Smith lays out new priorities for education
By Lethbridge Herald on September 24, 2025.
Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald
In a mandate letter sent by Premier Danielle Smith to Minister of Education and Childcare Demetrios Nicolaides on Monday, the premier highlights some his accomplishments while also asking for his commitment to complete various tasks.Â
Some of the highlighted accomplishments include: the establishment of policies for preserving choice for children and youth in schools; fast tracking more school projects through the Schools Now program by committing $8.6 billion to create over 200,000 new and updated student spaces across Alberta over the next 7 years; and the establishment of standards for school authorities to implement policies related to school literary materials that include a publicly accessible list of materials.
“These achievements have laid a strong foundation for the work ahead and demonstrate your team’s ability to turn vision into action,” Smith said in the letter.Â
She went on to say she expects Nicolaides to work closely with cabinet and caucus colleagues and the public service through the committee, cabinet, and legislative processes to deliver on the following commitments to support Albertans, including an abbreviated process for those with a university degree, diploma or trade certifications in relevant fields to become certified teachers without the need of earning a full teaching degree.
Other priorities included assistance programs, a new apprenticeship model for high school-age students, promoting high-demand careers, launching an online counselling website and promoting parental choice in education, and new child care agreement with the federal government among others.
Smith asked Nicolaides to work with the Minister of Advanced Education as lead, to continue to champion the skilled trades and professions to ensure, as early as junior high, that this education track has parity of esteem as a desirable education pathway that will lead to highly rewarding careers.Â
“This includes giving junior and high school students increased exposure to trades education and employment opportunities.”
Nicolaides is also asked to work with the Minister of Advanced Education on the development of a teaching certification program(s) that would shorten the time it takes an individual with a degree, diploma, or trade certification to become certified to teach in Alberta’s K-12 education system.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association responded with a statement from president Jason Schilling saying the mandate letter contains some promising elements, but there are areas that demand cautious implementation.
“Efforts to strengthen trades education are valuable, provided they do not compromise the integrity of Alberta’s education system through rushed or poorly planned implementation.”
He added that while trades education is already available through option courses such as industrial arts and carpentry as early as junior high, it must remain balanced with broad learning opportunities.Â
“Rather than being prematurely prioritized, trades careers should be promoted equitably alongside all academic routes.”
He said the focus in the mandate letter on improved supports for students with complex needs, as well as better mental health supports, is encouraging.Â
“The proposed new schools and mobile CTS labs will help meet teachers’ and students’ needs across the province. We look forward to seeing these items prioritized in Budget 2026.”
But he also pointed out teachers’ chief concern is that the government is considering a proposal to abbreviate teacher certification for individuals with degrees, diplomas or trade credentials.Â
“Teaching is a rigorous profession requiring expertise and specialized skills beyond just subject knowledge. We need to ensure our future teachers have the tools they need to succeed in classrooms, while upholding the quality of education Alberta students deserve.”
He said the government needs to engage in meaningful dialogue with the profession and educational partners to implement the priorities identified in the mandate.Â
“Alberta’s students deserve a future shaped by thoughtful, research-informed policy, and together we can find solutions.”
20-19
Alberta deserves a government that values education, teachers and mostly the students. This government certainly does not. Conservatives like to starve education budgets mainly because when it comes right down to brass tacs, they do not want an educated public.
“Being an educator requires a level of expertise developed and maintained through high-quality preparation programs, continued professional development and experience. It demands a comprehensive understanding of child development, classroom behavior management and curriculum design and presentation. It means finding ways to connect lessons to differing learning styles, individual cultures and the community at large. And it entails building interpersonal relationships with students and helping empower them and their families to thrive outside the classroom.”
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/states-teachers-reduce-qualifications-school-year-rcna167554