October 2025 | published once each term
Message from Dean Hare
Dear community members,
This fall, our Faculty is turning ideas into action. As we finalize our 2026-2031 strategic plan, I’m inspired by how our community has come together to shape our priorities, from supporting our people and spaces to amplifying our teaching, research and community impact. This new plan outlines our Faculty’s path forward and aligns with UBC’s broader strategic vision. I look forward to sharing launch details soon!
As we recently observed Truth and Reconciliation Week, I’ve been reflecting on how our Faculty continues to learn from Indigenous ways of knowing and being—an ongoing commitment reflected in many of our recent initiatives.
Earlier this month, we had the honour of welcoming Dr. Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, acclaimed Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg artist, scholar and thought leader, as our 2025–26 Dean’s Distinguished Lecture speaker. Dr. Simpson illuminated how art and education can reconnect us to culture, community and the land. The event is now available to watch online.
We also launched Walk with Us: The Path Toward Reconciliation, a Faculty-wide fundraising campaign supporting Indigenous students and strengthening Indigenous-led teaching, research and community partnerships. This initiative will create new programming, fund social change fellowships, establish an Indigenous project hub and build an outdoor space for land-based learning and storytelling. We invite you to learn more about how to contribute to this transformative work.
Our ongoing efforts are guided by the renewed Accord on Indigenous Education from the Association of Canadian Deans of Education. I was honoured to co-lead this national initiative alongside colleagues from across the country, listening to Elders, Knowledge Keepers, leaders, educators, parents and students. The Accord encourages faculties to move beyond mere recognition toward meaningful action in support of Indigenous rights, self-determination and systemic change. I extend my gratitude to all whose insights helped shape this collective vision.
Our Faculty’s commitment to action is reflected in the ongoing expansion of NITEP, our Indigenous Teacher Education Program, which welcomed its largest-ever first-year cohort this fall—43 students at UBC Vancouver. NITEP also launched a new field centre in Prince Rupert, developed in partnership with the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation and supported by the Rideau Hall Foundation and the BC Ministry of Education. This centre enables more Indigenous students to complete UBC’s full Bachelor of Education program within their local communities.
Finally, I recently shared reflections in UBC Today’s Leadership One-on-One series, discussing the mentors who have shaped my journey and our shared efforts as a Faculty to integrate Indigenous perspectives and build a more inclusive, equitable future in education. I invite you to read the conversation here.
Discover more of our current Indigenous education initiatives, partnerships and stories.
Miigwech – thank you,
Jan
Teaching and Learning
Research Story: Promoting Cultural Respect Through Thoughtful Halloween Choices
Dr. Surita Jhangiani shares how Halloween costume choices can foster cultural respect and understanding in the recent article, “Navigating Cultural Appropriation vs Appreciation this Halloween.”
Research Story: Empowering Educators, Strengthening Communities
Dr. Leyton Schnellert reflects on how educators are reshaping learning through inclusive, community-based practices in the recent article, “When we empower teachers to lead, students and communities thrive.”
Research Story: Welcoming Newcomer Students Benefits Everyone
Dr. Anusha Kassan shares how schools and families can help build inclusive communities where all learners can thrive in the article “How to welcome newcomer students to schools in Canada—and why everyone benefits.”
Rural and Remote Education Program Launches New Cohort
Our Faculty is expanding access to teacher education in rural and remote communities across BC. Applications are now open for the new northern cohort of the Rural and Remote Teacher Education Program (RRED), launching in Vanderhoof in 2026.
New Non-Credit Series: Igniting Relational Leadership
The Office of Professional Learning (OPL) has launched an online series for K–12 principals, vice-principals and school leaders seeking to lead with equity, connection and care. The series covers identity, inclusion, culturally responsive practice and wellness in leadership.
LDDI In-Focus 2026: Year of Intention
The Learning Design and Digital Innovation (LDDI) team’s In-Focus 2026: Year of Intention initiative encourages educators to reflect on the pace of technological adoption in education. As part of this initiative, LDDI has launched a podcast series that explores the future of learning.
Book Launch: Juggling Rhythms: Working-Student Life in the 21st Century
This new book by Dr. Alison Taylor explores how students balance school and employment amid shifting labour markets following COVID-19, and calls for increased attention from educators, policymakers and education scholars.
WKTEP Makerspace Fosters Creativity
A new Makerspace in the West Kootenay Teacher Education Program (WKTEP) is inspiring creativity, collaboration and innovation among teacher candidates. Blending art, robotics and textile tools, the space embodies the First Peoples Principles of Learning and promotes inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability and lifelong learning.
Awards and Accolades
Regional Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence
UBC Faculty of Education alumni Derek Fournier (BPE’92, BEd’93), May Ng (BA, BEd, DipEd), Michael Hengeveld (BSc’99, MET’18), Andy Brar (BEd’13) and Karen Foster (DipEd’88) have been recognized with this esteemed award, celebrating exceptional educators across Canada for their outstanding dedication, innovation and leadership in education.
Dr. Joanna Cannon Appointed to Eleanor Rix Professorship
Dr. Cannon will lead initiatives aimed at better serving students in rural communities who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing (d/Dhh), have co-occurring disabilities, or come from immigrant families in English-dominant countries.
Dr. Candace Galla Appointed as UNESCO Co-Chair
As Co-Chair on Rights Education among Indigenous and Non-Dominant Language Communities at Purdue University Fort Wayne, Dr. Galla’s research focuses on Indigenous language revitalization and decolonizing and Indigenizing education to create pathways for Indigenous scholars.
Dr. Guofang Li Honoured by the International Literacy Association
As a Canada Research Chair in Transnational/Global Perspectives on Language and Literacy Education, Dr. Li has received the 2025 International Literacy Association Citation of Merit, awarded once every three years to a single global recipient.
Dr. Rosalin Miles Appointed CIHR Chair
This $1M Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Implementation Science Chair in Human Development, Child and Youth Health (Indigenous Pool) will enable Dr. Miles to lead the ShQUooz Circle Program, an Indigenous-led initiative connecting youth with aunties, grandmothers and Knowledge Keepers through activities that strengthen cultural identity and community wellness.
Community Events and Engagements
Faculty of Education Hosts BC Art Teachers Association Conference | Oct 24-25, 2025
This year’s conference, themed “Weaving Community Through Art,” celebrates the interconnectedness of the artistic community. Renowned artist and Faculty of Education professor Dana Claxton, a member of the Wood Mountain Lakota First Nations (SK), will deliver the keynote address.
School of Kinesiology Student Reimagines Health for South Asian Seniors
Hargun Dhillon has founded the nonprofit, Age Strong Unity Wellness Society, which offers free, culturally tailored exercise programs for South Asian seniors.
Webinar Series: Weaving Decolonizing Practices in Education | November 5 and Various
This three-part series offers educators an opportunity to learn from Indigenous scholars, educators and practitioners who are actively engaging in transformative and relational approaches to teaching and learning.
Technology Enhanced Classroom (TEC) Expo 2025 | November 18-20, 2025
This annual showcase celebrates technology-enhanced learning, featuring presentations by instructors, staff, students and alumni. Educators at all levels and the general UBC community are invited to attend.
Latest Faculty of Education News
Visit our news and events page for an in-depth exploration of the latest developments within our Faculty, including new leadership appointments, groundbreaking research initiatives, recent funding successes, and prestigious recognitions.
