What We Do
Education Resources
Inspiring compassion for animals, people and the environment.
Overview
Humane education is an approach to teaching that inspires compassion to animals, people and the environment – every living thing. It incorporates students’ relationships with other species and the earth we share, providing a unique perspective for reflecting on one’s place in the world.
For nearly 150 years, the philosophy that encouraging kindness and respect to animals leads to greater kindness and respect towards people has been at the heart of the humane education movement. The principle has long been recognized by SPCAs and Humane Societies across the continent, many of which originally had the mandate of protecting both animals and children.
Educators can easily practise humane education by using stories and lessons that also consider the perspectives of animals, people and the environment, our websites for teachers provide innovative resources, information, ideas and programs to integrate humane education into classrooms and are connected to Alberta Education’s Programs of Study, however, concepts can also be used by teachers in other jurisdictions.
Research demonstrates a correlation between cruelty to animals and violence toward people. Humane education is a prevention tool to break the cycle of violence and encourage a more compassionate world. The Alberta SPCA has been a leader in humane education since the Alberta SPCA education department began in 1981.
Teachers can access our education program through the following websites:
Website for Teachers
A website for teachers who aim to inspire compassion for animals, people and the environment. The website includes free cross-curricular resources, connected to the Alberta Programs of Study, that teachers can download. Teachers will also find information on topics such as classroom animals, animal abuse, dissection alternatives, careers with animals and more!
Site Web pour les enseignants
SPCA de l’Alberta pour l’éducation des enseignants et qui a pour objectif d’inspirer la compassion pour les animaux, les gens et l’environnement.
CTSanimals.ca
CTS Animals
Resources for several animal-related Career and Technology Studies (CTS) high school courses. These free online resources encourage students to understand and apply best practices for the care and welfare of domestic animals. They present the latest developments in humane handling techniques and correspond to the Alberta Education Programs of Study. While aimed at high school students, these resources are available to anyone who wants to access them.
If you have any questions about our education program, please reach out!