Alberta's new temporary teaching certificates draw 89 applications in first six weeks

Alberta has received 89 applications for its new temporary teaching certificate in the first six weeks since the application window opened June 1, as the province tries to address a critical teacher shortage.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides announced four new teaching certificates in April, designed to accelerate qualified candidates into classrooms. Two certificates allow final-year Bachelor of Education students and qualified international teachers to teach before earning their full credentials. The developmental teacher certificate opened to applications June 1.

Garrett Koehler, press secretary to the minister, said in a statement that it's too early to say how many applications will be accepted, and more details will be released in the future. The province is also working with post-secondary partners to roll out expedited pathways for trades people and skilled professionals, with courses expected to launch this fall.

"Details related to participating post-secondary institutions, funding allocations and program capacity are still being developed, and more information will be shared once decisions are finalized," Koehler said.

Alberta is committing $3 million annually for three years to support up to 80 new teaching seats per year through the Targeted Enrolment Expansion program. However, the accelerated pathways are drawing criticism from established educators.

Alberta Teachers' Association president Jason Schilling raised concerns about deprofessionalization. "Teachers have concerns about potential teachers coming in who've had four courses and one practicum under their belt. It doesn't prepare these individuals well enough for the classroom and my concern would be then that you would end up getting a revolving door of people in and out of classrooms."

Alberta NDP education critic Amanda Chapman said the UCP government has failed to meet its hiring target. The government previously committed to hiring 3,000 teachers over three years but hasn't disclosed how many have been hired so far. "It's a lack of planning and it's a lack of foresight for what our system needs, and how do we not just make promises, but how do we fulfill those promises," Chapman said.