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.
Canadian Association for Study of Educational Administration: Best Master’s Thesis 2020 goes to Kathryn Desrochers (BSc/BEd ’13, MEd ’21) Kathryn Desrochers (MEd '21) invited teachers to rate their efficacy using a scale she developed based on existing literature and Alberta’s Teaching Quality Standard. “Teachers had the highest feelings of efficaciousness when they felt protected and part of a team.”
How to Build the Canadian Pacific Railway in a Classroom: A Student Teacher Story In creating the Canadian Pacific Railway in their classroom, students discussed environmental and sociological impacts—good and bad, including the fates of Chinese workers, indigenous peoples, and bypassed towns.
Alumni Research: Martin Parent (MEd '20) Video Podcasting to the Teacher World “If we’re not anchored to research, and don’t have mechanisms to infuse research into practice, we risk relying on fads.” — Martin Parent (MEd '20) Graduate of the Faculty of Education Teaching, Learning and Neuroscience.
The Creativity of Curriculum and 36 Years with the Faculty of Education: Dr. Richard Butt At the end of the day Dr. Richard Butt has much to be proud of. As a musician, story-teller, nature-lover and academic, his ability to be expressive was integral to his teaching, learning and living and that he has had “absolute fun” doing so is a rare gift for all involved.
MEd Student Research: Our Future Really Needs Us To Be Critical Thinkers Kindergarten students list and weigh pros and cons before making decisions. Whether acquiring a class pet, helping design their school’s new playground, or establishing classroom health protocols.
"Imaginatively Intellectual" Grace Martin (BSc '14/BEd '16) Teaches with Heart and Doesn't Shy Away from Tough Topics Grace Martin (BSc ‘14/BEd '16) is a dedicated teacher, published author, loving mother and wellness coach. Grace is a two-time graduate of the University of Lethbridge. In 2014, she received a biological sciences degree with a sizeable unofficial physics minor and a teaching degree in 2016.
The University of Lethbridge as Home: Dr. Richelle Marynowski It is fitting that Dr. Richelle Marynowski left the University of Lethbridge as a student and returned as a professor. From the time she was two years old, Dr. Marynowski experienced the institution as an extension of herself.
Interprofessional Education and Community-based Approaches to Health Care: Dr. Elaine Greidanus The fondness Dr. Elaine Greidanus has for kayaking and camping stems from her love of the outdoors. The Faculty of Education counsellor and psychologist spent several years in northern Alberta, often utilizing animal-assisted therapies in her work with children and adolescents.
Mental Health Care: Pivoting for the Pandemic Dr. Elaine Greidanus, Faculty of Education professor in the Master of Counselling and Master of Counselling Psychology programs at the University of Lethbridge, is one of a team of North American scholars engaged in timely research in the face of a global pandemic.
Honouring Creativity: Dr. Darlene St. George “Students are forming their sense of identity and look to teachers as models.” Identity is not fixed. Teachers who demonstrate flexibility, listening, and constant reflection on who they are and who they want to be model a growth mindset.
Twitter: An Important Professional Development Tool for Teachers Current student, Parker Bijl values Twitter for enabling him to interact with colleagues and access a plethora of professional development ideas and resources. When COVID-19 struck, he recognized an even greater potential for teacher education through the social networking platform.
The Wintertime Wellness Project The Wintertime Wellness Project is part of the Faculty of Education's continued effort to promote wellness in the classroom and community. We hope these wellness messages and stories will inspire you to prioritize your well-being. Take good care.
Becoming a Literacy Leader: Kacie Neamtu (BA/BEd ’11/MA ’20) Congratulations! Kacie Neamtu (BA/BEd ’11/MA ’20) has been honoured with the prestigious J. Estill Alexander Future Leaders in Literacy Award. The international award recognizes an outstanding thesis that exemplifies excellence in research in the field of literacy education.