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Role Overviews

Roles
Director & Associate Dean of Indigenous Education	Dr. Evelyn Steinhauer serves as the Director of the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Education, where she leads all aspects of program planning, delivery, and recruitment for Aboriginal students. In her role, Dr. Steinhauer works closely with faculty, Indigenous communities, and key stakeholders to ensure the program meets both educational and cultural needs. She oversees the development of the program’s curriculum, recruits qualified students, and ensures the program remains responsive to community demands. Dr. Steinhauer also manages the unit’s budget and coordinates the work of four tenure-track assistant professors who are jointly appointed to ATEP. Under Dr. Steinhauer's leadership, ATEP provides culturally relevant and high-quality education that aims to increase the number of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit teachers equipped with a deep understanding of Aboriginal histories, issues, and perspectives. She plays a pivotal role in ensuring the program remains aligned with the strategic objectives of the Faculty of Education, including setting program goals, building relationships with Indigenous communities, and fostering connections with school leaders and mentor teachers. Dr. Steinhauer is responsible for developing and reviewing course offerings, supporting faculty and staff, and securing funding through grants and donor relationships. She ensures that ATEP’s operations adhere to university guidelines while continually working to improve program performance and support Indigenous students in their educational journeys.
Elder Calvin Cardinal	Elder Calvin Cardinal is from Saddle Lake Cree Nation. He has been with the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program, or ATEP, since May 2023 as the Elder in Residence whereby he provides cultural teachings and spiritual guidance for the students and staff of the program. Elder Cal actively participates in and is a steadfast presence in the students' journey towards becoming in-service teachers and provides guidance to advance various research initiatives within the ATEP community and educational landscapes. Cal is a husband to Mona Cardinal, a father and a mosom to many grandchildren.
kiskinwahamakewak Roles and Responsibilities	The kiskinwahamakewak (Academic Learning Facilitators) supports students in the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP), primarily Indigenous, in achieving academic success as pre-service teachers in supporting them wholistically and relationally. Reporting to the Director of ATEP, the role builds trust and connection among students and staff while addressing academic, cultural, and wellness needs through personalized support. kiskinwahamakewak ground our work in the ATEP guiding values and uplifting nêhiyâwiwin (being Cree). While many of our students come from Indigenous communities and background across Turtle Island, we attempt to honour and respect their lived experiences, language and ways of knowing and encourage them to relate their learning to their own ways of knowing and being. Our roles and responsibilities include integrating Indigenous perspectives into the program, providing academic and emotional support through regular contact and referrals, identifying strategies for academic growth, coordinating events to support student spiritual and cultural journey and walk alongside students’ in good and intentional ways.
Advisors Roles and Responsibilities	Academic Advisors play a vital role in guiding students through their academic journey, supporting recruitment through prospective transfer credit evaluations, managing admissions processes such, application reviews, transfer credit assessments, and program sheet design and maintenance. They assist with registration by providing program planning, conducting registration checks, processing add/drop/withdrawals, handling deferred exams, grade changes, graduation clearance, and monitoring academic standing. Advisors prepare funding letters, provide one-on-one student appointments for academic guidance, and ensure program completion, through graduation checks, including reporting to Alberta Education and TQS and issuing Early Clearance Letters. Additionally, they collaborate on course scheduling and updates, ensuring a seamless academic experience while upholding institutional policies.
Administrative Assistant Roles and Responsibilities	The Administrative Assistant ensures the smooth operation of the education program by providing administrative support, managing communications, maintaining records, and assisting with events and daily operations. This role serves as the primary contact for inquiries, facilitates program updates, and supports staff, faculty, and students with organizational and logistical tasks. Strong communication and multitasking skills are essential.
kiskinotehiwew Roles & Responsibilities	The kiskinotehiwew (Field Experience Coordinator) manages student teaching placements, builds partnerships with schools, and supports students throughout their field experiences. Key responsibilities include coordinating placements, fostering relationships with partner schools, monitoring student progress, and contributing to program improvement. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills are essential for this role.
onîsohkamâkew Roles & Responsibilities	The onîsohkamâkew (Program and Project Officer) oversees program operations and special projects, ensuring alignment with Indigenous values and goals. Responsibilities include liaising with the Faculty’s HR and Finance Partners; coordinating several aspects of program delivery including engaging instructors, scheduling courses, and ensuring ATEP’s pedagogical and wrap-around activities are adequately resourced; and managing all aspects of ATEP’s financial accountability, including budget maintenance, tracking, and forecasting.
Research Team Roles & Responsibilities	The Research Coordinator manages research projects, including data collection, analysis, and dissemination, while supporting grant applications and collaborations within the program. The Postdoctoral Fellow conducts independent and collaborative research aligned with the program’s goals, contributing to publications, presentations, and innovative practices in teacher education. Both roles require strong research skills, academic writing expertise, and a commitment to advancing educational scholarship.