Private school enrolment in Calgary has increased from 3,900 in 1993 to 10,050 in 1999 (Statistics Canada). This increase is partially due to the growing demand for alternative education choices as the CBE has been experiencing a history of diminishing classroom conditions and teacher satisfaction for the past few years. In September 2004, public school teachers agreed to a four-year collective agreement, which includes: a 10% wage increase over 4 years; assigned instructional time limit of 1,430 minutes per week; and the establishment of health spending accounts of teachers. On October 28, 2004, Catholic school teachers rejected a one-year deal that included a two percent raise. They are still in the negotiation process, with meetings to be held November 9 and 29, 2004.

Alberta Learning has recommended restrictions on class sizes, another issue for teachers, that are to be in effect by 2007:

*Most private schools cap class sizes at 12-15 students for all grades.

TRENDS:
*Full-day kindergarten to be considered by the CBE, a report to be presented by February 2005. About a dozen full-day classes are currently offered in Calgary�s public elementary schools.
*CBe-Learning is an on-line learning alternative for Grade 9 to 12 students. In it�s second year, there are 1600 part-time and full-time students.

Post-secondary Education Teaching
Calgary is amongst the most educated workforce in Canada. 62% of Calgarians have a post-secondary education. Alberta Learning forecasts 79% of all new jobs in the next 10 years will require post-secondary education. There is a growing need for post-secondary facilities and teachers, as indicated by the 15,000 students that were turned away last year from Calgary post-secondary institutes.

Non-university institutes such as Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), DeVry and Mount Royal College are striving to develop and provide new programs and curriculum that meet the skills demands of today�s labour force. Their 1-2 year programs are often hands on and deliver curriculum with industry partners.

Post-secondary Institutes in Calgary:

For a complete look at public/private, diploma/degree granting colleges and universities in Calgary and Alberta, the publication �Time to Choose�� is provided free of charge and may be ordered from Alberta Human Resources and Employment. Free copies are also available at the DITPC resource centre.

English as a Second Language Teaching
ESL is taught in various academic and non-academic learning environments in Calgary. From colleges and universities to language schools and immigrant serving organizations, the need for English programs are increasing with the growth of newcomers to Canada who do not speak English as their first language. Depending on the employer, the required qualifications for teaching English vary greatly. Adult ESL programs usually require ESL training or a background in teaching. More and more employers are requesting their ESL teachers to be certified by Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language. Some adult ESL centers in Calgary include:

ESL instruction is also provided to youth in elementary and secondary schools around Calgary. The Calgary Board of Education estimates that there will be 14,900 ESL students in grades K-12 enrolled in this school year. ESL teaching opportunities are not limited to children and youth. In order to teach English in a public, Catholic or private school, you must be certified by Alberta Learning. To learn more about elementary and secondary schools that provide ESL instruction, visit:

. The Calgary Board of Education: click on Our Schools, School Programs (and than review programs offered by each school)
. Calgary Catholic School Board: click on Programs, Additional Programs, ESL
. The school websites of private and charter schools

Adult and Continuing Education Teaching
Life-learning is a growing trend in Alberta. Part-time university enrolment decreased by 17.8% between 1991 and 2000 across Canada, but increased by 51.7% in Alberta over the same period. This is an indication that workers and professionals are adapting to the rapid changing pace of our knowledge-based economy. Calgarians are up-grading themselves and pursuing new career avenues that may require continuing education. Some companies provide in-house professional development (PD) while others partner with adult learning institutions to develop and deliver PD opportunities.

Calgarians also look to adult and continuing education when they have decided to re-enter the workforce or in the process of pursuing a career change.

Technical institutes such as SAIT and DeVry are striving to work with industry partners to develop and provide evolving programs and curriculum for the growing and changing workforce in Calgary. For individuals with teaching experience and/or professional industry experience, there are many opportunities to teach or facilitate sessions and courses that are different from traditional academic programs.

Sources:
* �Hirings targets class sizes.� Calgary Herald, October 15, 2004, B2.
* �Catholic teachers reject offer.� Calgary Herald, October 29, 2004, B2.
* The Calgary Advantage, Edition One, 2002
* Calgary Public school teachers accept four-year collective agreement. News Releases, The Alberta Teacher�s Association, September 2004.
* �Qualifications power knowledge economy.� Calgary Herald, October 23, 2004, I1.
* �Time to Choose�a post-secondary education program 2004-2005. Albert Human Resources & Employment, Government of Alberta.
* Calgary Catholic School District Annual Education Results Report 2002-2003
* Calgary Board of Education Annual Education Results Report 2002-2003