her volunteering that Rebecca discovered an interest in special needs education. After reading about the many opportunities that students have within the faculty to engage in research-based learning, Rebecca applied for the Roger S. Smith Undergraduate Research Award and was one of ten students chosen for a $5000 award. Working with several internationally renowned scholars, Rebecca was able to explore her interest in special needs education by researching reading development in bilingual deaf children. “Every teacher should do a research project to thoroughly understand the diversity in our student body.” Rebecca wants future education students to know that, “the Ed Degree is a perfect place to make connections with the institution and the professors”. Rebecca feels confident that this “unbelievable” experience and the friendships that she has made with her professors will serve her well in the future as she pursues a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology. “I would definitely do this again and every student should have this opportunity.”
Student Teaching
Support Services
Theory Meets Practice
We are here to help
Student teaching is one of the highlights of the Bachelor of Education Degree. Student teaching gives you the opportunity to develop your teaching skills and abilities, while receiving guidance and support from professors and staff within the Faculty of Education and from teachers in the field.
Director of Student Support The Faculty of Education is proud to have a registered psychologist on staff who is available to meet with students experiencing personal issues or academic difficulty. The Director of Student Support also works directly with Specialized Support and Disability Services to provide appropriate accommodations for students with indentified disabilities.
Throughout your degree program, you will complete a total of 14 weeks of student teaching, which is divided into the Introductory Professional Term (IPT) and the Advanced Professional Term (APT).
Student Teaching Overview The Introductory Professional Term (IPT) consists of both on-campus courses and 5 weeks of field experience. The IPT is your first opportunity to practice teaching in a classroom. During the IPT, you will gain experience in lesson planning and instruction, managing the classroom, tailoring instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of all your students, and assessing student progress. The Advanced Professional Term (APT) consists of both on-campus courses and 9 weeks of field experience. The APT builds on what you learned in the IPT, providing you with the opportunity to further develop your teaching skills. Throughout the APT, you will continue to practice lesson planning and instruction as well as learn how to plan and teach a unit. You will also continue to practice inclusive education and enhance your classroom management and assessment skills.
Student Advisors All students in the Faculty of Education are assigned a Student Advisor to assist them throughout their program. All of our Student Advisors hold an undergraduate degree and understand and appreciate what it means to be a student. Because the Faculty of Education recognizes the unique and diverse needs of our student population, we have Student Advisors who specialize in advising Aboriginal and International students. The Faculty of Education also has a Student Advisor that works with students who are experiencing academic difficulty. Your Student Advisor can be reached through email or by phone and is available to meet with you (by appointment only) to discuss your program. As a prospective student, we encourage you to contact your Student Advisor if you have any questions about any of the programs the Faculty of Education has to offer. To find out who your Student Advisor is, please contact Undergraduate Student Services.
International Experience
Learn Globally If you want to enhance your educational experience by studying abroad, we invite you to explore the range of international opportunities offered by the University of Alberta and the Faculty of Education. The Faculty of Education offers specific international opportunities such as a six week course over the summer in Ghana that teaches global citizenship, and gives you the opportunity to participate in citizenship and development initiatives in the local schools and villages. If taking a course in Ghana during the summer months doesn’t work for you, then you might want to consider completing your student teaching at the International School of Macau in China. There are endless possibilities for you to experience life and learning abroad while working towards your degree. The U of A offers study abroad experiences at over 100 different institutions in 40 different countries. If you are interested in studying abroad we encourage you to plan in advance and discuss the possibilities with your Student Advisor as early in your program as possible.
The University of Alberta
Bigger can mean better The U of A offers over 10 000 different courses for you to build a university degree that matters to you. We also offer around 700 spring and summer courses to accommodate students with different needs and different schedules. With 720 different possible Major/Minor combinations in Secondary and 23 different elementary Minors, Education at the U of A gives you the choice to become the teacher you want to be in any subject to work with any age group. The University has five campuses, totalling over 27,000 hectares of land. The Faculty of Education is located on the Main Campus, located in the beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley, right in the heart of Edmonton. The U of A is in the midst of an unprecedented expansion, with over $1 billion currently being invested in new buildings, amenities and upgrades. We just finished our first century, and we are ready to meet the next!
Healthy Body and Healthy Mind
Campus Community
Learn To Move
Learn to Belong
While the main focus at the Faculty of Education is to help you reach your academic and professional goals, we also believe in the importance of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
The U of A has over 300 student groups or clubs. These include groups with interests as wide-ranging as karaoke, religious studies, or baking. They provide you with the opportunity to be a part of a small community within the University, and to connect with other students while pursuing common interests whether they are academic, cultural, recreational or political.
The University of Alberta offers various physical activities to suit all students. Whether you want to join a competitive sports program, learn how to dance, or start your day with yoga, the University of Alberta has the activities, as well as the facilities, to accommodate your interests and fitness level. • • • • • • • • • • • •
25 varsity sports teams 60 Intramural Sports Over 250 activity classes 15m Climbing Wall Ice Arena Two Gymnasiums Two Pools Dance, combat, and yoga studios Badminton, squash and racquetball courts Fitness centres Indoor Tennis Indoor track
Education Student’s Association
Learn Leadership The Education Students’ Association is a student-led association that enriches and enhances the quality of student life by providing affordable and quality services such as Alberta Teachers’ Association membership, professional development sessions, social events, graduation banquet and photos, volunteer opportunities, and tutoring opportunities.
Featured Professor
Diane Conrad Dr. Diane Conrad teaches a number of courses related to curriculum development and instruction for the Drama major and minor. Not only is Dr. Conrad an exceptional instructor, she is also an award-winning researcher. Her research in popular and applied theatre methods in secondary education goes beyond ‘improv’, skits or the big school play. Instead, she explores how drama and theatre education that is based on issues and experiences relevant to the lives of students can contribute to their personal development and to social change. “Drama offers an innate way of learning as the living of our lives is performance.” Dr. Conrad’s most recent research project, The Transformative Potential of Drama in the Education of Incarcerated Youth, involved weekly visits to a youth prison to facilitate drama workshops. For this research Dr. Conrad won the SSHRC Aurora Prize, which recognizes an outstanding new researcher who is building a reputation for exciting and original research in the social sciences or humanities. In 2008, she won CAFA’s Distinguished Academic Early Career Award for the contribution she made to the community outside of the university through her research on the potential of popular or applied theatre to transform the lives of ‘at-risk’ youth.
Admission Requirements Our Programs Collaborative What programs accept students directly from high school?
Combined
ATEP
Four Year
Our combined programs are the only programs that accept students directly from high school. Specific requirements depend on combined program you are applying to.
If you are transferring from another postsecondary institution, what do you need to be admissible?
*60 specified credits
*60 transferable credits that fit into the program. Courses with a grade lower than a Cwill not be accepted.
*24 transferable credits that fit into your program. Courses with a grade lower than a Cwill not be accepted for transfer credit.
If you are transferring from another faculty at the University of 足A lberta, what do you need to be admissible?
*60 specified credits
*60 credits that fit into the program. Courses with a grade lower than a D will not be accepted for credit.
*24 credits that fit into your program. Courses with a grade lower than a D will not be accepted for credit.
Do you need an undergraduate degree to be admissible to any of our programs?
After Degree
The After Degree program is the only program that requires an approved undergraduate degree for admission. Students can also complete one of the collaborative programs or the ATEP program as an After Degree!
Contact us at Undergraduate Student Services General Office: 780-492-3659 E-mail: educ.info@ualberta.ca
www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/uss
daretodiscover Additional Websites: U of A Faculty of Education: www.education.ualberta.ca U of A Office of the Registrar and Student Awards: www.registrar.ualberta.ca U of A Calendar Online: www.registrar.ualberta.ca/calendar Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer: www.acat.gov.ab.ca