In response to an expected increase of 80,000 students in Alberta schools over the next three years, the provincial government is launching four new teacher certification pathways. Alberta Education Minister Demetrious Nicolaides emphasized that these new certificates will streamline the process for aspiring teachers, enabling them to enter classrooms more quickly. Eligible candidates include final-year education students, internationally-educated teachers, tradespeople, and skilled professionals, all of whom must complete teacher preparation training at a post-secondary institution. Successful applicants will be qualified to teach grades 7 to 12 in subjects relevant to their expertise. The new certificate for final-year education students will remain valid for one year while they finish their degree. The application process for these certificates will begin on June 1, with the first eligible teachers potentially starting in classrooms by fall. School boards will maintain oversight of hiring and placement decisions, ensuring that only qualified individuals enter the teaching profession.