The Bachelor of Education Program at Aurora College is designed to provide, within the NWT, an opportunity for Aboriginal and Northern students to enter the teaching profession through full-time/part-time community and Campus-based programs. The goal of the program is to provide a uniquely Aboriginal and Northern culture-based teacher education program that will meet the educational needs of NWT students and schools. The Bachelor of Education Program is delivered in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), with the option of a Diploma exit after successful completion of three years of required courses. Year 4 of the program will only be available at the Thebacha Campus.

Courses have been selected to ensure the inclusion of the Aboriginal perspective and effective teaching techniques, as well as to meet the degree requirements of our University partner. The program is designed to be delivered over a minimum four-year period and will consist of academic and educational course work, culture camps, and internships. To graduate, students must fulfill all course and program requirements. Students graduating from the program will have teaching areas in Native Studies and English. 

Click here for a student testimonial.

Applicants must be high school graduates or be out of school for one full year, have a desire to work with children and an interest in teaching within the NWT. Applicants must possess:

• Grade 12 or equivalent including a minimum of:
  - English 30-2, English 33, or ABE English 150;
  - Math 20 Pure, Math 20 Applied, Math 23, or ABE Math 140; and
  - Science 10 or ABE Science 140.
• A minimum mark of 65 per cent is required in English and Math.
• Applicants may be admitted with one area of deficiency, provided it is not English. Such a deficiency must be cleared before entering the second year of the program.

Applicants who do not have these formal requirements may demonstrate an equivalent ability by successfully completing the Aurora College Entry Assessment Tests.

Applicants who do not meet these academic requirements may apply for admission into the Aurora College Developmental Studies Program or the Teacher Education Access Program.

Applicants will apply to the Registrar to ensure that they meet requirements for Program eligibility. Applicants must submit:

• A completed application form;
• A personal letter stating reasons for wanting to enter the teaching profession;
• Official transcripts (high school/post secondary transcripts or Aurora College Placement  Exam results); and
• Two letters of recommendation from a community leader, Community Education Council, school principal, or Director of Education.

Applicant information:

• The Bachelor of Education Admissions Committee will review all applications and may request an applicant interview.
• Once accepted into the Bachelor of Education Program, students will be required to complete the University of Saskatchewan application form, submit official transcripts to the University of Saskatchewan, and pay all applicable application and student fees.
• Priority for program selection will be given to Aboriginal and other residents of the NWT. Student housing for Bachelor of Education students is a priority at Thebacha Campus, Fort Smith.

NOTE: A criminal record check is required. A record of certain offences may prevent candidates from completing all required elements of the program, in particular, internships.

3-Year Aurora College Teaching Diploma: Students must successfully acquire 105 credits in the Bachelor of Education program including a minimum of 66 credits in Education/Professional courses including all required non-credit/non-transferable components and both internships with a minimum overall average of 60 per cent.

4-Year Bachelor of Education Degree: Students must meet all requirements of the University of Saskatchewan Bachelor of Education degree including the required non-transferable courses that are specific to the Aurora College program. Graduation requires attainment of 135 credits including 72 credits in Education/Professional courses and 63 credits in Academic courses. Students must have an overall average of 60 per cent in both Education/Professional courses and Academic courses. Students must successfully complete 3 credit units in each of Fine Arts, Natural Science, Kinesiology, Mathematics, English, Health and Social Studies. Students must also complete 18 credits in Teaching Area I of which 12 must be at the senior level (200 or above) and 12 credits in Teaching Area II of which 6 must be at the senior level (200 or above). Students must apply for and receive a Saskatchewan Teaching Certificate. Bachelor of Education degrees are awarded by the University of Saskatchewan.