This four-year program, offered in Prince Albert and Saskatoon, is designed for Métis and Non-Status Aboriginal students. SUNTEP includes Native Studies and cross-cultural education with an emphasis on Métis and First Nations history and culture. It provides a solid foundation in the theories and skills of teaching at the Elementary/Middle years or Secondary level, and most field work is done in urban centers.
“SUNTEP has helped me nurture and develop a sense of myself as a teacher through
school experiences, cultural knowledge and a supportive community. SUNTEP has
encouraged me to become a teacher that is proud, sensitive and respectful of
the lives and experiences of each individual child that I encounter.”
- Elise
Hoey, SUNTEP Saskatoon student
This program is available to students in both Prince Albert and Saskatoon, making access to classes easier for potential students. Because the program is direct-entry, students have several opportunities for field experience in both traditional and holistic approaches ensuring the Aboriginal culture is present throughout the training.
Field experiences are an integral part of the education program at the University of Saskatchewan, and will enable teacher candidates to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge about teaching as they observe students and work with individuals and small groups as well as whole classes. The faculty team and field experience coordinators will engage with teacher candidates in practical field experiences, to provide opportunities for discussion about what is learned, and to understand in depth the role of schools and teaching in Canadian society.
The field experiences offered will not simply be a chance to practice ideas learned in university classes, but will support the developing understanding of what it means to be a teaching professional. Teacher candidates will learn from many teachers and support staff in school settings, from the members of a faculty team, and from peers. Teacher candidates will also be encouraged to undertake a range of teaching and learning activities in the field throughout the program, but especially in student teaching and the internship.
Student teaching will take a variety of forms from short school visits on a weekly basis to three week long teaching periods depending on the program chosen. Internship occurs in the final year of the program, is sixteen weeks in length and allows for deep exploration and involvement in classroom and school activities, under the mentorship and support of both an experienced teacher and college supervisor.
SUNTEP is a direct-entry program therefore students begin their field experience in the first year of the program. Students are given a wide range of experiences in different school divisions and settings. First year students complete a two-week student teaching experience with the Catholic School Division and rural schools. In their second year, students complete a two-week student teaching experience in a northern community or band school. Third year students complete a four week practicum in an urban setting. In their fourth year, students are submerged in an extensive 16 week teaching block - full-time teaching for a minimum of three weeks. In addition, SUNTEP Prince Albert teacher candidates have a varied and holistic experience that helps them prepare well for the challenges and excitements of becoming the best teacher they can be.
Admission is open to Grade 12 graduates with a 70 percent average or by special admission for those who are 21 years of age or over with an ABE or GED 12 preferred.
Details on the application process are available at http://www.gdins.org/GDIProgramsandServices.shtml#suntep.
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