Bridging program for foreign-prepared teachers

In order to provide proactive solutions to emerging demands in the education sector workforce, a six-month bridging-to-employment program for foreign-prepared teachers was piloted in Calgary, Alberta in September 2010 through a partnership between the Calgary Board of Education, the Calgary Separate School District and the University of Calgary. The program was based on an existing course for foreign-prepared teachers offered in Calgary since February 2008 entitled Transitions to Alberta Classrooms program (TAC). The pilot course was supported by a grant from Alberta Education and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). This bridging program aimed to assist foreign-prepared teachers, living in Alberta, in achieving two goals: teacher certification and employment.