Northwestern Polytechnic & Fort Vermilion School Division Form Partnership

Dr. Vanessa Sheane, NWP President and CEO & Mike McMann, FVSD Superintendent signing the agreement

Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) and Fort Vermilion School Division (FVSD) are working together to bridge education opportunities in the North.

The two partners recently inked a deal that enables the first remote cohort of FVSD students to enroll in NWP’s newly launched four-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEd) degree program.

“This agreement formalizes the strategic collaboration between our two institutions, broadening education and career pathways for dedicated learners in Alberta’s northernmost communities,” said Dr. Vanessa Sheane, NWP President and CEO. “We are delighted that both learners and communities will benefit immensely from BEd graduates who are trained and retained locally.”

As part of the new collaborative partnership, NWP will facilitate a mixture of in-person and remote course delivery using Fort Vermilion educational facilities. Students will have access to a variety of supports and will have the ability to complete course practicums in local FVSD elementary school classrooms.

“FVSD is beyond excited to pioneer teacher training with NWP–right here at home,” said Mike McMann, FVSD Superintendent. “Empowering local talent means limitless impact, bold innovation and brighter futures for our students.”

The innovative partnership follows NWP’s new degree announcement in November 2024. Recognizing the need to develop qualified educators for rural and northern areas, FVSD approached NWP with a collaborative proposal that will be piloted over the next four years.

“We are always happy to work with communities and to develop responsive programming that reflects local workforce needs and opportunities,” said Jodi Peebles, NWP Acting Vice-President Academic. “Applications are now being accepted for our fall 2025 intake. We look forward to welcoming Bachelor of Education students through this remote opportunity.”