Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education - Generalist Degree

Why take the Elementary Education program (Generalist major)?

All students in the Elementary degree program are enrolled in a Generalist program that prepares you to instruct all of the required elementary-school subjects. Unlike Secondary Education, you will not select a major in a specific area of study.

Why study Elementary Education at the University of Alberta?

Teaching is a calling, and elementary education is a truly special career. Our Bachelor of Education (Elementary) degree in the Faculty of Education prepares you to facilitate the learning of all children from Kindergarten to Grade 6 within our diverse and multicultural society.

The Elementary Education program includes a five-week Introductory Professional Term (IPT) and a nine-week Advanced Professional Term (APT). This degree can be taken as a four-year program or as an after-degree. Upon completion of this program, you will earn a Bachelor of Education degree (BEd) and be recommended for teacher certification in Alberta.

Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP)

ATEP is an elementary education cohort program, designed to improve the educational outcomes of Aboriginal children by increasing the number of Aboriginal teachers with an understanding of Aboriginal perspectives in communities across Alberta. While this program is intended for Aboriginal students, all students with the heart and commitment are encouraged to apply. ATEP offers on-campus, distance, and off-campus community-based cohorts. All of our incoming cohorts will be working toward a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree specializing in elementary education. ATEP graduates are eligible to apply for Professional Certification as a teacher in the Province of Alberta.

ATEP features the following for all cohorts:

• Bachelor of Education degree with an Elementary specialization
• A focus on honouring and privileging Aboriginal ways of knowing and being
• A cohort model that fosters a sense of family and belonging
• A support network that includes mentors and educators who wholistically nurture students’ minds, bodies, hearts, and spirits
• Courses and programming that honour Aboriginal perspectives which include Elders, traditional knowledge keepers, ceremonialists, and community leaders
• The opportunity to be taught by professors who are leading scholars in Indigenous teacher-education

Our Purpose

Motto

Quaecumque vera - “whatsoever things are true.”

The phrase comes from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians, Chapter 4, Verse 8, in the Latin Vulgate version of the Bible. In the passage, the writer exhor ts the readers to focus their thoughts on truth and other virtues.

Mission

Within a vibrant and supportive learning environment, the University of Alberta discovers, disseminates and applies new knowledge through teaching and learning, research and creative activity, community involvement and partnerships. The U of A gives a national and international voice to innovation in our province, taking a lead role in placing Canada at the global forefront.

Vision

To inspire the human spirit through outstanding achievements in learning, discovery and citizenship in a creative community, building one of the world's great universities for the public good.

Research + Innovation

The pursuit of truth drives the work done at the University of Alberta. By asking why, what and how, our researchers push the boundaries of knowledge. Using some of the world’s most advanced research facilities and resources, our researchers have discovered new knowledge in health and life sciences, energy, artificial intelligence and much more.

Student Opportunities

We are home to leading experts in both established and emerging fields including health, artificial intelligence, energy, food safety and security, nanotechnology, the environment and earth’s resources, our past, clean technology, climate change, smart technology, and aerospace to name a few.

Student Groups

More than 425 student groups provide students with opportunities to pursue academic, cultural, recreational and political interests.

Study Abroad

Students can study at partner institutions around the world, including the Worldwide Universities Network, a consortium of 23 top research universities.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

The Undergraduate Research Initiative funds undergraduate students to pursue research with $5,000 stipends.

Community Service Learning

Students gain hands-on experiences and draw real-life connections to social issues while giving back to their community.

Employability

U of A graduates rank #2 in Canada for employment rate, the result of multiple programs for internships, job shadowing and career mentoring.

Co-ops + Careers

Integrate your classroom learning with valuable experiences in community with faculty-led co-op and work placement programs.