Reclaiming identity and building futures: inside UBC’s Learn-and-Earn pathways program for Indigenous youth
August 8, 2025 Royal, a Grade 11 student in Vancouver, was hoping to deepen her connection to her Indigenous culture and community. “I wanted to learn more,” she says. “To be around people who share similar experiences and to be part of something that helps you grow.” That curiosity led her to Learn-and-Earn, a program from UBC’s Faculty of Education. This summer’s inaugural three-week experience brought Indigenous high school students from across the Vancouver School Board to UBC’s Vancouver campus — located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) — for immersive, land-based learning. But Learn-and-Earn is […] More
Faculty of Education alum Dr. Ruth Grunau appointed to the Order of British Columbia
Dr. Ruth Grunau, MA’69, EdD’75, PhD’85. Fifteen people who exemplify excellence will be invested into the Order of British Columbia, the province’s highest honour. Established in 1989, the Order of B.C. recognizes individuals from all walks of life and fields of endeavour who have made extraordinary contributions to the province and beyond. Dr. Ruth Grunau has been appointed to the Order of British Columbia for her pioneering research that has transformed global understanding and care of infant pain, advancing neonatal health of infants born very pre-term and shaping clinical practices worldwide. Dr. Ruth Grunau has transformed neonatal care through her […] More
alumni UBC 2025 Achievement Awards | November 6, 2025
alumni UBC 2025 Achievement Awards UBC alumni are committed to building an exceptional UBC and a better world. This November at the annual alumni UBC Achievement Awards, presented by Boyden, we will honour nine inspiring members of the UBC community who, through their extraordinary endeavours, have demonstrated this vision. This year’s recipients include Dr. Shelina Babul, BSc’91, PhD’01, who is an internationally recognized expert on concussion and its prevention. She created the Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT), a free online resource now used in over 30 countries to minimize the risk of injury from sport or physical occupations. Her collaborations with partners across Africa, Asia, […] More
Dr. Joanna Cannon Appointed to the Eleanor Rix Professorship in Rural Teacher Education
July 29, 2025 Dr. Joanna Cannon has been appointed to the Eleanor Rix Professorship in Rural Teacher Education for a three-year term commencing September 1, 2025 The Faculty of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Joanna Cannon to the Eleanor Rix Professorship in Rural Teacher Education, effective September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2028. This distinguished leadership position supports efforts to better understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities in rural education. Dr. Cannon is a Professor in the Special Education Program within the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology and Special Education (ECPS). Her research focuses […] More
The Faculty of Education Alumni Profiles are Back!
After a pause since 2022, we’re excited to announce that the Faculty of Education Alumni Profiles page is going live again! This space is dedicated to showcasing the inspiring journeys, achievements, and reflections of the Faculty of Education alumni. For some inspiration, take a look at some alumni profiles featured on Alumni Profiles – Faculty of Education. If you are interested in possibly being featured submit your profile to Alumni Profile Submission | Faculty of Education – Faculty of Education. Let’s reconnect and celebrate the amazing things our alumni are doing! Contact us with any questions at education.alumni@ubc.ca More
Bringing Teacher Education Home: NITEP Lax Kw’alaams Field Centre to Open in Northern B.C.
The UBC Faculty of Education’s Indigenous Teacher Education Program (NITEP) is launching a new Field Centre in Lax Kw’alaams, Northern British Columbia. This expansion (one of NITEP’s largest to date) will allow Indigenous students from Lax Kw’alaams, Metlakatla, and Kitkatla to complete UBC’s full Bachelor of Education program, including a 21-credit Indigenous Education specialization, without leaving their communities. The Centre will play a vital role in addressing the shortage of Indigenous teachers in Prince Rupert’s School District 52, where approximately 62% of students are Indigenous. The project is community-driven with leadership from local education advocates, and aims to train 40 Indigenous […] More
Celebrating Excellence: Faculty of Education Graduate Students Recognized with Federal Research Awards
Graduate students from the UBC Faculty of Education are among the country’s most promising scholars, recognized by the Government of Canada for their outstanding contributions to research and academic excellence. On July 9, 2025, the Government of Canada announced the latest cohort of scholarship and fellowship recipients through the country’s three major funding agencies: the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Together, these agencies awarded $1.3 billion in research support for the 2025/26 academic year. 18 students from the Faculty of Education were recognized […] More
Exploring Place, Identity, and Belonging Through Drama Education
The Roots/Routes Drama Education Conference, co-hosted by UBC Faculty of Education and the Canadian Centre for Theatre Creation, brought together researchers, artists, and educators from across the globe. Through workshops, performances, and panels, participants explored how drama can deepen understanding of place, identity, and belonging—especially in times of conflict and migration. More
UBC Hosts Inaugural World Refugee Day Symposium
On June 20, 2025, the University of British Columbia marked World Refugee Day with its first-ever World Refugee Day Symposium, a powerful gathering that brought together over one hundred participants from academic and community sectors to reflect, connect, and learn. Organized by the Faculty of Education’s Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy in collaboration with the Centre for Migration Studies, the symposium created a meaningful space to centre the lived experiences and intellectual contributions of Afghan women shaped by displacement, political instability, and gendered exclusion. Attendees included educators, students, and community leaders from across UBC’s faculties, including Applied Science, Arts, Education, Law, […] More
Dr. Guofang Li receives 2025 International Literacy Association Citation of Merit
July 09, 2025 Dr. Guofang Li has been awarded the 2025 International Citation of Merit from the International Literacy Association We are pleased to share that Dr. Guofang Li has been awarded the 2025 International Citation of Merit by the International Literacy Association. Presented once every three years to a single recipient, this prestigious honour recognizes scholars whose global contributions to literacy demonstrate sustained excellence and impact beyond their home countries, particularly those addressing critical issues and implementing innovative, research-informed solutions that benefit diverse communities worldwide. Dr. Li is a Canada Research Chair in Transnational/Global Perspectives on Language and Literacy Education […] More
LDDI Summer Institute 2025 | July 15–17, 2025
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 […] More
2025 UBC Faculty of Education Staff Wellness Afternoon | July 15, 2025
Faculty of Education staff are invited to the 8th annual Staff Wellness Afternoon, held in person at both the UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. This event celebrates our staff and offers an opportunity to relax and enjoy wellness activities with colleagues. We encourage you to take this opportunity to enjoy some fun activities with your colleagues – you’ve earned it!
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Community Update | July 2025
July 2025 | published once each term Message from Dean Hare Dear community members, As we step into summer, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our recent graduates and to their families, friends and all those within the Faculty of Education who supported them along the way. This year, nearly 700 students earned their Bachelor of Education degree, alongside more than 500 graduate degree recipients. This season is a time for joyful celebration and fresh beginnings. It also invites us to pause, recharge and reconnect with what inspires us. Thank you for all you do to help make our community such […] More
Ruth Louise James, BEd’71, MEd’85, Appointed to the Order of Canada
In June 2025, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, made 83 new appointments to the Order of Canada including Ruth Louise James C.M., M.S.C. BEd’71 MEd’85. As one of the country’s highest honours, it recognizes individuals whose outstanding achievement, dedication to community, and service to the nation have made a lasting impact on Canadian society. Through her self-funded, eponymous foundation, Ruth has championed numerous causes throughout British Columbia which allowed her to be recognized for her extraordinary commitment to community well-being. Her philanthropic leadership has helped catalyze major advancements in research, clinical care, and patient services, particularly in […] More
Brittney Townrow explores cultural belonging through art
June 27, 2025 Faculty of Education PhD student Brittney Townrow was among several Indigenous students who responded to a call from the Faculty of Arts to explore the question, “What symbols from your culture represent belonging?” Through this initiative, created in partnership with UBC’s First Nations House of Learning, participants created original artworks—each rooted in meaningful cultural symbolism—receiving compensation for their contributions. The result was the Indigenous Symbols and Signifiers, a collection of six visual stories that reflect deep cultural connections through artistic expression. Learn more about Brittney’s project here. More
Find Your Pod: Celebrating 16 Years of Queer Joy at UBC Faculty of Education’s CampOUT! 2025
During the five-day-long retreat at Camp Fircom on Gambier Island, participants engaged in activities aimed at building leadership skills, finding their community and deepening their understanding of Queerness. Illustration by: Adriel Yusgiantoro / The Ubyssey Each summer, the UBC Faculty of Education’s CampOUT! brings together 2SLGBTQIA+ youth from across British Columbia and the Yukon to the shores of Chá7elkwnech (Gambier Island), creating a joyful, affirming space that mirrors the intergenerational orca pods in nearby Átl’ka7tsem (Howe Sound). What started as a day camp in 2009 has grown into a five-day retreat packed with workshops, art, drag, sports, and lessons on […] More
UBC Faculty of Education’s CampOUT! 2025: An Evening of Support, A Future to Shape
On June 18, 2025, guests gathered for An Evening in Support of CampOUT!—an extraordinary celebration of generosity and purpose. This signature event raised more than $110,000, including over $23,000 from a spirited silent auction, all to ensure that CampOUT! continues to uplift queer, trans, and Two-Spirit youth across British Columbia. Read more in this piece from FolioYVR here. More
World Refugee Day: Honouring Stories, Building Solidarity
In recognition of World Refugee Day, the UBC Faculty of Education and CMS Borders research group are hosting a symposium highlighting the experiences of Afghan women in exile. The event explores how education serves as a tool for resistance, identity, and agency amid displacement and global struggles for justice. More
Education Library Update
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 […] More
Three Education Alumni Recognized in the 2025 Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards
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, […] More
Dr. Kristiina Kumpulainen named 2025 International Academy of Education Fellow
May 15, 2025 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 […] More
Staff Appreciation Lunch | June 10, 2025
Event Description Dean Jan Hare warmly invites all Faculty of Education staff members to join us for a special lunch celebration. This gathering will honour the exceptional leadership, remarkable achievements, and invaluable contributions of our staff. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together, express our gratitude, and celebrate our collective accomplishments. The Dean’s Awards for Staff Excellence will be presented at the event. Date Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Time 12:30 – 2:30 pm Catering Lunch will be provided by Sage Catering. Location Marine Drive Ballroom 2205 Lower Mall Vancouver, British Columbia Canada V6T 1Z4 Event registration Registration is […] More
Book Talk with Jody Wilson Raybould and Carolyn Roberts | June 9, 2025
Event Description 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 […] More
Faculty of Education Alumni Reception at the 2025 CSSE | June 2, 2025
Event Description The Faculty of Education alumni engagement team invites you to attend the alumni reception hosted by Dean Jan Hare, PhD’01, after the Canadian Society for the Study of Education’s 2025 Conference in Toronto, Ontario. CSSE’s annual conference is Canada’s largest gathering of researchers, scholars, graduate students, and practitioners in education. The conference mandate is to build connections among educational researchers and those in the field, including teachers, education assistants, school psychologists, school and school district administrators, and others. The four-day conference focusses on theory and praxis in every facet of education, including teacher education, educational psychology, curriculum studies, Indigenous […] More
Faculty of Education’s Spring Graduation Reception | May 22, 2025
Event Description 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. Date Thursday, May 22, 2025 Time 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Location Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre Jack Poole Hall – Second Floor 6163 University Blvd. Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1 Google Maps pin Registration Questions Please contact education.alumni@ubc.ca. More
Faculty Retirement Celebration | May 8, 2025
Event Description Faculty, instructors, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, staff and members of our community are invited to a social gathering following the Faculty Meeting to celebrate the careers of the UBC Faculty of Education faculty members who are retiring this year. Join our community in recognising these brilliant and dedicated scholars and educators who have contributed so much to our knowledge of education and related fields. Dr. William (Bill) Borgen, Professor, ECPS Dr. Gerald Fallon, Associate Professor, EDST Dr. Beth Haverkamp, Associate Professor, ECPS Dr. Joe Lucyshyn, Associate Professor, ECPS Dr. Nancy Perry, Professor, ECPS Dr. Theresa Rogers, Professor, LLED Dr. […] More
Staff Professional Development Session: Co-creating Effective Conversations | May 6 or 8, 2025
Workshop Do you want to have better, more successful conversations each and every day? Conversations that are productive, encourage creativity and engagement, generate solutions, improve relationships, and help attain goals? These are just a few of the benefits of co-creating effective conversations in the workplace. But what does it mean to be more curious, to ask better questions or take time to explore ideas with people at work? And how do you do it? This interactive workshop will focus on developing essential non-directive conversation and coaching skills that empower individuals to co-create effective conversations and drive positive experiences with their peers, […] More
Kay Anderson and Negar Khodarahmi receive 2024-25 UBC Faculty of Education Graduate Teaching Assistant Award
April 30, 2025 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 […] More
Dr. Shannon Leddy and Dr. Nancy Perry Awarded 2024-25 UBC Community-University Engagement Support Fund
April 16, 2025 Dr. Shannon Leddy and Dr. Nancy Perry Awarded 2024-25 UBC Community-University Engagement Support Fund The UBC Community-University Engagement Support (CUES) Fund, jointly administered by UBC Community Engagement and the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, supports impactful, collaborative, community-based research, teaching and learning across British Columbia. It prioritizes projects that address the needs of diverse communities, particularly those that have been historically marginalized or underserved. Among this year’s recipients are Dr. Shannon Leddy, for her project Student Leadership for Change (SLC) 3.0, and Dr. Nancy Perry, for her project Training Modules in Self-Regulated Learning. Student Leadership […] More
Dr. Sofia Noori Awarded 2024-25 Killam Teaching Prize
April 14, 2024 Congratulations to Dr. Sofia Noori, recipient of the 2024-25 Killam Teaching Prize Dr. Sofia Noori has received the 2024–25 Killam Teaching Prize, an honour awarded annually from the Killam General Endowment fund to faculty members nominated by students, colleagues, and alumni for teaching excellence. Dr. Noori is widely recognized for her outstanding contributions to education, research, and community engagement. Her work focuses on refugee youth who arrive in Canada after experiencing civil unrest, war, migration, transitory states, refugee camps and resettlement. Drawing on postcolonial theory and developmental psychology, her research offers insight into how these young people navigate […] More
