Overview
The Department of Educational Foundations is committed to advancing the study of social and ecological justice education. It realizes this mission through:
- a Master of Education program, Cross departmental PhD program and courses in the College of Education Bachelor of Education program
- scholarly research and publication
- professional practice
- community and university service
In its work, the Department addresses a diverse range of areas, including:
- the interdisciplinary and international study of Indigenous education
- anti-racist and anti-oppressive education
- ecological, environmental, place-based and land-based education
- teacher education
- sexual orientation and gender study
- lives of teachers, children, and parents
- climate change education
- critical pedagogy, neoliberalism, and education for democracy
The Master's of Education is offered through both a course-based (10 three-credit unit courses) and thesis-based (6 three-credit unit courses and a thesis) program of study.
For more information on the Master's Program Requirements and Application please visit Graduate Studies.
The Department of Educational Foundation's M.Ed. graduates teach in teacher education programs; are employed in institutions of higher learning; coordinate academic programs; work with Indigenous organizations and First Nations governments; assume professional responsibilities in school systems as teachers, principals, vice-principals, superintendents, and directors; engage in school-community development; provide leadership in inter-professional and lifelong learning, and work for professional teacher organizations. This is just a sample of the many interesting career options that are available to graduates of the Integrated MEd program.
Thesis students may be required to do additional courses by their Advisory Committee depending on their background and research area.
Mission and Vision
Mission
The Department of Educational Foundations is committed to the advancement of social and ecological justice education, and Indigenous education. This mission is accomplished through the study of foundational disciplinary and interdisciplinary areas such as philosophy, anthropology, history, and sociology of education. The department contributes to research, policy, and practice in these areas.
Vision
The Department of Educational Foundations will be a catalyst for learning that shapes a society based on social and ecological justice education, through reconciliation, research, teaching, learning, community engagement, and collaboration.
Anti-Racist Teacher Education Summer Institute 2026: Critical Race Theory & Digital Education
-
Foundations of Critical Race Theory (838.3)
-
Critical Digital Education & Anti-Oppressive Pedagogy (805.3)
Graduate students are invited to participate in the 2026 Anti‑Racist Summer Institute. This two-week in‑person institute offers an intensive, academic learning experience focused on Critical Race Theory (CRT) and digital education (register for EFDT 838.3 and/or EFDT 805.3). Participants will develop and present practical, reflective approaches to transcending systemic intersectional racism and anti-democratic disinformation—applying theory to professional practice. Learning with experienced educators, participants can also take part in a lunch orientation and optional lunch and learns with anti‑racist teacher education researchers. Become part of a supportive anti‑racist learning community committed to K to 12 students, decolonization, and inclusive critical dialogue by registering for the Anti-Racist Summer Institute.
*Register for Educational Foundations (EFDT) 838.3 and/or 805.3. The summer institute will be held in-person.
Sat. August 1
- 12:00pm-4:00pm: Orientation Lunch (EFDT 838.3 & 805.3) (Zoom link upon request)
Tues., Wed., Thur., & Fri. Aug. 4-7 & 11-14
- 10:00am-12:30pm
- Foundations of Critical Race Theory (EFDT 838.3)
- 12:30pm-1:30pm
- Lunch Break
- 1:30pm-4:00pm
- Critical Digital Education & Anti-Oppressive Pedagogy (EFDT 805.3)
Mon. Aug. 17
- 10:00am-4:00pm
- Final Project Presentations (Zoom link upon request)
Highlights
- Orientation lunch and optional Friday lunch and learns w/ anti-racist researchers
- Emphasis on collaborative decolonial dialogue and inclusive, self-reflective activities
- Anti-oppressive analyses of systemic racism and digital anti-democratic disinformation, with practical and hopeful applications to pedagogy and policy implementation
- Assessment is based on seminar and online participation, and a final project presentation
For more information please contact Dr. Carmen Gillies (Assistant Professor) at carmen.gillies@usask.ca
Master's Programs/Routes
Our programs of study are offered in a blended format with face-to-face summer institutes in July and on-line courses in the fall and winter terms. Please note that it is not possible to take the entire program on-line or face-to-face in person.
Potential international students: please note that program delivery may affect your study permit.
As resources allow, face-to-face in-person classes will be offered in the Fall and Winter.
The next intake for Land-based Indigenous Education is summer 2025. Applications due January 10, 2025.
PhD Programs/Routes
Graduate Student Work
Faculty
Contacts
For EFDT Graduate Program/Student Support please contact:
Charmaine Spezowka
Phone: 306-966-5138
Email: efdt.gradsecretary@usask.ca
For EFDT Department support please contact:
Isabel Bacalao Azpurua
Phone: 306-966-7514
Email: efdt.office@usask.ca
For Land-based Indigenous cohort support please contact:
Shirley Cardinal
Phone: 306-966-7596
Email: milbe@usask.ca
Visit Us
You can visit our office on campus.
Room 3104
Department of Educational Foundations
University of Saskatchewan
28 Campus Drive
Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X1, Canada