On Becoming a Teacher: "We all make mistakes but they aren’t the end of the world—just stepping stones in the learning process," Brad Aldridge (BSc '18, BEd '21) "There are some truly amazing individuals in Education and it is incredibly rewarding to get to know them," Brad Aldridge (BSc '18, BEd '21).
World Teachers' Day: Teaching is an investment of time and sacrifice To all the teachers we work with day in and day out as mentors, supervisors, and coaches, your unwavering support for our student teachers is deeply appreciated. Thank-you all for everything you do for us, our communities, and our world--Dr. Robin Bright.
Wellness and Gratitude: "I want to make sure that my students are well from top to bottom," Heather McCaig (BEd ‘95) "I try to look every single day at those things that I’m grateful for no matter how hard my day has been. I look for the positives that I can take out of a day, always starting or finishing on a positive note, says teacher, Heather McCaig.
A Year of Grace and Patience: Taking on Covid-19 as a First-time Principal: Matthew Bekkering (BSc '06, BEd '08, MEd '17) Lethbridge Pronghorns Basketball captain returned to the UofL to pursue a master’s in educational leadership after serving in roles as an informal school leader for seven years. “I wanted a more clear-eyed understanding of what leadership could be."
Shining Student: Holly Kletke Aspiring teacher Holly knew she would go to university, but wasn’t set on what to study. She applied to the combined music/education degree program at uLethbridge based on its strong reputation, after applying to several universities for political science.
Wellness and Gratitude: "Although I hate the routine, I need the routine", Dan Grassick (BSc/BEd ‘02) “Until my hospitalization I was sort of aware that I wasn’t totally healthy and wasn’t making the best choices, but I kept prioritizing my work over my health. When I woke up in hospital, I realized it was time to recheck my priorities and develop some work-life balance.” - Dan Grassick
The Weight of the World: When the Personal becomes Professional becomes Political 2020 Alumni Honour Society inductee, Dr. Angela Grace (BFA/BEd ‘96, MEd ‘03), shares her career journey on her path to becoming a registered psychologist!
Alberta Teachers' Association William Aberhart Gold Medal Goes to Sophia Larney (BEd ‘21) "Being awarded this medal by the Alberta Teachers' Association— that has continuously advocated for well-funded public education and research-based curricula in the face of budget cuts and questionable policy decisions—feels big." – Sophia Larney (BEd '21)
Literacy, Curriculum Studies, and Mentorship: Dr. Erika Hasebe-Ludt Celebrates 23 Years with the Faculty of Education Central to Dr. Erika Hasebe-Ludt's research with her colleagues and students is “honouring how we work together to bring more voices into education, in authentic and ethical ways.”
Seeing Connections Between Math and Everyday Life: Raeesa Shivji (BSc/BEd ’21) Reflection allows students to see connections between math and everyday life, notice how numbers inter-relate, and discover multiple ways of problem-solving. “Talking it out helps expand and solidify learning and helps develop reasoning skills," says Raeesa Shivji.
Book Launch: Sometimes Reading is Hard by Dr. Robin Bright In this webinar, author-educator Robin Bright will explore a new perspective of what balanced literacy looks like, and how to apply that new perspective to teaching reading every day. Teaching reading is everyone's responsibility.
Undergraduate Teacher Research: Generating New Knowledge and Resources We want to prepare teacher graduates to think with a disposition of curiosity,” says Dr. Pamela Adams, noting that the Faculty of Education was founded on a strong base of reflection.
Tackling Racial Underrepresentation in Majority White Schools: Deema Abushaban (BSc/BEd ’21) “I was the only person of colour with a level of authority in the school. When they [female Muslim students] told me they couldn’t speak to anyone else, I realized the detriments of underrepresentation are very, very great,” says Deema Abushaban (BSc/BEd ’21).
Incorporating Blackfoot Values into Early Education: Kate Lawless (BA/BEd ’21) Not being Indigenous, Kate Lawless (BA/BEd ’21) was concerned about appropriating and teaching aspects of a culture not her own. So she approached Faculty of Education instructor and Blackfoot Elder Don Shade for advice.
On Becoming a Teacher: Five Questions with Dominique Point du Jour (BEd '21) There are two pieces of advice Dominique Point du Jour can give to those who are about to begin their teaching journey. "Be humble...persevere. Each day is a new opportunity to make a difference. If you are able to positively affect one student's day, you are doing something right."
The Link Between Wellness and Gratitude: Dr. Robin Bright “There’s a scientific link between wellness and gratitude,” says Dr. Robin Bright, Assistant Dean of Field Experiences. “The more you feel gratitude in your life, the higher you score on wellness checklists.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2021 from the Faculty of Education Dear Class of 2021, because of our current circumstances graduation is different for you. You are convocating in a moment that is unique. This pandemic threw you countless curveballs. But it also revealed depth of creativity, invention, character, and resilient heart. We are SO proud of you!
Fostering Empathy, Collaboration, and Social Awareness: ATA William Aberhart Gold Medal in Education Recipient, Sophia Larney (BEd ‘21) "When I think about the big issues that communities are facing today—issues like inequality, injustice, climate change—education seems like a pretty good place to start to work toward a happier, healthier, more equal, more inclusive world."
Wellness and Gratitude: "It’s honestly been a rollercoaster," Brae Clowes (BA/BEd ‘21) After graduating in December 2020, Brae quickly moved into online teaching and is now working as a Physical Education and Health teacher for the Hub Online Learning program through the Calgary Board of Education.
"The Best Lessons Come from Mistakes": Gold Medal Award Recipient, Lacey Rose (BEd ‘21) Advice from Faculty of Education Gold Medal Award recipient, Lacey Rose: " ... not being scared to take a risk and make a mistake, that was something I definitely learned. Often the type of risky lessons that you are not sure how they are going to go, those are the ones that end up being the best."
Developing a Broader and More Nuanced Understanding of Education: Kathryn Desrochers (BSc/BEd ’13, MEd ’21) Advice from Faculty of Education Medal of Merit recipient, Kathryn Desrochers: "Get comfortable with being uncomfortable, getting it wrong, and not knowing the answer ... the cost of entry into anything truly worthwhile."
On Becoming a Teacher: Five Questions with Sara Bieniada (BMgt/BEd ‘21) "I was en route to become an optometrist, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized I loved teaching. When I was 19 years old I did some volunteering that involved teaching, and every time I taught, I would just love it. Something in me comes alive like nothing else when I teach."
Best Wishes in Retirement: Brenda Bell For the past 12 years Brenda Bell has found being Academic Advisor for students in the Faculty of Education incredibly fulfilling and meaningful. Her hope is that she has helped to guide and support students along the way.
On Becoming a Teacher: Five Questions with Ashley Hoisington (BA/BEd ‘21) "... believe in yourself and take risks. It's really easy to hear about other people's successes and celebrate them. But it's really important to also take time to celebrate your own successes and see the value in your own work."
Best Wishes in Retirement: Margaret Joblonkay Margaret Joblonkay retired from the Faculty of Education on December 31, 2020 after 35 years of working at the University of Lethbridge.