Keyano College and the University of Alberta to Offer Master of Education in Educational Studies to Northeast Alberta Cohort

Keyano College is collaborating with the University of Alberta (U of A) to introduce its Master of Education in Educational Studies (MES) to the Northeast Alberta cohort starting in the Winter of 2024.

The MES program, which will accept applications until October 31, 2023, will run from January until the end of the Winter semester of 2026 and is hoping to launch with a prospective cohort of 20 students. The program adheres to the Alberta Leadership Quality Standard, which provides a framework to support the professional growth of teachers and educational leaders in both formal and informal administrative and leadership positions in Alberta. Its primary focus is facilitating a diverse learning environment where students are introduced to various educational leadership strategies that govern the Alberta educational system.

Dr. Coert Erasmus, Dean of the School of Business, University Studies & Academic Upgrading at Keyano College, says this program will cover several vocationally relevant skills and give students a deeper understanding of the newest developments in contemporary learning theories and practices. “Students will learn how to optimize modern learning techniques and cater to different learning modes,” says Erasmus.    

Moreover, the program will consist of ten graduate-level courses and will include courses such as School Leadership: Theory and Practice, Leading School Operations, The Futures of Assessment and Accountability in Our School Systems, Métis Foundational Knowledge for School Leaders and Teachers, First Nation, Métis & Inuit Issues in School Leadership. Topics covered will range from the exploration of the findings of educational research to the management of school operations and resources.

“Our collaboration with Keyano College to deliver a Masters’ degree in Northeast Alberta has resulted from the relationship we’ve developed over the years,” says Dr. Douglas Gleddie, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. “Our collaborative teacher education program enables students to receive a UAlberta BEd at Keyano, and now our partnership to provide a graduate program not only directly benefits both institutions but, most importantly, the local community.”

Dr. Sandra Efu, Vice President of Academic & Student Experience at Keyano College, has significantly promoted the program to various regional governing and educational bodies in Wood Buffalo. This includes the Northland School Division, Fort McMurray Catholic School Board, the Fort McMurray Public School Division, Mikisew Cree First Nation, Fort McKay First Nation, and the Lloyd Minister School Division.

“I am pleased to know that this program is being offered to students in Northern Alberta. Prospective students will be challenged as we have a highly diverse faculty team teaching the program who possess unique backgrounds and interdisciplinary expertise. They continually strive to enhance each student’s professional growth within the field of education,” says Efu.

Other program highlights include the ability to work full-time while having the benefits of studying part-time. Students graduate within two years, and courses will be offered through a blended delivery, online and in-person.  

Inquiries can be directed to Dr. Scott Key at the University of Alberta.

Applications will close on October 31, 2023. 

Please visit the U of A Website to learn more and to submit an application.

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Media Contact: 

Chantal Beaver, BAA MA 
AVP Strategy & Business Transformation  
chantal.beaver@keyano.ca  

Coert Erasmus, PhD
Dean School of Business, University Studies & Academic Upgrading
coert.erasmus@keyano.ca  

Source: FMWB (2023). [Image library]. https://www.fmwb.ca/information/our-place-brand/image-library#Incredible-Economic-Opportunity