Aboriginal Teacher Education Programs

Make a difference. Maintain Aboriginal and cross-cultural perspectives. Participate in community-based educational opportunities throughout Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories. Consult with Aboriginal Elders and resource people. Respond to the ever-changing educational needs of future youth. These opportunities and more are available when you choose an Aboriginal Teacher Education (ATEP) program at the University of Saskatchewan.

Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP)

The Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) is in its 40th year of teacher preparation. The program has evolved to a four-year Elementary/Middle Years and Secondary Program leading to a Bachelor of Education degree and a teaching certificate. ITEP continues to meet the mandate of post-secondary education in Saskatchewan for First Nations educators. The ITEP program inspires students to be role models so that other First Nations students will realize their potential and recognize the contributions they can make to their community and society at large. Through education ITEP teachers ensure the survival of their culture as they are academically and culturally educating the youth in Saskatchewan. Participants of this program can choose to teach in an Elementary/Middle Years or Secondary setting. ITEP also offers community-based teacher education by delivering courses at various First Nations communities in Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.

"Applying to the ITEP program was one of the best decisions I have made for my future. The staff and profs were very welcoming and approachable, they were like a big ITEP family; everyone is there for support and encouragement. I have no regrets in choosing to go for my Bachelor of Education Degree."

Jolene Jimmy, ITEP graduate

The U of S Advantage
Cross-cultural education is incorporated into the course work through the utilization of Elders and resource people of Aboriginal ancestry. Ongoing tutorial, academic and personal counselling services are provided by the ITEP counselling and instructional staff, ensuring success of teacher candidates who partake in the largest First Nations teacher education experience in the country.

Field Experience
ITEP students participate in a two to three week student teaching experience in their second and third years. Students also have many opportunities for school and community experiences associated with their education courses. At the start of fourth year, students are completely submerged in an extensive field experience for a supervised 16 week period, teaching full-time for two of those weeks at either a First Nations or Provincial school. The community-based programs in ITEP focus on First Nations school placements in the respective bands.

Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP)

This four-year program, offered in Prince Albert and Saskatoon, is designed for Métis and Non-Status Aboriginal students. SUNTEP includes Native Studies and cross-cultural education with an emphasis on Métis and First Nations history and culture. It provides a solid foundation in the theories and skills of teaching at the Elementary/Middle years or Secondary level, and most field work is done in urban centers.

"SUNTEP has helped me nurture and develop a sense of myself as a teacher through school experiences, cultural knowledge and a supportive community. SUNTEP has encouraged me to become a teacher that is proud, sensitive and respectful of the lives and experiences of each individual child that I encounter."

Elise Hoey, SUNTEP Saskatoon student

The U of S Advantage
This program is available to students in both Prince Albert and Saskatoon, making access to classes easier for potential students. Because the program is direct-entry, students have several opportunities for field experience in both traditional and holistic approaches, ensuring that Aboriginal culture is present throughout the training.

Field Experience
SUNTEP is a direct-entry program; therefore, students begin their field experience in the first year of the program. Students are given a wide range of experiences in different school divisions and settings. First-year students complete a two-week student teaching experience with the Catholic School Division and rural schools. In their second year, students complete a two-week student teaching experience in a northern community or band school. Third-year students complete a four week practicum in an urban setting. In their fourth year, students are submerged in an extensive 16-week teaching block, teaching full time for a minimum of three weeks. In addition, SUNTEP Prince Albert students have a varied and holistic experience that helps them prepare well for the challenges and excitements of becoming the best teacher they can be.

Northern Teacher Education Program (NORTEP)

This four-year education undergraduate degree program, offered jointly by the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina, is based in La Ronge. Northern residents, preferably with fluency in an Aboriginal language, are provided the opportunity to become certified teachers in this largely field-based program.

U of S Advantage
This La Ronge based program provides the opportunity for residents from over 45 northern communities to take classes towards a Bachelor of Education and still remain close to their families and home.
Field Experience

NORTEP students have a two-week field practicum in the spring (May/June) of their second year. In their third year NORTEP students are given the opportunity to practice teach for a total of 11 weeks (five weeks in the fall semester and six weeks in the winter semester). These 11 weeks are called pre-internship and are intermittent, as students attend education classes which pertain to their practicum experience between the individual field weeks. In other words, they have an opportunity to apply the theory/skills they have learned in their university classes. The fourth year begins with an Internship which consists of the student teacher being completely immersed in a collegial field placement from the first day of school in the fall until the Christmas break. There is a full-time teaching block of 15 consecutive days which occurs during the month of November.

Aurora College Teacher Education Program (ACTEP)

This three-year teacher education diploma program, formerly known as the Northwest Territories Teacher Education Program, leads to a Northwest Territories teaching certificate.Alternatively, students may opt for a four-year University of Saskatchewan Bachelor of Education degree, which leads to a Northwest Territories professional teaching certificate. With a three-year teaching certificate, graduates are qualified and certified to teach Kindergarten to Grade 9 in the Northwest Territories. There is a transfer credit agreement between the University of Saskatchewan and Aurora College. The four-year Bachelor of Education degree is offered annually at Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith and the three-year diploma is offered in community-based deliveries on a rotational basis.

U of S Advantage
This Fort Smith based program provides the opportunity for residents from communities within the Northwest Territories to take classes towards a Bachelor of Education and remain close to their families and home.

Field Experience
ACTEP students have the opportunity to participate in field experiences throughout the first three years of their diploma and degree programs. During the first year of the program, students participate in 30 hours of school-based volunteering and observation. During the spring semester of the second year, students complete the first of two eight-week practicum placements. During this practicum, students gradually build up to teaching half-days during the last two weeks of their placement. In the winter semester of the third year, students complete their second eight-week practicum placement. Students gradually build from half-days to full-time teaching during the last two weeks of this placement. Students further benefit by regular observation and mini-teaching opportunities in local schools in conjunction with their professional methods courses throughout their entire program.

Outstanding Students, Faculty & Alumni

Professor Marie Battiste, Academic Director of the College’s Aboriginal Educational Research Centre and co-director of the national Aboriginal Learning and Knowledge Centre was recognized by the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation with a National Aboriginal Achievement Award for her leadership in Indigenous education.
Assistant Professor Bonnie Stelmach received a Teaching Excellence Award from the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union for enhancing the student experience.
Student, Kelsie Hendry, represented Canada in pole vaulting at the Beijing Olympics.
Joseph Handley, former Northwest Territories Premier, B.Ed. and M.Ed., received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award for his work in politics.
Joan Greyeyes, B.Ed. and M.Ed., is the Special Advisor to the President on Aboriginal Initiatives for the University of Saskatchewan.
Freda Ahenakew, B.Ed., one of the most distinguished Aboriginal scholars in Canada, first spoke Cree but studied English and French. Since then, her works on the language, culture, and history of the Cree people ranges from classroom readers and workbooks used across the country to popular lectures, children’s books, and scholarly research papers on language and linguistics.
Gary Merasty, B.Ed. and M.Ed., was a Member of Parliament for the riding of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River. To date, he is the first and only Status First Nations person elected to the House of Commons from Saskatchewan.
Blaine Favel, B.Ed., served for four-years as Grand Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations where he was instrumental in founding the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority and the First Nations Bank of Canada.

A Stepping Stone...

A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) is the beginning of a long career in academia, education, community, business, politics or government.

The graduate studies program in the College of Education offers opportunities to advance your education in the areas of educational administration (leadership), educational foundations (social justice, Aboriginal, anti-racist, and lifelong and ecological education), educational psychology and special education (school counselling, special education, and applied measurement and evaluation), and educational curriculum (teacher librarian, educational communications, and technology and curriculum).

Related Interests

If you are interested in Aboriginal Teacher Education Programs, you might also be interested in:

Relevant Links

For more information available online for Aboriginal Teacher Education Programs: