As students and teachers head back to class this fall, the University of Alberta is supporting them through a newly expanded bachelor of education program in rural Alberta.
A new agreement enables the delivery of a full four-year bachelor of education (elementary) degree at Augustana Campus, offered by the Faculty of Education. Previously, students could only take the first two years of their degree at the Camrose-based campus before transferring to the U of A's North Campus in Edmonton to complete it.
The expanded offering at Augustana Campus creates a new rural pathway into the profession, strengthening access to teacher education while responding to the growing need for teachers in rural Alberta, says Dr. Jennifer Tupper, dean of the Faculty of Education.
"Rural communities across Alberta are experiencing an increased need for teachers in the midst of a provincial shortage. We know that preparing teachers closer to where they live and hope to work can make an important difference. Through this partnership with Augustana, we are creating greater access to teacher education while working alongside school divisions and communities to build local capacity and strengthen rural classrooms for the future."
Fully completing the degree program at Augustana Campus also enhances a focus on rural placement for the students, who will each complete a minimum 14-week teaching practicum in area elementary schools, notes dean Dr. John Parkins.
"These field experiences will significantly widen opportunities for pre-service teachers to gain valuable experience in rural communities and after graduation, potentially increasing the pool of professionals available to fill vacant spaces in these schools."
Delivery of the expanded program at Augustana Campus is the latest milestone in a long-standing collaboration between the two faculties, which also jointly offer other education-related programs combined bachelor of arts/bachelor of education and bachelor of science/bachelor of education degrees.
The new four-year degree program launches in the fall of 2027, with applications being accepted from prospective and current students starting Oct. 1, 2026.
