Teaching in Alberta

Learn about the teaching profession and how to become a certificated teacher in Alberta.

Overview

Teachers should monitor the status of their certification applications online through Alberta Education's Teacher Self-Service website Teacher Workforce Information System (TWINS) services. When the ministry issues certification, teachers can see the updated information on their TWINS home page. All teaching certificates will be mailed by the end of June.

Teachers are the foundation of Kindergarten to Grade 12 education in Alberta. They are governed by the Education Act and must hold a valid Alberta teaching certificate issued by the province in accordance with the Certification of Teachers and Teacher Leaders Regulation.

Responsibilities

Alberta Education Alberta Teachers’ Association Alberta School Authorities
Oversees all matters related to teacher certification. Evaluates credentials for salary considerations. Learn more or contact the Alberta Teachers’ Association. Manages employment contracts and related matters.

Professional expectations

As part of maintaining ongoing professional standards, teachers continue to engage in professional development throughout their careers as outlined in the following ministerial orders:

Cross-Canada labour mobility

If you are a certificated teacher in another Canadian jurisdiction, you can apply for Alberta certification without additional training or examination if your certification:

  • has not expired
  • has not been suspended
  • has not been revoked

Proof of language proficiency and currency of teaching practice may be required as well.

Once successful, you are eligible for either an Interim Professional Certificate (IPC) or a Letter of Authority with the same scope of practice as you had in other Canadian jurisdictions.

Contact

Connect with the Office of the Registrar:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-2045
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-422-4199
Email: [email protected]