Iqaluit (Jun 05/06) - A masters degree is within reach for Nunavut teachers, and they won't have to leave home to get it.

The masters of education program for Nunavut will allow students to take all 10 courses at Nunavut Arctic College or via distance learning - by phone or the Internet.

Neevee Hanson, left, and Eelee Higgins display the brochure for the Nunavut Master of Education program, which will commence in the fall. They are the models on the front page of the pamphlet. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

The program, which can be completed part-time over three years, is intended to broaden teachers' knowledge, skills and leadership qualities so they can better teach senior grade levels - particularly in the Inuktitut language - and fill senior positions within the territorial government.

"We just want to build more capacity in the system," Cathy McGregor, director of curriculum for the Department of Education, said in explaining the purpose of the program. "They're asking for equal opportunities to (attain) more credentials."

Offered in partnership with the University of Prince Edward Island and St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, the masters program, a pilot project, will debut in autumn. It's hoped 24 people will enroll, MacGregor noted.

Entrance requirements include a 75 per cent average from the final 20 courses of the Bachelor of Education program, two to five years of experience as an educator and valid teaching certification in Nunavut.

Elders will play a role in the values and approaches used in the masters program.

Education minister Ed Picco formally announced the Nunavut Masters of Education Program at an educators symposium in Iqaluit on May 30.

Neevee Hanson, a teacher at Joamie school in Iqaluit, said taking part-time courses in addition to teaching full time will be a demanding task, but she said she's ready for it.

Eelee Higgins, vice-principal at Joamie school, said she is pleased the courses will be offered locally because it results in greater support.

Although she's not certain whether she'll sign up for the program this fall, the concept of achieving her masters does appeal to her.

"I know deep down I'm interested in it," said Higgins. "That will be challenging, and I like challenge."