Faculty of Education

Five reasons adult learners have an advantage

Returning to school can be daunting, encompassing worries such as balancing family, school and career, and learning new technologies, but the pros far outweigh any potential drawbacks.

Taylor Burke hopes to use her training not only in her own teaching, but in mentoring other teachers as well

"I think the most important lesson I learned from my Master's experience is the value of prioritizing the things that inspire curiosity and excitement and that encourage us to pursue our passions

"Build relationships with your cohort. They are the key to your success and lasting friendships," Andrew Doyle (BA/BEd '10, MEd '20)

"Build relationships with your cohort. They are the key to your success and lasting friendships," Andrew Doyle (BA/BEd '10, MEd '20).

On Becoming a Teacher: Kennedy Dery is incorporating Métis and other Indigenous knowledges into her teaching philosophy

As Kennedy Dery (BA/BEd '22) completes her combined degree journey with ULethbridge, she desires to work with children, and also hopes to help them grow in their understanding of FNMI (First Nations, Métis, Indigenous) culture.

"I would like to make design education a little bit more caring about the people in it,” Naoko Masuda

Naoko Masuda's goal in taking the master’s program is to become a better educator. “I want to be able to relate to students better as individual human beings. I would like to make design education a little bit more caring about the people in it.”

On Becoming a Teacher: "Teaching is a person-profession, and the memories I make with students is part of what makes teaching such a wonderful career," Eve Buk

"During a professional development session in my PSI, the presenter said as teachers we 'hold hearts in our hearts'. Teaching is a person-profession, and the memories I make with students is part of what makes teaching such a wonderful career," Eve Buk (BFA/BEd '22).

Faculty of Education profile, Scott Powell and Kevin Orr: Keeping up with technology and the evolution of education

The Zoom technology that forms the basis for online education had been in use by the Faculty of Education for several years when the pandemic arrived. “When we had to go to Zoom, it was a very smooth transition,” Kevin Orr.

Faculty of Education profile, Kirsten Livingstone with Cheryl Lynch-Staunton: The CurrLab—a place with things you wouldn’t necessarily have in your school

When student teachers in the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education venture out into real-world classrooms for their practicum experiences, it is the faculty’s Curriculum Lab that equips them with the physical tools to help them succeed.

Shining Student Piiksipitaakii, Andrea True Joy Fox

Shining Student Andrea True Joy Fox (Piiksipitaakii) (BA/BEd '09) chose to complete her graduate studies at the University of Lethbridge because she had an incredible undergrad experience where she shared meaningful connections with colleagues and instructors.

On Becoming a Teacher: "I integrated aspects of pop culture into my lessons—engagement was much higher," Jenn Biglin

"It hit me that I could use pop culture in the ways of music, television, and movies to help with vocabulary and give students opportunity to steer learning in their way," Jenn Biglin (BA '20, BEd '22).

On Becoming a Teacher: Karl Hanson used video game software to help make early Canadian history come alive

"After seeing how my male students in particular would spend every second possible playing online games, I wondered if I could turn class content into a game the students would enjoy," Karl Hanson (BEd '22).

On Becoming a Teacher: "I couldn’t imagine teaching without learning from students,” Vivianna Lee

"I have learned how important it is to develop rapport with students. Every child you meet is so unique and there is so much to learn from them," says Vivianna Lee (BA/BEd '22).

Faculty of Education profile, Jaime Iwaasa: Juggling the demands of career, studies, and family

Students in the Faculty of Education seeking advice about time management would do well to talk to Jaime Iwaasa, a staff member in the faculty’s Field Experiences office. That’s because Jaime is also a student and parent.

A Counselling Psychology Program Respected Across Canada: Dr. Kerry Bernes

The work of Dr. Kerry Bernes and his colleagues is so successful that the Faculty of Education now boasts counselling psychology programs respected across Canada, with applicants coming from far and wide to meet the growing demand for registered psychologists.

On Becoming a Teacher: "My culture gives me a unique outlook that influences my daily experiences," Bari Ipaa

“It is important for me to retain a connection to my cultural heritage because there is so much beauty and richness in it,” says Faculty of Education student, Bari Ipaa.

Dr. Amy von Heyking: High-quality education systems are created through rigorous and collaborative accountability systems

Curriculum-development research has been a passion for Dr. Amy von Heyking, who has examined history curriculum across Canada, along with educational policy surrounding curriculum development and implementation. It's a topic in the news with the Draft Alberta Education K-6 Curriculum.

Education Research on Place-conscious Pedagogy: Creating Curriculum from Local Perspectives with Dr. Sharon Pelech

“I remember trying to teach my students about biomes—they looked at me like I had an extra head,” says Dr. Sharon Pelech of her first teaching job. “Then I took them for a walk ...”

ILLUMINATING OPPORTUNITIES

Through the establishment of scholarships and the development of programs, your support helps students become global citizens who think critically, communicate thoughtfully, engage in creativity an act in ways that better the world around them.

Dr. Lance Grigg: teaching, research, authentic engagement, and chess for life

As he looks back on his 26 years at the University of Lethbridge, it is clear Dr. Grigg has valued his time in a space that allowed for participation in a rich research and teaching environment.

Donor Spotlight: Dr. Rita L. Irwin Contributes to Art Education

As a professor in Art Education, Dr. Rita L. Irwin believes the art component needs to be valued and appreciated. “The more donors can show support for areas that tend to be under appreciated in the schools, the greater the possibility of enhancing and strengthening these programs in the schools.”

Wellness and Gratitude: "Spending time with family and friends is really at the heart of everything," Daphne Sander (BA/BEd ’92, MEd '11)

"I’m very fortunate. Not to say that there haven't been challenges along the way — there certainly have been — but I recognize that I have a lot of good in my life and the pandemic has reminded me to celebrate that," Daphne Sander (BA/BEd '92, MEd '11).

Wellness and Gratitude: Speaking openly about living with bipolar disorder, Jason Wegner

This proves to be a busy year for Faculty of Education student Jason Wegner—PSIII experience at LCI; coaching football; and co-authoring the book, Manic Man: How to Live Successfully With a Severe Mental Illness with Dr. Kerry Bernes.

Joel Tailfeathers, Natoyiinniimaa (BA'05, BEd'07, MEd'21) ambition for furthering his education has resulted in career success

Education has always been a passion for Joel Tailfeathers (BA'05, BEd'07, MEd’21). After spending years teaching in the city of Lethbridge, his decision to pursue grad school to become an administrator was a goal Joel accomplished in his time as a student.

On Becoming a Teacher: "In some spellbinding way I feel that teaching allows me to be a support for youth on their journey..." Shlomo Swan-Azmon (BSc '17, BEd '21)

"Through the education program I not only got to explore the issues and challenges students and teachers face but also explore who I am," Shlomo Swan-Azmon (BSc '17, BEd '21)

Congratulations to the Class of 2021 from the Faculty of Education

"The past few years have not been easy. But you have worked hard, persevered, and adjusted, or in the vernacular of the day, pivoted, and most importantly, you have been successful! Stay in touch—we want to celebrate your success at every turn!" Dr. Robin Bright, Interim Dean, Faculty of Education.