Faculty of Education - ULethbridge Stories

Shining Student Lena Dornan

Lena's time at ULethbridge has been shaped by her love of languages and lifelong learning. Having grown up in French Immersion and learned Spanish through travel and her studies, she's now ready to share her passion for literacy as she fulfills her dream of teaching internationally in Mexico.

A legacy of sharing wisdom: Faculty of Education naming ceremony

The Faculty of Education has been gifted a Blackfoot name by Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear. Iiniookaksini, meaning Bison Wisdom, represents the Faculty’s role in guiding future educators and counsellors to meet the unique needs of diverse individuals living in a changing world.

Megan Kienzle, Administrative Assistant, Academic Scheduling, Faculty of Education

As an Administrative Assistant for the Faculty of Education, Megan Kienzle is responsible for academic scheduling, a process that is sometimes like "high-stakes Tetris."

Empowering literacy: Research insights from Dr. Robin Bright

A teacher, researcher, literacy leader and award-winning author, Dr. Robin Bright's (BA '79, BEd '82, MEd '88) passion for how children develop as readers and writers has drawn her to a life of researching language and literacy development and instruction in young students.

From a single Master’s to a suite of programs: 40 years of excellence in graduate studies

The 2024/25 academic year marked the 40th anniversary of excellence in graduate programming at the University of Lethbridge, a legacy that began with the first graduate program—the Master of Education (M.Ed.).

From Chile to Lethbridge: Carolina Castillo's research stay at ULethbridge

An anthropologist and PhD student from Chile, Carolina is researching fairness in writing assessments. Last year, she was awarded a scholarship by Chile’s National Agency of Research & Development to complete a research stay at any institution in the world. Her choice: the University of Lethbridge.

Shining Student Emily Brouwer

Nearing the end of her educational journey at the University of Lethbridge, Emily attributes much of her success to her student-teacher internships and the peers, faculty and friends who have played a significant role in her growth as a teacher.

Shining Student Jelayna Hyggen

A true advocate for putting your passions first, Jelayna is making the most out of her time at the University of Lethbridge by being open-minded to new experiences and embracing the challenges that come her way.

Shining Student Liz Radke

Liz Radke has always known she wanted to teach. The oldest of six, Liz vividly recalls gathering her siblings to teach them 'school' with complete lessons and report cards. Today, Liz brings that same enthusiasm for teaching to the classroom, where her love for education remains unwavering.

Shining Student Marc Tardif

A dedicated mycologist and bowyer, Marc is channeling his curiosity and passion for the natural world into his University of Lethbridge experience, bringing enthusiasm to both his personal pursuits and his teaching.

Addressing challenges in the modern-day classroom by empowering the student voice

Having recently surpassed the 10-year mark of her teaching career, ULethbridge Master of Education (Curriculum & Assessment) student, Amanda Sequeira reflects on how her graduate studies are helping her manage the complex realities of today's classrooms.

Shining Student Ty Clewes

Ty's ULethbridge journey as an educator began with helping out in his mom's classroom. What began as lending a hand with small tasks has grown into a true passion and career. Now, he is determined to create an innovative music program for young artists.

Shining Student Niihtaapookaa (Old Man River Child), Tatiana Weasel Moccasin

At the University of Lethbridge, Niihtaapookaa (Old Man River Child), Tatiana Weasel Moccasin has worked as a research assistant, travelled to Mexico for school, and embraced opportunities to enhance her creativity through creative writing and Indigenous art courses.

Four Master of Education (Counselling Psychology) students awarded nationwide scholarship

Four Master of Education (Counselling Psychology) students from the ULethbridge Faculty of Education have been awarded a Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s award. This award aims to develop research skills and support students who demonstrate a high standard of academic achievement.

Faculty of Education alumna, Taylor Keith, reflects on her growth as a leader

A double alumna from the Faculty of Education at ULethbridge and now in a vice principalship at Wilson Middle School, Taylor Keith reflects on how the Master of Education (Leadership) program transformed her as a leader.

Ed 2500 – Discovering the path to a career as an educator

Zach Palardy began his ULethbridge journey in 2020 pursuing a Bachelor of Science. A true testament to the transformative nature of post-secondary school, he is now set to begin the BEd (After-Degree) Program. This change of direction in his academic path was inspired by one course, Education 2500.

Dr. Robert LeBlanc awarded for research on the impact of digital platforms in today's educational landscape

Research exploring the evolution of digital platforms in education has earned Dr. Robert LeBlanc the 2024 ATA Educational Research Award. His work offers a comprehensive look at how the integration of rapidly advancing technologies is reshaping today’s educational landscape.

Paving roads to success: The Boulet family's commitment to supporting student teachers in rural placements

Toby and Bernie Boulet are taking a significant step in supporting the next generation of educators by championing the Faculty of Education's new initiative, Paving Roads to Success — a fundraising campaign that addresses the support needs of third-year student teachers pursuing rural placements.

Shining Education Graduate Andrew Denton

An outdoorsman and math teacher, Andrew Denton believes that if you can't place yourself in an engaging learning environment, you must create one yourself. He now takes the next step in his journey as an educator, looking to inspire others to explore new heights, both personally and academically.

Shining Education Graduate Pragya Varma

Pragya Varma is an inspiring advocate for prioritizing well-being within the educational realm. A month after crossing the stage, she will be presenting at a nation-wide conference, discussing her Master of Education project on burnout in immigrant early childhood educators.

Creating a culture of inclusion within the Faculty of Education

In 2023, the ULethbridge OKI sign arrived on campus. This initiative aimed to celebrate Blackfoot culture, language and the important role that “Oki” serves as a symbol of respect, understanding and reconciliation. The Faculty of Education now looks to build on this inclusive effort.

ULethbridge alumna and Chief Superintendent for the Calgary Board of Education, Joanne Pitman, is building a legacy of leadership

Recently announced as the new Chief Superintendent for the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) following a nation-wide search, University of Lethbridge alumna, Joanne Pitman felt destined to make her mark in the educational world.

ULethbridge Alumna Jade Oldfield wins international chess award for research on executive function in at-risk youth

Every year, Chess.com selects five students to win a Chessable Research Award. As a corporation with over 100 million subscribers, to say the odds of being selected are one in a million would not be an oversight. Leaving nothing to chance, Jade Oldfield is now a 2024 Chessable Research Award winner.

Faculty of Education graduate Kaye Bonto wants to encourage students' natural curiosities

Witnessing "a-ha moments" and seeing her future students be immersed in learning and creative pursuits that interest them is what excites Faculty of Education student Kaye Bonto most about becoming a teacher.

Shining Student Dante Gentile

Educator by day and lead guitarist by night, Dante Gentile's journey at the University of Lethbridge has been marked by a passion for teaching and a deep appreciation for those who have inspired his career choices. He now sets his sights on teaching a social studies curriculum that rocks.