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Transitions to Alberta Classrooms >> ESL >> Home

Immigrant Bridging Program for Foreign Trained TeachersImmigrant Bridging Program for Foreign Trained Teachers

The Transition to Alberta Classrooms (TAC) program will help foreign trained teachers for whom English is an additional language prepare for employment. The program is designed to assist immigrant teachers with international experience overcome challenges they face. These challenges might include language proficiency, and differing philosophies of education and pedagogy. The ultimate goal of the program is to prepare these teachers to gain and retain employment as teachers in Alberta. This is an Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry (AEII) approved program which means that prospective students may be eligible for funding in order to take part. Instructional strategies will include face-to-face classroom activities, practicum experiences in Calgary Board of Education schools, case scenarios, role-plays and videotaping aspects of the practicum experiences. Each week is designed around a theoretical educational topic and a related case scenario in order to provide opportunities to learn about Canadian pedagogical practices, and master the professional language needed in various situations commonly encountered by teachers in Canadian schools. These activities, as well as the practicum teaching experiences, will provide the necessary links between theory and practice.

Who is Eligible?

Foreign trained teachers who:

  • Are not currently employed as teachers in Alberta
  • Speak English as an additional language
  • Have received their teacher certification from the Teacher Development and Certification Branch of Alberta Education or who have nearly completed the requirements for certification
  • Have achieved a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 from an accredited CLB assessment centre.

If you require university credits for your Alberta teacher certification, you can contact Hans Smits at hsmits@ucalgary.ca

When Will Programs be Offered?

Programs are full-time and run Monday to Friday from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Hours may be altered somewhat during practicum placements in schools.

  • February 4 - July 25, 2008: In-session
  • September 8, 2008 - March 6, 2009: 24-week program with two weeks off for a winter break scheduled to coincide with the school calendar.

Resources for Applicants

Questions?

Contact Anne O'Byrne at apobyrne@cbe.ab.ca or (403) 777-7272, ext 2427

DITPC

Directions for Immigrants in Trades and Professional Careers (DITPC) is a career service that assists foreign-trained skilled immigrants to restart their careers in Calgary. See their website at www.ditpc.ca for more information.

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