UPEI Delivers MEd Program in Alberta

The University of Prince Edward Island's Faculty of Education is spreading its wings across Canada. In February, UPEI will deliver its Master of Education program (MEd) in Leadership in Learning to teachers in Fort McMurray, Alberta. The program provides experienced educators with the knowledge and skills required to become effective educational leaders. Meanwhile, 19 students will be graduating this spring from the UPEI MEd program they have just completed in Grande Prairie, Alberta.

Four years ago, UPEI was approached by a School Board superintendent in Alberta who was interested in having a Master of Education program offered for teachers in Grande Prairie. The school system had been unsuccessful in getting universities in Alberta and the United States to offer on-site Master's degrees. Dr. Gerry Hopkirk, Coordinator of Graduate Studies in the UPEI Faculty of Education, worked with the Alberta school system to plan and deliver the program.

"Due to the small size of the Faculty and the University, we have the creativity and flexibility to respond to alternate approaches to program delivery. The Registrar's and Comptroller's offices were very supportive in helping our Faculty of Education to successfully implement this program," says Dr. Hopkirk.

UPEI organized the schedule so that Alberta teachers could complete the Master's program without having to leave their jobs. Unlike most distance education programs, which are solely web-based, this one was offered on-site and in person. Courses were taught on weekends and in the summer when UPEI professors could fly to Alberta. At other times, students and professors remained in touch through email and other internet media. "This program is a win-win for all concerned and#150; Fort McMurray school systems, Alberta teachers, and for UPEI," says Dr. Graham Pike, UPEI Dean of Education. "We are delighted to be able to offer our Master's degree in other locations across Canada."

Comments from the Grande Prairie program evaluations show that the participants were equally delighted: "Thank you [to UPEI] for the opportunities given to me for personal and professional growth. The professors have been wonderful, enthusiastic mentors," said one graduating student. Another stated, "The instructors were truly outstanding and showed their passion for learning and teaching. Their compassion and grace are contagious. Our class has been truly blessed."

Since the beginning of the program, a significant number of the participating teachers have been appointed to leadership positions within Alberta. A graduation ceremony will be held in the early spring in Grande Prairie. Courses are scheduled to begin in Fort McMurray on February 26. UPEI will be working cooperatively with the public and Catholic school boards in Fort McMurray. The program will take two years to complete.

For further information please contact the Dr. Gerry Hopkirk, Graduate Studies Program Coordinator, UPEI Faculty of Education, at 902 566-0622.