Alberta is expanding the pool of potential teachers by introducing new certificates that allow tradespeople and skilled professionals to teach in schools. Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides announced the four new certifications on Friday, aiming to address the ongoing demand for educators in the province.
New Certificates Overview
Two of the new certificates are designed for final-year bachelor of education students and qualified international teachers, enabling them to teach before completing their full degrees or qualifications. The other two certifications target eligible tradespeople and skilled professionals with relevant academic and work experience, who can take courses at an approved post-secondary institution to teach in a limited capacity.
“Being able to bring these professionals into the classroom environment will only enrich the learning that a student will receive,” Nicolaides said.
Trade and Specialized Teacher Certificates
Individuals with trades experience or those considered skilled professionals may qualify for either the trade teacher certificate or the specialized teacher certificate. These certificates allow teaching in Grades 7 to 12 within their area of expertise. The province defines skilled professionals as those holding a doctorate, graduate degree, undergraduate degree, or diploma meeting specific criteria, along with five years of academic or professional experience in their specialization.
To begin teaching, candidates must complete four teacher preparation courses, including a practicum, to obtain an interim certificate. After entering the classroom, they must complete six additional courses within three years to earn a permanent trade or specialized teacher certificate. If the additional courses are not completed within three years, the certification expires.
Officials did not specify the duration of the courses, noting it depends on the post-secondary institution offering them. Currently, no institution has been approved to offer these courses, though several have expressed interest and must submit a proposal for approval by the Ministry of Advanced Education.
Nicolaides cited examples such as an internationally accredited chef teaching a culinary program or an Olympic gold medalist teaching physical education and wellness. When asked about concerns over teacher preparedness, he emphasized that the coursework under the new certificates will “set up new teachers for success.”
The initiative follows a mandate from Premier Danielle Smith in September, tasking Nicolaides with creating new pathways for teachers. Post-secondary courses for tradespeople and skilled professionals are expected to be offered as early as this fall.
