N.S. university offers 14-month bachelor of education to ease province’s teacher shortage

Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia has recently introduced a condensed bachelor of education program in response to the urgent need for more educators in the province. This new 14-month option, starting in May instead of September, aims to fast-track students into the teaching profession to address the shortage of teachers in Nova Scotia.

Anthony Card, the dean of the faculty of education at Mount Saint Vincent University, stated that all faculties of education in Nova Scotia were tasked with finding ways to increase the number of qualified teachers entering the workforce quickly. The university has adapted its existing program to offer this accelerated option, with shorter holiday breaks to expedite the completion of the degree.

Following the example of Cape Breton University, which recently launched an eight-month online teaching degree program, Mount Saint Vincent University’s shortened program maintains the same rigorous requirements as the traditional 20-month program. This ensures that graduates are fully prepared and qualified to enter the classroom upon completion of their studies.

Despite the accelerated nature of the program, Peter Day, the president of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, expressed confidence in the quality of teachers produced through these fast-track programs. He emphasized the critical need for more teachers across the province, as well as the importance of retaining educators in the system. Day highlighted concerns about increasing violence in schools and growing class sizes, calling for additional measures to support teachers and address these challenges.

In addition to the introduction of accelerated teacher education programs, the Nova Scotia government’s announcement of new school construction in Dartmouth and Bedford is expected to alleviate classroom overcrowding and improve learning environments for students. This proactive approach to addressing the shortage of teachers and improving educational facilities reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of education in Nova Scotia.

Overall, Mount Saint Vincent University’s initiative to offer a condensed bachelor of education program aligns with the ongoing efforts to increase the number of qualified teachers in the province and improve educational outcomes for students. By providing a fast-track option for aspiring educators, the university is contributing to the collective goal of ensuring a skilled and dedicated teaching workforce in Nova Scotia.