Certificate in Middle School Education in Indigenous Communities advising documents
A complete list of courses, course descriptions and prerequisites can be found below.
Offered by: Faculty of Education This 30-credit program focuses on developing the particular skills and abilities required of the Indigenous teacher in the middle school of his/her community. It does not lead to provincial certification. Rather, it prepares Indigenous teachers, who are bilingual or have some knowledge of their Indigenous language and who have already established themselves as teachers, to teach students at this level in ways that are developmentally and culturally appropriate. The program focuses on the particular psychological, emotional, and social needs of Aboriginal adolescents and the teacher's role in facilitating the transition between elementary and high school. This certificate may be taken concurrently and completed within the Bachelor of Education for Certified Teachers program if the requirements for the B.Ed. are fulfilled. Middle School Teaching. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Explores the philosophy of middle school teaching and how this impacts on the institutional, curricula and instructional decisions made in meeting the specialized needs of Aboriginal adolescents. Particular attention will be paid to how middle school philosophy can be integrated with Aboriginal values. Middle School Curriculum. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Curriculum principles underlying an integrated approach to learning in the middle school level; surveys various curricula looking at program structures; explores teaching and learning methodologies appropriate for this age level when implementing an integrated curriculum, with particular attention to integrating indigenous language and culture. Middle School Practicum. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Supervised practice to provide classroom teaching experience in the middle school context designed to prepare individuals to teach effectively at this level; seminars where participants discuss how best to respond to the social and emotional issues their students face. Adolescence and Education. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Development of personality and social behaviour in adolescence. Problems relating to self-concept, academic achievement, relationships with others, and development of values in a changing culture. Some attention to current criticisms of the school as an agency involved in adolescent development. L2 Learning: Classroom Settings. Terms offered: Fall 2025 This course provides an introduction to theory and research in second language acquisition (SLA). It is designed to help students understand the processes, developmental patterns and factors contributing to SLA so that the students will be prepared to evaluate and develop teaching procedures in light of this understanding. 6 credits in the major subject area of the Bachelor of Education for Certified Teachers selected in consultation with the Director of Programs in First Nations and Inuit Education. 6 credits in the minor subject area of the Bachelor of Education for Certified Teachers selected in consultation with the Director of Programs in First Nations and Inuit Education. 3 credits from the list below or from other courses as approved by the Director of Programs in First Nations and Inuit Education. Basic Art Media for Classroom. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 An introduction to media that can be easily adapted to elementary classroom studio exploration. Curriculum Development. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course, introducing Aboriginal educators to the principles and processes of curriculum development, emphasizes the impact of language and culture on the development of materials. Features of the process of curriculum and materials design, which are strategically important in meeting the needs of Aboriginal students, are highlighted. Teaching: Multigrade Classrooms. Terms offered: Summer 2025 This course introduces students to concepts and strategies for organizing, teaching, and evaluating learning in classes in which there are students from two, three or four grade levels. Cultural Values and Socialization. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An introduction to the educational implications of cultural values and patterns of socialization of youth. Topics will include a description of the cultural values of Indigenous peoples, home styles of communication, learning and discipline and intercultural educational issues. First Nations and Inuit Curriculum. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An introduction to First Nations and Inuit curriculum: how curriculum needs in Aboriginal communities are similar to and different from mainstream ones, the range of ways in which First Nations and Inuit have responded to curriculum needs based on language, culture, and community perceptions. Indigenous Physical Activities. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Designed to prepare students to teach physical recreation activities of their Indigenous culture such as Indigenous games, stunts, combatives, gymnastics and dance activities belonging in the cultural context. Integrating Educational Technology in Classrooms. Terms offered: Fall 2025 The course is designed to help practicing and future teachers integrate current and emerging technology in their daily teaching practices. It is a practical, hands-on course that is grounded in constructivist learning theory. The participants will learn by engaging in authentic tasks in a project-based learning environment. Second Language Education in Indigenous Communities. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Issues and considerations in the learning of English or French in Indigenous communities. Emphasis on teaching a second language to Indigenous children. L2 Learning: Classroom Settings. Terms offered: Fall 2025 This course provides an introduction to theory and research in second language acquisition (SLA). It is designed to help students understand the processes, developmental patterns and factors contributing to SLA so that the students will be prepared to evaluate and develop teaching procedures in light of this understanding.Middle School Education in Indigenous Communities (Cert.) (30 credits)
Program credit weight: 30 creditsProgram Description
Required Courses (15 credits)
Course
Title
Credits
EDEC 245 Middle School Teaching. 3 EDEC 246 Middle School Curriculum. 3 EDFE 210 Middle School Practicum. 3 EDPE 377 Adolescence and Education. 3 EDSL 305 L2 Learning: Classroom Settings. 3 Major Subject Area (6 credits)
Minor Subject Area (6 credits)
Education Courses (3 credits)
Course
Title
Credits
EDEA 241 Basic Art Media for Classroom. 3 EDEC 220 Curriculum Development. 3 EDEC 243 Teaching: Multigrade Classrooms. 3 EDEC 591 Cultural Values and Socialization. 3 EDEE 444 First Nations and Inuit Curriculum. 3 EDKP 241 Indigenous Physical Activities. 3 EDPT 200 Integrating Educational Technology in Classrooms. 3 EDSL 247 Second Language Education in Indigenous Communities. 3 EDSL 305 L2 Learning: Classroom Settings. 3
Upcoming Courses
Coming soon: a list of planned courses in the Certificate in Middle School Education in Indigenous Communities program, divided by partner. Only students who have been recommended to McGill by the relevant partner may take these courses. Also, this information is unofficial: the Minerva Class Schedule remains the official class schedule.
Contact Information
Stephen Peters
Director, Office of First Nations and Inuit Education
Tel.: (514) 398-4527 Ext. 00859
ofnie.education [at] mcgill.ca (Email)
Jim Howden
Assistant Director, Office of First Nations & Inuit Education
Tel.: (514) 398-4527 Ext. 09855
ofnie.education [at] mcgill.ca (Email)
Program information is organized for two distinct groups:
Prospective Students Currently Registered
