SMTP FAQs

Do you have questions about the Supporting Mentor Teachers Project (SMTP) or the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Mentoring and Leadership (GCES)? Perhaps they are answered here. If not, contact us at edmentor@ualberta.ca - we're happy to help.

What is a typical time commitment for graduate courses?

Time spent on coursework includes synchronous class time, reading time and assignments. This time will vary, depending on the length of the term and the student's work habits:

  • 13 weeks (Fall and Winter Terms): ~10 hours/week
  • 6 weeks (Spring): ~15 hours/week
  • 3 weeks (Summer): full-time, ~30 hours/week
What is the course delivery format?
Courses are delivered online, with synchronous (Zoom meetings) and asynchronous components.
How often do students meet with the instructor?
The frequency of synchronous class meetings depends on the instructor. Meeting days and times are determined by the instructor, often with input from students.
What is the program cost?
Tuition for these graduate-level courses is $1498/course (domestic) and $2015 (international). Non-instructional fees vary per term, but can be between $150 and $250 (details here).
Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities to help cover the cost of tuition?

Since the GCES and MES are part-time programs, students do not qualify for U of A scholarships. Some school boards may have funding opportunities available to teachers for professional development.

U of A mentor teachers can qualify for tuition waiver coupons, through mentoring assignments completed from Fall 2022 and on. Each coupon covers the equivalent of one-credit of tuition. For example, for a 3-credit course, the coupon will cover 1/3 of the cost of tuition (not applicable to non-instructional fees). Restrictions apply - see this page for details.

I don't know if I can commit to the full Certificate. Can I take the courses through Open Studies?

You could take the first course through Open Studies, to get a feel for graduate studies. However, the GCES route is highly recommended, to avoid extra paperwork and an additional application fee later on. Only one course taken through Open Studies can be transferred into the GCES.

The availability of some graduate courses is dependent on sufficient enrolment.

Is there a penalty for not completing the requirements of the GCES?
If you enroll in the GCES and are unable to finish, you can simply withdraw by the withdrawal deadline, with no penalty.
I have not been a mentor teacher - is this program right for me?

The Mentoring and Leadership GCES stream is tailored for mentor teachers. Participants are required to have completed at least one mentorship before taking part in the program. The courses in this certificate consist mainly of class discussions based on the mentoring experiences of participants.

Other GCES streams that may be of interest to you can be found here.

How can I become a mentor teacher?
Contact your school coordinator if you wish to work with a pre-service teacher.
It has been several years since I mentored a pre-service teacher. Can I get access to the non-credit modules and earn tuition waiver coupons?

Access to the modules series is only available to teachers who have completed mentoring assignments since Fall 2020.

Tuition waiver coupons are only available to teachers who have completed mentoring assignments since Fall 2022.

Do these courses count toward the TQS salary scale?
Yes. Each graduate-level course counts as 0.125 years on the TQS salary scale. More information is available here (see section 15.02).
Will I receive Alberta Teacher Certification through this program?

No. These certificates will enhance your skills and understanding in the particular disciplinary focus area, but they are not a path to teacher certification.

The University of Alberta offers the Internationally Educated Teachers Bridging Program for educators who have earned their teaching qualifications in a country other than Canada and are interested in acquiring certification to teach in Alberta.

How will a break in my studies affect my program?
You must be enrolled in one course in your first term after admission, then you have four years to complete the certificate. If you intend to interrupt your program for any reason, contact us at edmentor@ualberta.ca. We will work with you to plan the best way forward.
What grading system does the program use?
The program uses the University of Alberta's 4-point scale grading system. For more information about the University of Alberta grading system, see the grading system at the Office of the Registrar.
What if I don't quite meet all of the requirements?
Please contact us at edmentor@ualberta.ca to discuss your options.
What if I have already completed some graduate level courses?
You may receive advanced standing for one of the prescribed GCES courses. Transfer credit information is available here or you can contact us at edmentor@ualberta.ca for more information.
Does this certificate ladder into a Master's degree program?

A Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (GCES) provides students with up to 12 credits in advanced standing in the M.Ed. in Educational Studies program, the M.Ed. in Elementary Education or the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Pedagogy. Completion of the GCES does not guarantee acceptance into either of these programs, but if you are admitted, you will have only 6 courses remaining to complete your M.Ed..

To learn more about the M.Ed. in Educational Studies, click here or email mesinfo@ualberta.ca.

To learn more about the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Pedagogy or the M.Ed. in Elementary Education, click here or email essgrad3@ualberta.ca.