The Bachelor of Education with a specialization in Elementary Education program offers students a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for teaching in elementary school settings. The educational course requirements for the Bachelor of Education with a specialization in Elementary Education program will be delivered through multi-access learning which allows learners the flexibility of completing courses while working in their field. Some courses may require in-person attendance (e.g., Fine Arts courses, physical education courses, etc.) and practicum requirements will require students to be on-site at a school.
Please get in touch with one of our Student Advisors to learn more about this wonderful opportunity.
Call our Cold Lake Campus at 780-639-7109 or Lac La Biche Campus at 780-623-5577 or BOOK HERE.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Education, Elementary program are equipped to pursue meaningful careers supporting the development and learning of young children. Common career paths include early childhood educator, preschool or kindergarten teacher, childcare center director, educational consultant, family support worker, and early intervention specialist.
Graduates may also continue their studies in fields such as special education, child psychology, or educational leadership, depending on their career goals.
- English Language Arts 30-1 (or equivalency) at 65%
- Math 30-2 (or equivalency) at 65%
- Social Studies 30-2 (or equivalency) at 65%
- 30-level Science
- 5 credits in 30-level studies (can be from fine arts, science courses not previously used, locally developed courses, Aboriginal Studies 30, second languages, social sciences, or CTS-3000 levels).
Other:
- ELS – ALL students whose first language is not English must meet one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Format with minimum scores: Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 7.0, Speaking 7.0
- TOEFL iBT (internet based) with minimum test scores: Listening 23, Reading 21, Writing 25, Speaking 22
Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Search dated after June 30 and must be submitted within two months of program start date.
For students enrolling directly from high school
Students applying to the Bachelor of Education program at Portage College directly from high school need to have a minimum of 65% in each of:
- English Language Arts 30-1 (or equivalency),
- Math 30-2 (or equivalency),
- Social Studies 30-2 (or equivalency),
- 30-level science, and
- An additional 5 credits in 30-level studies (can be from fine arts, science courses not previously used, locally developed courses, Aboriginal Studies 30, second languages, social sciences, or CTS-3000 levels).
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency for admission to Education programs.For students enrolling from open studies and/or university transfer programming
For students transferring internally (within Portage College from open studies or university transfer) or externally, the average of the last 30 credits (10 courses) of coursework will be used to determine eligibility. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be in good standing (i.e., no discipline).
A maximum of 30 credits from other recognized institutions may be transferred towards the Bachelor of Education at Portage College, based on transfer credit identified through the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT).
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency for admission to the Education programs.
For students enrolling through an identified pathway:
Students applying to the Bachelor of Education with a specialization in elementary education, following completion of or anticipated completion of an identified diploma program, must have:
- a minimum GPA of 3.2 from their diploma program as evidenced through program transcript(s), and
- a reference from an instructor in their program attesting to the applicant’s quality of writing, work ethic, responsibility, and suitability for the Education program.
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency for admission to Education programs.
The Bachelor of Education degree is designed to serve Northern communities. We encourage applications from individuals living in Northern and remote communities, and preference will be given to these applicants for admission.
Preference will be given to applicants from Northern and Rural communities.
Eligibility for Alberta Teacher Certification
Teaching certification in Alberta is restricted to those individuals who have:
- evidence of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency,
- evidence of proficiency in English or French,
- a clear vulnerable sector check, and
- a police record check with no convictions of indictable offenses as identified under the Canadian Criminal Code.
Students will additionally need to provide a police record and vulnerable sector check at their own cost prior to placement in practicums. The existence of a criminal record or other adverse record may prevent practicum placement, program completion, and/or professional certification. Students unable to meet requirements due to conviction of an indictable offense will not be able to complete the Bachelor of Education.
Teacher certification in Alberta is directed by the Certification of Teachers and Teacher Leaders Regulation and overseen by the Office of the Registrar at Alberta Education. Link here for further information.
Alberta Teaching Regulations
All teachers in Alberta are required to meet regulatory expectations to protect students, uphold the integrity of the profession, and ensure consistent standards of practice across learning environments.
The Alberta Teaching Quality Standard (TQS) outlines the competencies educators must demonstrate in professional practice, including ethical decision making, inclusive and respectful learning environments, effective planning and assessment, and ongoing professional learning.
The Alberta Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers and Teacher Leaders identify the behavioural and ethical obligations of teachers, emphasizing student safety, professional boundaries, respectful relationships, confidentiality, and responsible use of authority.
Together, these requirements establish clear, enforceable expectations that guide daily practice and provide a shared basis for professional accountability, helping ensure that teaching decisions are defensible, student centred, and aligned with the public trust placed in educators.
All education courses at Portage College have been aligned with the Teaching Quality Standard and Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers and Teacher Leaders.
To view the Teaching Quality Standard
To view the Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers and Teacher Leaders
Program Start/End Dates
August 31, 2026 to June 25, 2027
Application Deadlines
August 15, 2026
Locations
Cold Lake Campus
Lac La Biche Campus
St Paul Campus
Delivery
Multi-Access Learning
Domestic Student Fees Year 1 & Year 2
Application Fee $53.50
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2026
| Tuition | $2,724.18 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $3,364.66 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2026
| Tuition | $2,724.18 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $3,038.16 |
Spring Term Fee payment deadline: April 21, 2027
Spring tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $178. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $178.
Other mandatory Part-time Spring fees.
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Total | $175.20 |
Tuition Deposit – $100 (non-refundable)
Domestic Student Fees Year 3
Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2026
| Tuition | $3,645.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $4,285.48 |
Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2026
| Tuition | $3,648.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Document Fee | $60.00 |
| Total | $3,958.98 |
Spring Term Fee payment deadline: April 21, 2027
Spring tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $178. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $178.
Other mandatory Part-time Spring fees.
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Total | $175.20 |
Tuition Deposit – $100 (non-refundable)
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan. Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.
Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.
As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
Document Fee
The Document Fee will include official transcripts, unofficial transcripts, certificates, diplomas, Confirmation of Enrollments, ID cards, all documents/letters from the Registrar’s office, etc.