Faculty of Education - ULethbridge Stories (Page 9)

A Letter to the Graduating Class of 2020

Thank you for spending these past years with us. Omanistayi’kakimatt ... Take care, stay well, and stay in touch!

A Circle is Complete: Nathan Comstock (BA/BEd ’19)

Every school board has excellent first year teachers, teachers who deserve to be recognized for their outstanding efforts. This year, University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education alumni, Nathan Comstock is the 2020 recipient of the prestigious Edwin Parr Award.

Wellness is stillness: Jane O'Dea

Wellness for me is stillness – the kind of stillness that occurs when you are utterly and completely absorbed in something you love, or are fascinated by, to the point where time stands still and external rewards, consequences, and expectations go out the window.

Wellness is coping with stress through art and music: Jenn Pellerin (BA ’12)

I believe that education is the great equalizer and during this pandemic it is clear home-based learning does not provide a very level playing field for all students. I know that when we get to the other side of this, I have to advocate for those students who need additional supports.

Wellness during the COVID-19 experience, PSII and staying connected: Kelsey Shoults

This experience has definitely shown the importance of being flexible and adapting to the circumstances that you are in which is so important when it comes to teaching.

Coping with COVID-19: Loneliness

“The definition of loneliness is feeling alone against our will,” says Dr. Dawn McBride, drawing on the words of developmental psychologist, Susan Pinker. At a time of mandatory social isolation and distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this definition can apply to all of us.

Wellness is being in the moment: Kenneth Oppel

Once schools closed, I started getting requests from teachers who had been in the middle of studying one of my novels in class. They wanted to know if they could continue online, with the teacher reading chapters aloud. Naturally I said yes.

Twitter education community: books are a form of wellness

Books on the Faculty of Education Twitter feed are a big deal—just follow some of our faculty members, student teachers, and education community. You'll see evidence of the passion for books, for sharing with the class, and reading to their children.

What is a book-tasting?

Faculty of Education master teacher, Rhona Harkness explains that the book tasting experience is one of a kind for many reasons. You first create the ambiance that engages your students. You set the stage to engage. You bring in people who are passionate about reading and can spread that joy.

Wellness is about having a consistent routine: Alex Funk (BEd '17)

Without the structure of the day-to-day routine to rely on, it can be difficult to find a sense of balance. Faculty of Education alumna, Alex Funk (BEd '17) has found her own equilibrium in creating a new routine and scheduling time for herself.

Wellness is spiritual: David Slomp

It was a bustling campus day in the fall of 2019—before the provisional term novel coronavirus had become part of our vocabulary, before physical distancing was ever a concern—we met with Dr. David Slomp in the Science Commons Building.

Coping with COVID-19: Harnessing Our Natural Stress Response

The goal while in this global health crisis is not to chase feeling calm, but rather to build confidence that ‘I will survive this.’ Once we can start taking control of what we can control, hope returns and thriving is reactivated.

Wellness is Ranching: Danny Balderson

Beneath the endless arch of sky, the Southern Alberta prairie displays evidence of farm and ranch—each with stories of relationship to the land.

The Faculty of Education WELLNESS INITIATIVE: Supporting a Focus on Health and Well-Being

In light of our current practices of self-isolation and physical distancing, how are we managing to stay healthy and safe? Throughout this series we will spotlight what some folks are doing in terms of health and wellness.

Alumnus uses music to connect in the wake of social distancing

University of Lethbridge alumnus and local musician John Wort Hannam (BA/BEd ’96) is sharing songs from home as part of his ‘COVID-19 sessions.’

Faculty of Education Dean's Message

The practicum program in the Faculty of Education strives to provide a breadth of experiences (grade level as well as urban and rural settings) for all of our students, and this principle helps to ensure their readiness for their first teaching position, whatever it may bring.

Teacher Still Learning at 105-years-old

Alma McLachlan was always good at math. After graduating from high school in 1933 she became a book keeper, but even then her mind was set on other things. “I always wanted to be a teacher,” says the 105-year-old.

Marathon of Afghanistan Documentary has uLethbridge Connection

As the co-director and producer of the documentary The Secret Marathon, alumna Kate McKenzie (BA/BEd ’07) trained and travelled to Afghanistan to not only run her first marathon, but to also share the stories of the courageous women who are fighting for gender equality through sport.

Shining Student | Jennifer Ralph (BMus '18) - Education

This week’s Shining Student, also a University of Lethbridge alumna, knew she wanted a personalized university experience. During a visit to uLethbridge for Student-for-a-Day, she found a supportive environment, welcoming professors and experiences to help hone her teaching skills. Meet Jen!

Graduate student spotlight: Kevan Bryant (MEd)

How can yoga help students deal with stress? Kevan Bryant says her passion for research comes from a love of learning and being curious about how people can live their best, most healthy

Siblings Pull Together to Fight Parkinson's

Siblings Eleanor (Hummel) Smith (BEd ’91), Bernie Hummel and Ruth Hummel Thomson (MA ’10) have established the George and Alice Hummel Neuroscience Award in honour of their parents.

Chess Gives At-risk Youth a Chance

As part of a unique youth sentencing initiative, uLethbridge faculty member Dr. Lance Grigg, a multidisciplinary team of researchers and graduate students, and a Provincial Court of Alberta judge are exploring how chess affects youths' thought-processes and decision-making.

Enhancing Student Success with Play

Education professor Dr. Jeffrey MacCormack is working with neuroscientist Dr. Robbin Gibb (BASc (BSc) ’77, MSc ’01, PhD ’04) on a play-based intervention for children and youth with difficulty socializing and regulating emotions.

Fostering Relationships Between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Communities

A well-respected specialist in Indigenous education, Jamie Ahksistowaki Medicine Crane is building the capacity of educators, developing curriculum and improving relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Combining Passion, Business and Art

An a-ha moment set Paije Ottoson (BMgt/BEd '04) on a whole new career trajectory, combining her business background with her passion for art.