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.
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
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 (not applicable to non-instructional fees). Restrictions apply - see this page for details.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (GCES) provides students with up to 12 credits in advanced standing in one of the following Master's programs:
- M.Ed. in Educational Studies (online only) - email mesinfo@ualberta.ca.
- M.Ed. in Elementary Education Curriculum and Pedagogy (online or on-campus options available) - email essgrad3@ualberta.ca.
- M.Ed. in Secondary Education (on-campus only) - email essgrad3@ualberta.ca.
Note: Completion of the GCES does not guarantee acceptance into either of these programs, but if you are admitted, you will have only six courses remaining to complete your M.Ed.