Instructor: TBA

July 28 - August 15, online

Explore the foundational dimensions of school leadership including instructional leadership, fostering effective relationships, supporting the application of foundational knowledge about Indigenous Peoples, visionary leadership, leading learning communities, modelling continuous professional learning, developing leadership capacity, understanding the social context influencing schooling, and managing school operations and resources.

Synchronous Zoom sessions are included; attendance is required.

Note: This course is partial fulfillment of the academic requirements for leadership certification through Alberta's Leadership Quality Standard.

Domestic tuition: $1529.00 plus non-instructional fees
International tuition: $2146.44 plus non-instructional fees

This is a core course in the Graduate Certificate in School Leadership and in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies-Leadership and Mentoring, and is an approved elective in the Master of Education in Educational Studies. There are other enrollment options, however, priority registration is given to students in Professional Learning programs. For details or to enroll, contact gcslinfo@ualberta.ca. MES students, contact mesinfo@ualberta.ca. 

Instructor: Dwayne Donald

Classes will be held on-campus, July 28 - August 15
Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to Noon (no class on Monday, August 4)

This course provides opportunities for students (as Individuals and as part of a collective learning community) to dwell with the key concepts and frameworks that inform current understandings of Indigenous curriculum and pedagogy. Particular attentiveness will be given to the idea of foundational Indigenous knowledge and knowing what those might be and how we might express our understandings of those in contemporary educational contexts.

Students not enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Indigenous Education must must submit a 1-2 page statement of interest by April 30, 2025, including:

• A summary of your experience - teaching or otherwise - that helps us better understand your interest in the summer institute
• An indication of which course(s) you would like to take.

A selection committee will review your submission and, if eligible, you will be contacted with further instructions on the admissions process.

Domestic tuition: $1529.00 plus non-instructional fees
International tuition: $2146.44 plus non-instructional fees

This is a core course in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Indigenous Education, and is an approved elective in the Master of Education in Educational Studies. There are other enrollment options, however, priority registration is given to students in Professional Learning programs. For details or to enroll, contact gcslinfo@ualberta.ca. MES students, contact mesinfo@ualberta.ca. 

Instructor: Sharla Mskokii Peltier

Classes will be held on-campus, schedule and dates TBA 

This course will bring educators together on the Land to grow knowledge of traditional Anishinaabe laws and precepts. Anishinaabe ecological relational knowledge is based on interdependent relationships and ‘Land as teacher’. An experiential process of reconciliation with Land is realized through respectful and relational ways of being. Educators will explore opportunities for children and youth to learn from the Land alongside Indigenous families and communities in schools.

Students not enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Indigenous Education must must submit a 1-2 page statement of interest by April 30, 2025, including:

• A summary of your experience - teaching or otherwise - that helps us better understand your interest in the summer institute
• An indication of which course(s) you would like to take.

A selection committee will review your submission and, if eligible, you will be contacted with further instructions on the admissions process.

Domestic tuition: $1529.00 plus non-instructional fees
International tuition: $2146.44 plus non-instructional fees

This is a core course in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Indigenous Education, and is an approved elective in the Master of Education in Educational Studies. There are other enrollment options, however, priority registration is given to students in Professional Learning programs. For details or to enroll, contact gcslinfo@ualberta.ca. MES students, contact mesinfo@ualberta.ca. 

Instructor: R.J. David Frego

Classes will be held on-campus, August 5-9 (full days)

Participants will engage in internalizing all elements of music through purposeful movement. Focus will include teaching this approach through all grade levels as well as therapeutic approaches for special needs and older adults. A brief pre-course history/philosophy paper will be required in order to familiarize the participants in Dalcroze Eurhythmics.

Domestic tuition: $1529.00 plus non-instructional fees
International tuition: $2146.44 plus non-instructional fees

This is an core course in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Elementary Music Teaching and Learning and an approved elective in the Master of Education in Educational Studies. There are other enrollment options, however, priority registration is given to students in Professional Learning programs. For details or to enroll, contact gcesinfo@ualberta.ca. MES students, contact mesinfo@ualberta.ca. 

Instructor: Jordan Lachler

Classes will be held on-campus, July 7-15

In this course, we explore how understanding the attitudes, beliefs, and motivations that people hold about language (both their own language, and others' languages) is a key element in developing community-specific strategies for language sustainability. Students will learn to document and engage with a wide range of language ideologies, and develop a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultural and linguistic resilience.

Students not enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Indigenous Language Sustainability must must submit a 1-2 page statement of interest by April 30, 2025, including:

• A summary of your experience - teaching or otherwise - that helps us better understand your interest in the summer institute
• An indication of which course(s) you would like to take.

A selection committee will review your submission and, if eligible, you will be contacted with further instructions on the admissions process.

Domestic tuition: $1529.00 plus non-instructional fees
International tuition: $2146.44 plus non-instructional fees

This is an core course in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Indigenous Language Sustainability and an approved elective in the Master of Education in Educational Studies. There are other enrollment options, however, priority registration is given to students in Professional Learning programs. For details or to enroll, contact gcesinfo@ualberta.ca. MES students, contact mesinfo@ualberta.ca. 

Instructors: Trudy Cardinal and Megan Tipler

Classes will be held on-campus, July 28 - August 15
Monday through Thursday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (no class on Monday, August 4)

This course will focus on bridging the gap between Indigenous teaching and learning approaches and Western planning and curricular requirements.

Students not enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Indigenous Education must must submit a 1-2 page statement of interest by April 30, 2025, including:

• A summary of your experience - teaching or otherwise - that helps us better understand your interest in the summer institute
• An indication of which course(s) you would like to take.

A selection committee will review your submission and, if eligible, you will be contacted with further instructions on the admissions process.

Domestic tuition: $1529.00 plus non-instructional fees
International tuition: $2146.44 plus non-instructional fees

This is an core course in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Indigenous Education and an approved elective in the Master of Education in Educational Studies. There are other enrollment options, however, priority registration is given to students in Professional Learning programs. For details or to enroll, contact gcesinfo@ualberta.ca. MES students, contact mesinfo@ualberta.ca. 

Instructor: Bonnie Stelmach

Dates and Schedule - see below

This course will provide learners with opportunities for direct interaction with researchers from various disciplines and agri-sector experts to deepen their knowledge and explore cross-curricular connections between agriculture and the Alberta curriculum. This course will involve independent and online study, research-based interactive sessions, and experiential learning. By learning about and experiencing agriculture (food, fiber, energy, as well as social, cultural, political, and environmental elements) firsthand, learners will enhance their ability to be teacher leaders who create engaging, real-world learning opportunities that resonate with their K-12 students in both rural and urban contexts.

Schedule

July 28 - August 4: Online asynchronous learning (occasional Zoom sessions)

August 5-8: Immersive experiences at South Campus (UofA Farm) and other locations (see speakers/activities below). During the four days, you will be provided with lunch and coffee/snacks, and transportation and entry fee for the field trip. This week is supported by the Kule Institute for Advanced Study (KIAS) and the Faculty of Education.

Note: This 4-day experience (Aug 5-8) is also available as PD for teachers who want to learn without earning course credit. Non-credit participants will pay a conference fee.

Speakers/activities:

• Dr. Jenna Butler (MacEwan Writer in Residence): Agriculture-Based Creative Writing
• Dr. Dwayne Donald (UofA): River Valley Walk
• Dr. Kevin Jones (UofA): Dig Into Gardening at UofA Gardens
• Dr. Holli-Anne Passmore (Concordia University of Edmonton): Connecting Children - and Ourselves - To Nature: An Informative, Interactive, Practical Workshop
• Drs. Patricia Dolez & Marleny Saldana (UofA): Research Lab Tours at Agri-Food Discovery Place
• Dr. Rebecca Purc-Stephenson (Augustana): Understanding Farm Culture: Social and Cultural Dimensions of Agriculture
• Intergenerational Panel: Women Leaders in Agriculture
• Pig Science Centre and Dairy Research & Technology Centre Tours
• Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village - lunch, tour, and customized program for K-12 teachers

August 9-13: Online asynchronous learning.

Domestic tuition: $1529.00 plus non-instructional fees
International tuition: $2146.44 plus non-instructional fees

For details, contact Bonnie Stelmach - bonnies@ualberta.ca. Online enrollment is available through Bear Tracks.

Instructors: Anita Perlau and Marni Strome

Classes will be held on-campus, July 7-18

Pre-course work required for each level.

These courses are designed for in-service and pre-service teachers and community musicians interested in strengthening their teaching skills to foster love and understanding of music through literacy. With singing as the foundation, pedagogical principles and practices to support children’s musical growth in the primary and elementary grades will be explored with a special emphasis on culturally sensitive, contemporary pedagogy inspired by Zoltán Kodály. The creation of a positive classroom environment for the development of musical understanding will be explored with daily hands-on experience of learner-centred materials, resources and teaching strategies appropriate for each grade level. Choral repertoire and vocal pedagogy suitable for children will be examined. Students will have the opportunity to develop and refine their personal singing, musicianship and conducting skills in the context of daily course activities.

Prerequisite: The ability to read, write, and analyze music using staff notation.

Domestic tuition: $1529.00 plus non-instructional fees
International tuition: $2146.44 plus non-instructional fees

This is an core course in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Elementary Music Teaching and Learning and an approved elective in the Master of Education in Educational Studies. There are other enrollment options, however, priority registration is given to students in Professional Learning programs. For details or to enroll, contact gcesinfo@ualberta.ca. MES students, contact mesinfo@ualberta.ca. 

Instructors: Maree Hennessy and Laszlo Nemes

Classes will be held on-campus, July 7-18

Pre-course work required for each level.

This course provides an enriched experience for pre- and in-service teachers with renowned international faculty to explore Kodály-based pedagogical principles that can be applied to upper elementary, junior high and high school settings. Pedagogical principles and practices for musical growth will be explored with a special emphasis on current, contemporary practices. With singing as the focus the course will consist of hands on experiences with learner-centered materials, resources and teaching strategies appropriate for these settings. During this two-week professional development experience, course participants will attend relevant workshop and lecture sessions and will also hone conducting and musicianship skills.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Kodály Level II

Domestic tuition: $1529.00 plus non-instructional fees
International tuition: $2146.44 plus non-instructional fees

This is an core course in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Elementary Music Teaching and Learning and an approved elective in the Master of Education in Educational Studies. There are other enrollment options, however, priority registration is given to students in Professional Learning programs. For details or to enroll, contact gcesinfo@ualberta.ca. MES students, contact mesinfo@ualberta.ca. 

Instructor: Timothy Mills

Classes will be held on-campus, July 17-25

In this course, we explore approaches to describing the sound, word and sentence patterns of Indigenous languages in context. Students will develop skills in recognizing and analyzing linguistic patterns in their own languages, and increase their understanding of how an awareness of those patterns is essential for language educators.

Students not enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Indigenous Language Sustainability must must submit a 1-2 page statement of interest by April 30, 2025, including:

• A summary of your experience - teaching or otherwise - that helps us better understand your interest in the summer institute
• An indication of which course(s) you would like to take.

A selection committee will review your submission and, if eligible, you will be contacted with further instructions on the admissions process.

Domestic tuition: $1529.00 plus non-instructional fees
International tuition: $2146.44 plus non-instructional fees

This is an core course in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Indigenous Language Sustainability and an approved elective in the Master of Education in Educational Studies. There are other enrollment options, however, priority registration is given to students in Professional Learning programs. For details or to enroll, contact gcesinfo@ualberta.ca. MES students, contact mesinfo@ualberta.ca. 

Instructor: Darlene Auger

Classes will be held on-campus, July 7 - 25
Monday through Thursday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Within the nehiyaw world view, we hold the philosophy, psychology, epistemology, ontology, axiology within a relational framework set in the natural order of this world and universe. This course will take you on a journey of exploration on how we as nehiyawak perceive, believe, rationalize, make sense of, teach and learn, grow and develop to full potential as spirit and human beings. Expect some experiential engagement and learning!

Students not enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Indigenous Education must must submit a 1-2 page statement of interest by April 30, 2025, including:

• A summary of your experience - teaching or otherwise - that helps us better understand your interest in the summer institute
• An indication of which course(s) you would like to take.

A selection committee will review your submission and, if eligible, you will be contacted with further instructions on the admissions process.

Domestic tuition: $1529.00 plus non-instructional fees
International tuition: $2146.44 plus non-instructional fees

This is an core course in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Indigenous Education and an approved elective in the Master of Education in Educational Studies. There are other enrollment options, however, priority registration is given to students in Professional Learning programs. For details or to enroll, contact gcesinfo@ualberta.ca. MES students, contact mesinfo@ualberta.ca. 

Instructors: Sue Harvie, Andy Funke and Laurel Nikolai

Classes will be held on-campus, July 21 - August 1

The Orff approach to music education is holistic, experiential and process-oriented. Students learn by active participation as they experience music through moving, speaking, singing, performing body percussion, and playing non-pitched and pitched instruments. Level I explores basic Orff techniques including the use of the pentatonic scale, ostinato, bordun (drone) accompaniments, and the elemental style developed by composer Carl Orff and his colleague, Gunild Keetman.
Prerequisite: The ability to read, write, and analyze music using staff notation.

Domestic tuition: $1529.00 plus non-instructional fees
International tuition: $2146.44 plus non-instructional fees

This is an core course in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Elementary Music Teaching and Learning and an approved elective in the Master of Education in Educational Studies. There are other enrollment options, however, priority registration is given to students in Professional Learning programs. For details or to enroll, contact gcesinfo@ualberta.ca. MES students, contact mesinfo@ualberta.ca. 

Instructors: Kim Friesen Wiens, Andy Funke and Laurel Nikolai

Classes will be held on-campus, July 21 - August 1

This is a newly revised two-week course where educators consolidate the learning from Level I and go on to explore hybrid meters, hexatonic and modal melodies and accompaniments as well as extended forms, through movement, playing, improvising, and composing. Students develop practical skills in lesson-planning and teaching in a supportive environment. Recorder study focuses on learning to play Alto Recorder (Baroque Fingering) and continues to review Soprano Recorder. Movement vocabulary builds on Level I work through active participation in set dances and the concepts of elemental music as the creative and artistic expression of self.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Orff Level I.

Domestic tuition: $1529.00 plus non-instructional fees
International tuition: $2146.44 plus non-instructional fees

This is an core course in the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies - Elementary Music Teaching and Learning and an approved elective in the Master of Education in Educational Studies. There are other enrollment options, however, priority registration is given to students in Professional Learning programs. For details or to enroll, contact gcesinfo@ualberta.ca. MES students, contact mesinfo@ualberta.ca. 

Instructors: J.C. Couture and Stephen Murgatroyd

Classes will be held online August 5-8, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (final project due August 22)

Note: Participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with one or more LLMs (e.g., ChatGPT 4.5) prior to the course. Detailed instructions will be provided upon registration.

This course explores how AI technologies are reshaping education, focusing on
practical applications, ethical considerations, and leadership strategies. It provides an in-depth exploration of emerging AI technologies such as Large Language Models (LLMs)—including ChatGPT 4.5, Grok 3, and Gemini—and their implications for teaching, learning, and educational leadership. Participants will examine how machine learning tools can support classroom tasks while addressing broader
systemic challenges. In addition to classroom applications, the course emphasizes regenerative innovation strategies to integrate AI responsibly into schools.

Domestic tuition: $1529.00 plus non-instructional fees
International tuition: $2146.44 plus non-instructional fees

This is an approved elective in the Graduate Certificate in School Leadership and in the Master of Education in Educational Studies. There are other enrollment options, however, priority registration is given to students in Professional Learning programs. For details or to enroll, contact gcslinfo@ualberta.ca. MES students, contact mesinfo@ualberta.ca. 

Instructor: Glen Wilcox

July 28 - August 15, online

This course provides a foundation for school management. Leading school operations requires the ability to effectively manage the school's financial, material and, most importantly, human resources. The course considers practical tools and best practices to address the opportunities and challenges of leading and managing schools.

Domestic tuition: $1529.00 plus non-instructional fees
International tuition: $2146.44 plus non-instructional fees

This is an approved elective in the Graduate Certificate in School Leadership and in the Master of Education in Educational Studies. There are other enrollment options, however, priority registration is given to students in Professional Learning programs. For details or to enroll, contact gcslinfo@ualberta.ca. MES students, contact mesinfo@ualberta.ca.