Online B.Ed. Program Aims to Develop Teachers Within Communities
By: Rod Drabble, STF Communications
A new degree program from the University of Regina is an opportunity for students to remain in their community while preparing for a teaching career.
Beginning in September, the Online Bachelor of Education After Degree (Elementary) program will offer individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree a concentrated pathway to teacher certification.
The two-year, full-time program from the Faculty of Education is organized on a flexible, community-based education model. Course work is delivered online, while field experiences are completed in school settings. Accelerated and part-time options will also be available.
“What is especially exciting about this program is that it prepares future teachers for certification while allowing them to remain connected to their communities,” says Dean of Education Dr. James Nahachewsky.
“Our goal is to ensure that these students have access to the professional skills and research-based knowledge they need to enter the classroom confidently and effectively, wherever their teaching careers take them.”
The program is approved by the Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board and meets all requirements for teacher certification in the province.
While course work is completed online, the program will provide students with experience in elementary school classrooms. The practicum includes pre-internship experiences over two semesters as well as a 12-week internship under the daily supervision of a cooperating teacher. The university says placement locations will be arranged as close as possible to the student’s home community. Placements must be completed within the province to meet certification requirements.
To support the development of teachers in locations that need them most, preference is given to applicants who reside in rural or remote areas of Saskatchewan, defined as more than 100 kilometres from Regina or Saskatoon.
Recruitment and retention of qualified teachers, particularly in rural and northern settings, is a significant challenge facing education in Saskatchewan. The availability of an after-degree program that lets individuals build on their education to develop the skills needed to become a qualified teacher has the potential to address the needs of many communities across the province.
“Programs like this open the door for more people to pursue teaching without having to leave their home communities. Creating opportunities that didn’t exist before is essential for recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, especially in rural and northern areas where the need is greatest. When future educators can learn, train and stay connected to the places they call home, our entire province benefits,” says Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation President Samantha Becotte.
Applications for September admission opened in the fall of 2025. Applicants who are Saskatchewan residents receive first consideration, as do applications submitted by March 15, 2026. The university says other qualified applicants may be considered after the March 15 application deadline if space is available.
More information is available on the After Degree Program web page.
From Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Bulletin – Spring 2026