The Education Library, located in the Neville Scarfe Building, will begin the relocation of stacks and services this summer as part of a broader UBC Library strategy to ensure sustainable library services across campus.
What’s changing?
From June 6, 2025 the section of the library that houses the stacks and collections will be closed to begin the process of relocating materials and services to Koerner Library, with the move expected to be complete in 2026. This decision was made by UBC Library in response to ongoing budget pressures and the need to ensure long-term access to collections, subject expertise, and academic support.
What’s staying the same?
The front area of the current Education Library space will remain open during the regular Neville Scarfe building hours and will continue to function as a Learning Commons—a welcoming, collaborative space for students, faculty, and staff. This space will remain accessible during the transition period and will continue to offer seating, study areas, and access to technology.
Accessing materials during the transition
Although the stacks will be closed after June 6, the Education Library collection will remain accessible. Students, faculty, and staff will be able to request items through UBC Library’s interlibrary delivery service, with pick-up available at other library locations across campus.
What’s next for the space?
Looking ahead, the Faculty of Education will be launching a community consultation process in Fall 2025 to explore how the space can best serve our students, faculty, and broader community in the long term. We look forward to hearing your ideas and working together to ensure this space continues to support learning, research, and connection.
We recognize that this change may be challenging for many in our community. The Education Library has long been a valued space in the Scarfe Building, and we are committed to honouring its legacy while shaping a new vision for its future.
For more information about the relocation and access to collections, please visit education.library.ubc.ca
Join us for the LDDI Summer Institute, a free in-person professional development event that showcases and celebrates emerging approaches to teaching and learning. This year’s theme — Mobilizing Knowledge around Sustainability, Accessibility, and Learning Analytics — highlights the creative and impactful ways that educators, staff and students are critically integrating these areas into their practice.
Hosted by Learning Design and Digital Innovation (LDDI) with support from the Edith Lando Virtual Learning Centre (ELVLC), the Summer Institute will feature interactive workshop sessions, thought-provoking panel discussions and guided presentations from experts in the field. Each day will be an opportunity to connect with colleagues, engage with new ideas and celebrate progress in designing more inclusive, data-informed and sustainable learning experiences.
This event is open to UBC faculty, staff, students, and educators in K-12 and higher education and will be held at the University of British Columbia Vancouver Campus. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. To carry new insights and inspirations into the upcoming academic year, we invite you to register for the event.
Three Education Alumni Recognized in the 2025 Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards
The UBC Faculty of Education proudly celebrates these remarkable alumni who were recognized at the 2025 Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards for their exceptional achievements and contributions to sport, education, and community. Their dedication and leadership exemplify the spirit of excellence and service that defines UBC Education alumni.
Leslie Buchanan, BA’88, BEd’92, received the Daryl Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the event’s highest honors. A former UBC track and field athlete, Buchanan has been a trailblazer in the triathlon community, serving as a coach, referee, and Olympic technical delegate. Her decades-long dedication to the sport has helped shape triathlon provincially and nationally. Beyond sport, Buchanan also impacted education through her work as an English teacher in West Vancouver.
Diane Silzer, Dip (Ed)’08, was named Master Athlete of the Year, recognized for her outstanding achievements in short track speed skating. In 2024, Silzer set world records in four distances, exemplifying excellence in masters athletics and serving as a role model for lifelong athletic achievement.
Malindi Elmore, BEd’14, was recognized with the KidSport Community Champion Award for her outstanding dedication to sport equity and youth access. The three-time Olympian raised over $26,000 for KidSport through a community-driven campaign that included a film screening, online auction, and donations. Her efforts will help fund a season of sport for approximately 90 children, reflecting her enduring commitment to giving back through sport.
Held on March 6, 2025, at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, the 57th annual awards ceremony brought together BC’s most accomplished athletes, coaches, and contributors. The recognition of Buchanan, Silzer and Elmore underscores the ongoing influence of UBC Education alumni in shaping sport, education, and community leadership across the province.
It’s a western showdown — one of the fiercest rivalries in the CFL is about to reignite! BC Place will light up with fans in orange and green when the BC Lions clash with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Help fuel the home-field advantage alongside fellow UBC alumni and friends at this special alumNIGHTS event. Take advantage of exclusive ticket pricing of only $28 for alumni — grab yours now to ensure you catch all the action live!
Enter to win 2 tickets! Contest closes on July 9, 2025.
Date
Saturday, July 19, 2025 | Doors open at 3:00 PM
Location
BC Place
777 Pacific Boulevard
Vancouver, BC
V6B 4Y8 – map
Dr. Kristiina Kumpulainen has been selected as a 2025 International Academy of Education Fellow
Dr. Kristiina Kumpulainen has been named a 2025 Fellow of the International Academy of Education (IAE). This prestigious honour recognizes exceptional contributions to education through groundbreaking research, innovative teaching, and a steadfast commitment to advancing educational knowledge and practice.
Dr. Kumpulainen’s research explores how social, historical, political, cultural, and digital contexts shape learning. With a focus on creating inclusive, imaginative, and participatory teaching approaches for diverse learners, she collaborates with interdisciplinary partners to drive innovative work in areas like STEAM, health literacies, and climate change education. Her research emphasizes creative, ethical, and multi-modal methods that meaningfully engage both children and educators.
A leading scholar, Dr. Kumpulainen is recognized for her impactful work with major grants like the SSHRC Insight Grant for “Children’s Ecological Imagination with Augmented Storying” (2023-2025) and the Academy of Finland project on digital and cultural storytelling (2022-2025). Her significant contributions have earned numerous accolades, including election as a Fellow of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters (2019), Wiley’s Top Cited Article recognition (2021–2022), the Immersive Learning Pedagogy Award from iLRN (2022), and the BJET Editors’ Choice Award (2019), among other honours.
Founded in 1985 by an international group of scholars, the International Academy of Education aims to foster scholarly excellence in all fields of education.
The Faculty of Education alumni engagement team invites you to attend a reception at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre on Thursday, May 22 – directly after your convocation!
The event will include a photographer, light fare, tea & coffee, and a chance to celebrate alongside friends, family, and fellow graduates.
The UBC Faculty of Education and Peter A. Allard School of Law invite you to attend a powerful fundraising evening in support of the Hemas Kla-Lee-Lee-Kla Memorial Fund, featuring a thought-provoking book talk with Jody Wilson-Raybould, BA’96, JD’99, former Canadian Minister of Justice and author of “Indian” in the Cabinet, and Carolyn Roberts, BEd’14, MEd’18, an Indigenous academic known for her work in Re-Storying Education, decolonizing education, and Indigenous knowledge systems! At the event, we will delve into the powerful voices of these two Indigenous leaders and scholars. This event is open to UBC staff, faculty and alumni. Join us for a compelling and thought-provoking evening full of meaningful discussions, while enjoying some light refreshments!
Speakers
Jody Wilson-Raybould, BA’96, JD’99
The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada from 2015 to 2019 before taking on the role of Minister of Veterans Affairs in January 2019. She is the author of Reconciling History: A Story of Canada is a collaborative work by Jody Wilson-Raybould and Roshan Danesh that reimagines Canada’s national narrative through a decolonial lens. Building upon the oral history approach introduced in Wilson-Raybould’s previous book, True Reconciliation, this volume seeks to present a more inclusive and multifaceted account of Canada’s past. The book has been recognized for its unique approach, being named one of Indigo’s Top 10 History Books of 2024 and included in the Toronto Star’s 25 books to read for the season. Through its blend of narrative, photography, and art, Reconciling History offers a profound exploration of Canada’s journey, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping a more comprehensive national story.
To celebrate Bill’s life and his lifelong dedication to Indigenous rights, his family is establishing a memorial fund at UBC. Donations to the fund will honour his passion for education by supporting First Nations students at the Peter A. Allard School of Law.
Final decisions about the fund’s details will be made in consultation with UBC and the family. Thank you for your generosity in memory of Hemas Kla-Lee-Lee-Kla.
Carolyn Roberts is the author of Re-Storying Education: Decolonizing Your Practice Using a Critical Lens, a transformative guide for educators seeking to integrate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into their teaching. Roberts, who is St’át’imc and Stó:lō from the N’Quat’qua and Tzeachten Nations and a member of the Squamish Nation, brings over two decades of experience as an educator and administrator in both K–12 and post-secondary systems. Published in September 2024, Re-Storying Education is a Globe & Mail national bestseller that challenges educators to dismantle colonial narratives and rebuild inclusive educational practices. The book offers practical tools such as lesson plans, reflective questions, and curated playlists to support the decolonization of classrooms.
Carolyn Roberts’ website: carolynroberts.net
Congratulations to Kay Anderson and Negar Khodarahmi, recipients of the 2024-25 Faculty of Education Graduate Teaching Assistant Award
The Faculty of Education Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Awards are conferred annually to individuals who demonstrate exceptional teaching proficiency, highlighting the vital role of teaching assistants in graduate and undergraduate programs. Awardees are selected based on mastery in their fields, innovative teaching methods, commitment to ethical principles and other outstanding attributes.
Kay Anderson
Kay Anderson, a graduate student in the Faculty of Education’s School of Kinesiology, is recognized for their inspiring, student-centred approach to teaching. Passionate about educational equity, they encourage exploration of diverse perspectives and challenge students to think critically. A natural leader and mentor, Kay’s dedication and impact make them a standout teaching assistant and a role model to peers and students alike.
Negar Khodarahmi
Negar Khodarahmi, a graduate student in the Faculty of Education’s Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, is celebrated for her leadership, warmth, and dedication to inclusive, engaging teaching. Students highlight her supportive presence and her positive, lasting impact on their learning journey, making her an exceptional teaching assistant and mentor.
Congratulations to Gizem Guryil and Carrie Peters, recipients of the 2024-25 UBC Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant Award
In recognition of the important contributions Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTA) make to our programs, UBC annually presents the Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant Award. Successful candidates have demonstrated teaching excellence and are highly regarded by undergraduate students and supervisors. Award adjudication takes place within the Faculties.
Gizem Guryil
Gizem Guryil, a graduate student in the Faculty of Education’s Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology and Special Education is a highly valued teaching assistant recognized for bridging theory and practice, fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment, and helping students connect course content to real-world classroom applications.
Known for her leadership, organization and responsiveness, Gizem consistently receives outstanding student feedback. Her passion, pedagogical skill and commitment to student learning are evident in her meaningful feedback, support for diversity, and proactive, team-oriented approach to teaching.
Carrie Peters
Carrie Peters, a graduate student and TA Training Coordinator in the Faculty of Education’s School of Kinesiology is an exceptional emerging leader in post-secondary education. She brings extensive experience and a thoughtful, equity-centred approach, exceeding expectations in advancing teaching assistant development and student learning.
Carrie is recognized for her clarity, organization and passion for creating inclusive, supportive learning environments. Her leadership, insight and dedication to mentoring have made a lasting impact on both the program and the broader teaching community.
Open date: April 17, 2025 Deadline to apply: While the search remains open until the position is filled, interested applicants are asked to submit their complete application package by June 15, 2025.
The School of Kinesiology, within UBC’s Faculty of Education, one of the world’s leading faculties of its kind, invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor (tenure-track) or Associate Professor (tenured) in Biomechanics of Human Movement.
Situated on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territories of the xwmə0kwəy’əm (Musqueam) people in Vancouver, Canada, the School of Kinesiology in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia (UBC) invites applications for a full-time Assistant Professor (tenure-track) or Associate Professor (tenured) position in Biomechanics of Human Movement. The appointment is expected to begin on January 1, 2026, or as mutually agreed upon between the University and the successful candidate.
The successful candidate must possess a PhD at the time of application in Kinesiology or a related field (e.g., Sport Science, Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering) and have expertise in human biomechanics. Post-doctoral training in human biomechanics is highly preferred. The successful candidate will contribute basic and applied research that supports the area of neuromechanical kinesiology. In addition to research into the biomechanical aspects of human movement, the successful candidate will be able to contribute to teaching in areas that require expertise and advanced knowledge in basic biomechanics and an applied area. This could include clinical biomechanics, injury biomechanics, occupational biomechanics, human factors, human robot interactions, or sports and exercise biomechanics.
The successful candidate must have: (a) a record of research dissemination, in terms of peer-reviewed articles in recognized academic journals in the field, and evidence of presentations at national and international scholarly conferences; (b) demonstrated ability (for the rank of Assistant Professor) to participate in scholarly activity and to secure competitive research funding (e.g., tri-council and partnership grants) in biomechanics, or evidence of a growing body of productive scholarly activity (for the rank of Associate Professor); (c) advanced knowledge and a demonstrated history of publications using biomechanical approaches in 3-Dimensional kinematics, kinetics, and dynamics of human movement; (d) demonstrated evidence of applying biomechanical techniques in applied setting; and (e) demonstrated potential (for the rank of Assistant Professor) or evidence (for the rank of Associate Professor) of successful teaching at all levels in biomechanics, as well as the ability to supervise and mentor graduate students. Research experience in electromyography, tissue mechanics, mechanical energy, wearable sensing and/or modelling is preferred.
The successful candidate is expected to establish a program of original, externally funded research (e.g., tri-council and partnership grants) and teach undergraduate courses in the School and contribute to the growth of the School through supervision of graduate students, participation in service activities within the University and in the broader scholarly community, and collaboration with scientists within the School and across Faculties at UBC.
The successful candidate will be expected to teach a core undergraduate course in biomechanics, as well as develop and teach a new advanced undergraduate course in injury biomechanics and another advanced applied biomechanics course (e.g., sport and exercise biomechanics, clinical biomechanics, occupational biomechanics, human factors, or biomechanics of real-world activities).
The annual teaching load for this position is 9 credits (equivalent to three courses). The successful candidate will be encouraged to participate in the School of Kinesiology Balance and Falls Research Centre and collaborate across the areas of neuromechanical kinesiology, as well as in other diverse research areas in the School and, more broadly, the University. The successful candidate will complement the School of Kinesiology’s strategic plans for interdisciplinary research excellence within the School and across Faculties at UBC and play a key role in generating and disseminating knowledge on the role of physical activity and health in diverse populations.
This is a tenure-track (Assistant Professor) or tenured (Associate Professor) position in the Professoriate stream. As an Assistant Professor, the successful candidate will be reviewed for reappointment, tenure, and promotion in subsequent years, in accordance with the Collective Agreement. As an Associate Professor, the appointment (rank and tenure) is subject to a positive review of the successful candidate’s record of achievements based on UBC’s appointment and tenure criteria as specified in the Collective Agreement, following the University’s established appointment processes. For more information on the review process and criteria for this stream, please visit this link. The position is subject to final budgetary approval. The expected pay range for this position is $150,000 – $165,000 per annum for an Assistant Professor, or $170,000 – $195,000 for an Associate Professor. Starting salary is determined both by the candidate’s qualifications and experience and by their placement on the career progress scale within the UBC Faculty of Education.
The School of Kinesiology currently has 31 full-time tenure stream faculty members, 1450 full-time undergraduate students, and 200 graduate students. We offer a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree with specializations in Neuromechanical and Physiological Sciences, Social and Behavioural Sciences, and Multi-disciplinary Science. The graduate program includes M.A., M.Sc., Master of Kinesiology (non-thesis), Master of High Performance Coaching & Technical Leadership, and Ph.D. degrees spanning multiple disciplines in kinesiology. For further details about the School of Kinesiology and its research, please visit the School’s website at this link.
UBC is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. The UBC Faculty of Education is one of the leading Faculties of its kind in the world, often being tied for first in Canadian rankings and ranked among the top 20 globally. Our work advances educational research and understanding of teaching and learning in a way that affirms diversity, equity, and innovation, and takes part in international collaboration in an interdependent globe. We provide a comprehensive set of programmatic offerings at the baccalaureate, magisterial, and doctoral levels. For more information on the Faculty of Education, please visit this website.
The School of Kinesiology, the Faculty of Education, and UBC are dedicated to the goal of building a diverse and inclusive academic community. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate a commitment to decolonizing, reconciliation, anti-racist, and social justice approaches to research, teaching, and service, and have a strong commitment to fostering inclusivity and teaching effectively in a welcoming environment. For more information about the Faculty of Education’s commitments and work related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization, please visit this link.
Interested applicants are invited to submit an application package that includes
a cover letter indicating the position being sought (two pages maximum, and please indicate whether or not you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident);
curriculum vitae;
a five-year research plan;
a summary of teaching interests and philosophy (two to three pages maximum);
evidence of teaching excellence (such as course outlines and student evaluations if available);
three papers that are the most significant and relevant to your research interests;
an equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization (EDID) statement that describes and documents your contributions to EDID through your teaching, research, service, and community engagement, addressing the following three areas: (1) understanding of and knowledge about EDID, (2) track record in advancing EDID, and (3) future plans for EDID; and
names and contact details of three references. Letters of reference will only be requested for candidates who are advancing to the next stage in the search process.
Complete application files must be submitted in the format of one bookmarked PDF file, addressed to Dr. Robert Boushel, Director School of Kinesiology, and sent electronically to kin.hr@ubc.ca. Please indicate in the Subject Line: Biomechanics of Human Movement. Following the submission of the application, the applicant will receive an Equity Survey link via email. Completion of the Equity Survey is required as part of the application process. Accommodations are available on request for all applicants with disabilities at all stages of the search process. To confidentially request accommodations, please contact educ.hr@ubc.ca.
While the search remains open until the position is filled, interested applicants are encouraged to submit their complete application package by June 15, 2025. Questions regarding this search and the application deadline should be directed to Dr. Robert Boushel, Director School of Kinesiology at kin.hr@ubc.ca.
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Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Leslie Buchanan, BA’88, BEd’92, received the Daryl Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the event’s highest honors. A former UBC track and field athlete, Buchanan has been a trailblazer in the triathlon community, serving as a coach, referee, and Olympic technical delegate. Her decades-long dedication to the sport has helped shape triathlon provincially and nationally. Beyond sport, Buchanan also impacted education through her work as an English teacher in West Vancouver.
Diane Silzer, Dip (Ed)’08, was named Master Athlete of the Year, recognized for her outstanding achievements in short track speed skating. In 2024, Silzer set world records in four distances, exemplifying excellence in masters athletics and serving as a role model for lifelong athletic achievement.
Malindi Elmore, BEd’14, was recognized with the KidSport Community Champion Award for her outstanding dedication to sport equity and youth access. The three-time Olympian raised over $26,000 for KidSport through a community-driven campaign that included a film screening, online auction, and donations. Her efforts will help fund a season of sport for approximately 90 children, reflecting her enduring commitment to giving back through sport.
