Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (Community-Based)

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The Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP) provides an opportunity to specialize in Aboriginal education and qualifies graduates for Ontario College of Teachers certification.

Overview

• Attend classes at Queen's University for one summer session and at Kenjgewin Teg for two fall terms, two winter terms and one summer term
• Primary-Junior (PJ) divisions (JK-Grade 6)
• Can be entered with grade 12 or equivalent if you are of Aboriginal Ancestry (Diploma in Education) or can be entered with an undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Education)
• Many courses taught by Aboriginal professors, have increased online connectivity and an emphasis on Aboriginal languages
• Experientially based, with 17 weeks of practice teaching in First Nations and/or Provincial schools
• Provides the opportunity for eligible candidates who are already teaching in a school setting to qualify for the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration (Transitional CoQR) and then, with Faculty of Education approval, to complete practicum requirements while continuing to work in their classroom teaching positions
• Graduates of the Dip.Ed. who later obtain an acceptable degree can apply to Student Services to have the Diploma converted to a B.Ed.

Courses & Practicum

Learning opportunities include the application of Aboriginal perspectives and world view to theory and practice, problem solving with peers, review of Aboriginal and other curriculum resources, and supervised teaching in a First Nations or Provincial setting.

Courses are adapted to local contexts and needs, and include Aboriginal perspectives, balancing Aboriginal-specific and student-centred learning with knowledge of the teaching/learning process and research on Aboriginal education.

Program material is delivered through short, intensive community-based course sessions during the fall and winter at Kenjgewin Teg, and on campus sessions at Queen's University for two summers.

In addition to the required curriculum courses of the regular program, all Primary-Junior (PJ) ATEP teacher candidates are required to take courses in Aboriginal Teacher Education, Theory and Professional Practice in Aboriginal Education, and Aboriginal Teacher Education Community-Based Practicum.

For more information on course requirements go to the Faculty of Education Calendar. 

Practicum placements consist of 17 weeks: 3 weeks in the first summer (May); 10 weeks in the fall/winter terms; and 4 weeks in the second summer (May). Practicum placements are normally completed in blocks of 3 to 4 weeks, and may be completed in the candidate's home region. Practicum placements are offered in First Nations schools and/or Provincial schools with a significant Aboriginal student population. The community-based practicum placements are arranged by the on-site coordinator of the community site.

Admissions Requirements & Application

Applicants for the Diploma in Education must be of Aboriginal ancestry and submit documentary proof of their ancestry as specified by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) when they apply to for certification. It is the candidate's responsibility to check the OCT website or contact the College (1-888-534-2222) in advance to determine what documentation is required.

For information about applying see How to Apply.  Please contact the community-based ATEP site or our toll free number below should you have any questions about program offerings and/or the application process (see Contact Us).

ATEP Services and Resources

Queen's University has many features which may be of interest to Aboriginal students, including an Aboriginal student counselling service and an Aboriginal student centre.  Access to Elders is available both on campus at Queen's and community-based at Kenjgewin Teg (KT).  The ATEP Office provides a number of services and resources to students, faculty, and staff.  At KT, staff are also available during and between classes to provide administrative and student support. Throughout the academic year the community-based ATEP site hosts and/or partners with Aboriginal organizations to bring events that support and educate about Aboriginal education, and provides opportunities to build Aboriginal language proficiency.

The ATEP Education Resource Centre at the Faculty of Education houses an extensive collection of Aboriginal education resources and general Aboriginal resources.  Aboriginal education resources are also available at the community-based site, along with indoor and outdoor classroom spaces and access to a computer lab