ABSTRACT

In systems that emphasize the development of business capital, the focus is on greater deregulation and market competition as the way to achieve high teacher quality. Although historically there have been a variety of pathways into teaching and providers of programs in the US, from about 1960-1990 colleges and universities held a virtual monopoly on the preparation of teachers. One of the international jurisdictions that emphasizes a different strategy of teacher preparation and development from that of the US is the Canadian province of Alberta. Alberta also boasts plentiful natural and nonrenewable resources, including large oil and oil sand deposits, gas, bountiful forests, and agriculture. In contrasting Alberta with the US, it becomes apparent that Albertans' long-standing faith and trust in the public education system, its teachers, and institutions preparing public school teachers is a critical factor in the success of Alberta's education system.