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.
Story originally published by the UBC Office of Global Engagement. Read more…
July 09, 2025
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 of Children and Youth and a Professor in the Department of Language and Literacy Education. A leading international scholar, her research focuses on improving the educational success of immigrant and minority students by bridging the gap between home and school literacy practices. Her work has shaped culturally responsive teaching and policy through in-depth studies of students’ lived experiences, multilingual practices, and the systemic barriers they face.
With 16 books, more than 200 publications, and over 100 invited talks around the world, Dr. Li’s scholarship has had a lasting global impact. Her work continues to guide educators and policymakers toward more equitable and inclusive literacy education.
The International Literacy Association (ILA) is a global network of literacy educators in 128 countries. Founded in 1956 as the International Reading Association, the ILA champions literacy research, practice, and policy worldwide and advocates for every child’s right to read and receive high-quality instruction in reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking.
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.
July 2025 | published once each term
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 a vibrant and welcoming place.
Reflecting on the past academic year, I am pleased to share some recent highlights from across our Faculty that showcase the incredible work of our community.
Following a rich listening and consultation period, we have entered the development phase of our Faculty’s 2026–2031 Strategic Planning process. We look forward to sharing upcoming engagement opportunities in the months ahead and invite you to stay connected by visiting our new Strategic Plan web page.
I’m excited to share that our Faculty will lead BC’s new Teacher Mentorship Pilot Program, a key Ministry of Education and Child Care’s K–12 Workforce Plan initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. This innovative program aims to support teacher retention through a flexible and inclusive mentorship and professional development network, focusing on new teachers and those from underrepresented groups.
As part of our ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion in education, we are proud to launch the Ts’kel: Indigenous Educational Leadership and Resurgence EdD Pathway this July. This new sub-specialization for learners enrolled in the EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy degree program supports Indigenous leaders, scholars and educators in pursuing doctoral studies while remaining rooted in their communities.
Expanding access to careers in education begins with engaging future Indigenous educators early in their learning journeys. That’s why we’re delighted to introduce Learn & Earn, a new summer program developed in partnership with the Vancouver School District to help Indigenous high school students explore post-secondary pathways. Participants will earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience, career mentorship and a first-hand look at university life. The program also offers a pathway into NITEP, helping to grow a more diverse and inclusive education workforce.
It has been inspiring to see our community come together around research and education in ways that make a meaningful difference. On June 20, in recognition of World Refugee Day, we partnered with UBC’s Centre for Migration Studies to host Afghan Women: Resisting, Redefining, and Reclaiming. This powerful symposium highlighted the strength and resourcefulness of Afghan women as they navigate forced displacement, underscoring the central role of education in their efforts to reclaim their voices and futures.
We also recently partnered with the University of Toronto’s OISE to co-host the Inaugural Conference on Critical Social Justice in Psychology. This national gathering brought together scholars, students and community members to challenge systemic inequities in psychology and co-create more inclusive approaches to research and practice. Events like these remind us of the power of collaboration to advance knowledge and contribute to a better, more just world.
Our Faculty’s commitment to academic excellence continues to earn international recognition. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, the UBC Faculty of Education ranked 2nd in Canada and 11th in North America for Education. In addition, in partnership with UBC Okanagan’s School of Health and Exercise Sciences, our School of Kinesiology ranked 2nd in North America and 5th globally in Sports-Related Subjects. These accolades reflect the outstanding work of our faculty, staff and students across both campuses.
None of our work happens in isolation—it’s made possible through collective effort. UBC Giving Day is an annual opportunity for our community to support initiatives that make an impact. This year, we were pleased to spotlight two programs that embody our Faculty’s values and commitment to serving our diverse communities. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we raised a total of $61,415, with $31,505 going to CampOUT!, which provides empowering summer experiences for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, and $29,910 supporting the Faculty of Education Bursary for Kinesiology students facing financial need. A further $110,000 was raised for CampOUT! at An Evening in Support of CampOUT!, a locally sponsored community fundraiser.
Together, we will continue strengthening our community, championing transformative education and driving meaningful change. As always, I welcome your feedback and encourage you to share this Community Update with friends and colleagues who may be interested.
Miigwech – thank you,
Jan
Connecting research, students and community
A study led by the Faculty of Education’s School of Kinesiology at UBC Okanagan brought students into direct collaboration with retired athlete and spinal cord injury advocate Mike Shaw to explore innovative, community-engaged research practices. This project highlights how research and sport can combine to advance knowledge and drive impact in real-world settings.
New BEd EDID Cohort and Digital Pedagogies & AI Pilot
This fall, in partnership with the Vancouver School Board, our Bachelor of Education program will launch two new cohorts. The Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization Cohort will prepare future educators to support diverse learners in reaching their full potential. The Digital Pedagogies and AI Pilot will foster creative and critical thinking while helping students become responsible digital citizens.
OSE partners with UBCO Child Care on sensory learning
Dr. Stephen Berg from the Faculty of Education’s Okanagan School of Education is making a meaningful impact through his research with the UBC Okanagan Child Care Centre. His work explores how sensory play supports children’s emotional and social development, laying the foundation for future applied research to enhance early learning environments.
TEL Journal: Spring 2025 issue out now
The spring edition of the bi-annual Transformative Educational Leadership Journal showcases fresh insights from BC educators on inquiry-based teaching, place-based storytelling and equity. It’s an inspiring read for anyone interested in transformative leadership and educational practice.
Dr. Kristiina Kumpulainen named 2025 International Academy of Education Fellow
Recognized for her groundbreaking research in learning sciences and pedagogy, Dr. Kumpulainen’s work continues to advance inclusive, innovative education and strengthens our Faculty’s global research impact.
Drs. Shannon Leddy and Nancy Perry awarded the 2024-25 UBC Community-University Engagement Support (CUES) Fund
Drs. Leddy and Perry have received CUES funding for community-engaged projects that are revitalizing eco-social learning resources and developing self-regulated learning modules to better support students with learning differences. Both initiatives reflect the Faculty’s commitment to equity, collaboration and meaningful community engagement.
Dr. Guofang Li named 2025 Fellow by American Educational Research Association (AERA)
Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair, Dr. Li, has been named a 2025 AERA Fellow—one of only 29 scholars selected and the sole representative from a Canadian university. This prestigious honour recognizes her internationally renowned research in second language and literacy education, which continues to shape inclusive teaching practices and advance educational equity.
Dr. Rob Johnson inducted into the CCAA Hall of Fame
Dr. Johnson, an Associate Professor in our Faculty’s Okanagan School of Education, has been inducted into the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Hall of Fame in the Builder category, recognizing his distinguished career and outstanding contributions to collegiate sport in Canada.
Alumni recognized in the 2025 Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards
Three UBC Education alumni were recognized at the 2025 Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards for their coaching and sports leadership excellence. Their achievements showcase the diverse impact of our graduates across sectors.
Learning Design and Digital Innovation’s Summer Institute 2025 | July 15-17
This free, three-day event explores emerging approaches to teaching and learning. This year’s theme, Mobilizing Knowledge around Sustainability, Accessibility and Learning Analytics, showcases how educators, staff and students creatively integrate these priorities into practice.
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.
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 the health care sector. Therefore, this high recognition of achievement is fitting for its recipient. Ruth shares this honour with her spouse, Donald Albert James, with whom she has made transformative contributions that have had a lasting impact on countless lives.
Learn more about Order of Canada: Order of Canada 2025
Congratulations Ruth!
Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS)
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Master of Educational Technology (MET)
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School of Kinesiology (KIN)
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School of Kinesiology (KIN)
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