University of Calgary : 3.3 Career Opportunities

3.3 Career Opportunities

Eligibility to Teach in Alberta

It is important for students to note that becoming eligible to teach in Alberta is a two step process, requiring separate evaluations, by separate bodies: one provincial the other professional. The province of Alberta, through Alberta Education, issues teaching certificates. The Alberta Teachers Association, through the Teacher Qualifications Service (TQS) determines salary qualifications. Both (separate and distinct) evaluations are required to be eligible to teach in the public schools of Alberta. Students should not assume that being admitted to the BEd and being certificated by Alberta Education means that they will receive full credit for their prior degrees from the TQS.

Certification

After the successful completion of the BEd a student may be recommended for an Alberta Interim Professional Teaching Certificate.

Teaching Certificates are granted under the authority of the Minister of Education, upon the recommendation of the Faculty of Education.

All persons applying for certification as teachers in Alberta are subject to the following restrictions on eligibility:

Except where the Minister of Education decides otherwise, Alberta Education shall not issue a teaching certificate to a person who

(a) Has been convicted of an indictable offence under the Criminal Code, or

(b) Alberta Education has reason to believe should not be issued a certificate, or

Appeals must be made in writing within 30 days of being advised of an Alberta Education decision not to issue a teaching certificate.

Teachers Certified in Other Jurisdictions

Teachers who have been certified to teach in other jurisdictions (other provinces and other countries) and who wish to teach in Alberta must contact Alberta Education, Teacher Development and Certification in Edmonton to have their credentials evaluated.

Certification Enquiries

All enquiries concerning certification should be directed to Alberta Education via:

Email: Teacher.Certification@edc.gov.ab.ca

Phone: 780.427.2045 (for toll-free access anywhere in Alberta, first dial 310.0000)

Website: http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/k_12/teaching/Certification/

Teacher Qualifications for Salary Purposes

How students are evaluated for salary purposes is determined by the Teacher Qualification Service, Alberta Teachers Association, not by Alberta Education or the University of Calgary. In some cases, courses in prior degrees may not be considered for salary purposes. To determine how qualifications may be considered, please refer to the Principles for the Evaluation of Years of Teacher Education for Salary Purposes available on the Alberta Teachers Association website, or by writing to the address supplied below.

Forms used to apply for evaluation of qualifications for salary purposes may be obtained on the Alberta Teachers' Association website or by writing to:

Teacher Qualifications Service

The Alberta Teachers' Association

Barnett House, 11010 - 142 Street

Edmonton, Alberta

Canada T5N 2R1

Careers in Education

The majority of teacher education graduates can expect to work as kindergarten/elementary and/or secondary teachers. Indeed, the role of classroom teacher is one that permits graduates to work most closely with young people and allows for the greatest direct service to educational communities. The modern context of education demands that graduates be prepared to go beyond the traditional role of classroom teacher. To teach successfully, graduates must be prepared to work closely and effectively with students, colleagues, parents, and community in virtually every aspect of educational decision making. Furthermore, graduates must understand and embrace the fact that it is imperative that they extend their formal education throughout their careers. That is, successful completion of a teacher education program is only the beginning to a teacher's academic and professional learning.

Increasingly education students are finding employment in community and workplace settings. Teachers develop numerous skills that are highly valued in community, government and business organizations.

Many graduates will choose from one or more additional careers in education, nearly all of which require successful experience as a school-based practitioner, permanent professional certification, and a Master's or doctoral degree in education:

Curriculum developer
Assessment designer
Administrator
Staff developer
Staff officer for a teachers' professional association
Author of instructional resources
College instructor
University professor

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