Elementary education program expands to Augustana Campus

Starting October 1, students can apply for a four-year elementary education program at the University of Alberta’s Augustana campus. Previously, students could start their program at Augustana before transferring to North Campus after two years to finish it (called the 2+2 pathway.)

The main motivation behind expanding the program was the “strong student demand for degrees in education,” John Parkins, dean of Augustana, said. 

Currently, students can complete combined degrees with education, including general arts/secondary education and general sciences/secondary education. These programs require students to transfer after three years to North Campus for two years to complete the requirements.

Parkins saw a strong satisfaction with the combined education degrees, and knew there would be strong demand for a full four-year elementary education program. 

Helping meet teacher demand in rural areas

Alberta is currently facing a teacher shortage. Rural communities especially experience an increased need, said Jennifer Tupper, dean of the faculty of education, in a statement to Folio. More kindergarten to grade 12 students are enrolling, and the Augustana program can help meet some of that demand in rural areas. 

This paradox of high teacher demand and high education student enrolment is because of difficult working conditions, according to Parkins. The problem is that students “don’t stay in the profession because it’s a really tough job.” 

One part of solving the shortage is to hire more teachers. “But the other part is that we need to make the teaching environment more attractive for teachers, providing supports as needed,” Parkins said. 

The program delivery is identical to that of North Campus. However, Parkins noted that students may need to travel farther away from the Augustana campus to other towns in order to complete practicum placements.

A difference is also the availability of elective courses. North Campus tends to have more elective courses available, but Augustana offers more unique option courses. 

While the program is generally expected to be popular among students from rural areas for location convenience, Parkins expects a considerable amount of students from urban cities to apply. 

He cited Augustana’s “dramatically different learning environment” because of small class sizes and unique field courses. Students will also complete their placements in the schools in Camrose and could have an advantage if they wish to work as a teacher in a rural area post graduation.