Alberta education grads forced abroad to find jobs

CALGARY – A grim budget for the Calgary Board of Education has equalled a bleak outlook for hundreds of new teachers graduating this year.

The CBE says they have some substitute positions available this September, but those looking for more are out of luck.

Many education grads, including Samantha den Oudsten, are choosing to move out of the country to find fulltime work.

“I knew the market in Calgary is really small and really specific. They’re looking for people who have specific talents, so now I’m excited but its nerve wracking having to leave to do my job.”

Samantha will be moving around the world to teach grade 1 at the International School in China.

Mount Royal University is about to offer its first ever education degree program but it isn’t sugar coating the near future for those enrolled.

“Generally, our grads are looking at a rosy outlook, except for the education graduates,” says Susan Quinn, Associate Professor at MRU.

Making matters worse, 278 teaching positions are expected to be slashed this September.

The Calgary Board of Education says they have some substitute positions available this September but those looking for more are out of luck.

Many fear it could be the beginning of a vicious cycle.

“We’ve got the upper level leaving, the entry level not there, it terms of human resources planning that is frankly the possibility of disaster pending,” says Quinn.

The University of Calgary education enrolment numbers were up last year and remain strong. Professors say students shouldn’t lose hope so quickly.

“It used to be hiring would be once a year, it’s almost on a 12-month basis. Throughout the year, people do go on maternity leave. I think if people are persistent and patient, things will happen,” says Cynthia Prasow, Faculty of Education.

As for the students who aren’t waiting around, the next year will be a learning experience teaching abroad.

“I’m really excited. It’s an Alberta curriculum, when I come back at the end I’ll be a fully certified teacher,” says Samantha.