Administrators

Education Sector Workforce Planning

Attracting, developing and engaging Alberta’s K-12 education sector workforce 

In the midst of Alberta’s changing economy, school systems across the province are facing some significant workforce planning challenges:

  • the number of educators who are eligible for retirement is at an all time high, 
  • student enrolment is climbing in more than 80 per cent of school jurisdictions in Alberta,
  • the supply of qualified teachers available to teach in certain geographic regions and subject areas is decreasing, and 
  • the attrition rate for teachers in northern Alberta.

Increasing student population, declining interest in the education faculty of study and high numbers of teacher retirements are all contributing to the challenge of education workforce planning.

To address these concerns, Education is developing strategies to support school jurisdictions, alleviate pressures on the system, and enhance opportunities for individuals interested in careers in education.

Education Sector Workforce Planning Framework for Action 

This Education Sector Workforce Planning Framework for Action is a 5 year strategic plan designed to provide proactive solutions to emerging demands in the education sector workforce. It is intended to serve as a roadmap for change in the endeavour to provide students in Alberta with access to high quality education professionals, now and in the future. The development of this comprehensive document represents the education sector’s commitment to attract, develop and retain professional teachers in Alberta’s education system. It articulates key challenges facing the education sector workforce and offers strategic recommendations aligned with the vision of having the right people with the right skills in the right places at the right times to meet the needs of learners.

CTS Bridge to Teacher Certification 

School systems across the province face significant workforce planning challenges. Alberta Education is proactively focused on addressing the Education Sector Workforce Planning Framework for Action to address the lack of qualified CTS teachers needed to offer dual-credit advanced CTS courses to high school students. 

To qualify for funding to support a bridging program participant in your jurisdiction, please complete the CTS application and return it to paul.macleod@gov.ab.ca by December 11, 2009.

New bursary to attract teachers to northern Alberta communities

The new Northern Student Teacher Bursary, available this coming September, will provide financial support for post-secondary students who are interested in teaching in northern Alberta communities. 

New education subsidy to enable First Nations, Métis and Inuit adults to become teachers

The Government of Alberta has teamed up with Northland School Division and other northern school jurisdictions to provide a tuition and cost-of-living subsidy to support up to 40 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) adults in northern communities as they study to become teachers.

Learn more about the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) population:

A new provincial goal—Goal 3: Success for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students—has been added to the 2009–2012 Alberta Education Business Plan. Success for FNMI students is a priority for the Government of Alberta. Alberta Education will support the efforts of schools and school jurisdictions in developing, promoting and implementing strategies for greater FNMI learner success.