Faculty of Education - ULethbridge Stories (Page 9)

Teaching and Assessing for Life Beyond the Classroom

Quality of life for two of Slomp’s disabled brothers has hinged upon advocacy writing. The ability of family members to problem solve what various agencies needed from them in their proposals for services and supports spelled the difference between thriving and despair.

Wellness is the Coulees: Aaron Stout

"With the move to online delivery of our Fall 2020 semester, we still want our Faculty of Education students to be aware that wellness is a key component of our program."

Wellness is About Writing: Teri Hartman (BA/BEd '02, current MEd student)

I’ve learned over the years that compassion is the greatest indicator of wellness for me, and this includes empathy for not only others, but for myself. Writing has taught me the ultimate lesson in self-compassion.

A Convocation Story: Sharing the Joy with Rita Lal (MEd '20)

"A very special happening took place that I would like to tell you about." Dr. Carmen Mombourquette, Faculty of Education

Wellness is Spending Time Outdoors: Dana Visser

What advice can you offer colleagues who may be having difficulty coping at this time? Be kind to yourself and show yourself grace. Take time to refocus your goals and intentions, and do what makes your mind and body feel well.

Five questions with Shining Graduate Jennifer Matosevic (BMus '18, BEd ’20)

In her final practicum, Jennifer's school administrator described her as a “highly skilled, reflective, and organized teacher." Her teacher mentors call her a “dedicated professional that strives for excellence,” and go on to say, “it has been an honour to teach and learn alongside her.”

Five questions with Shining Graduate Rita Lal (BSc/BEd '01, MEd '20)

Throughout her master’s program Rita maintained a 4.0 GPA and is now about to embark on doctoral studies; we wish her every success in her PhD.

Five questions with Shining Graduate Jessica (Lohues) Nelson (BEd/BSc ’20)

This year's Faculty of Education Gold Medal recipient, Jessica excelled in the classroom while at the same time goaltending for the uLethbridge Women’s Hockey team. Her field experience reports speak to a capable teacher that is knowledgeable, caring, fun and engaging.

CONVOCATION 2020: Changing the World One Teacher at a Time

Faculty of Education graduates reflect on lessons learned, share their aspirations for the future, and offer advice to incoming students who are about to embark on the journey they have just completed.

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.