Inaugural UBC Faculty of Education Reconciliation and Decolonization Alumni Award Recipients
September 25, 2023
Jan Hare, Dean pro tem, is pleased to announce the inaugural UBC Faculty of Education Reconciliation and Decolonization Alumni Award recipients: Marjorie Dumont and Mindy Carter
The award acknowledges extraordinary alumni who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect, and commitment to furthering decolonization efforts or reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples or communities, or who have inspired others to continue decolonization or reconciliation efforts. Learn more about the award and nomination process here.
Learn more about Faculty of Education Alumni Awards.
Read more about the new initiative: The UBC Faculty of Education Indigenous Alumni Network.
Fostering Inclusivity Through SOGI Education: A Shared Commitment
September 20, 2023
A Message from Jan Hare, Dean pro tem
Today, I want to underscore our shared commitment to cultivating educational environments that are truly inclusive and diverse, with a particular emphasis on the critical importance of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) education.
In recognition of the ongoing challenges faced by SOGI education, I express the unwavering support of the Faculty of Education for SOGI education and the exceptional educators who tirelessly champion its cause. SOGI inclusive education is particularly important in these times when disinformation is threatening the rights and safety of 2SLGBTQIA+ students and communities.
Educators play an essential role in guiding our students towards greater empathy, dismantling stereotypes, and creating safe spaces for their intellectual and personal growth. They inspire a sense of unity and understanding among students, helping them become compassionate, informed, and responsible citizens.
SOGI education is a catalyst for transforming our educational landscapes into spaces that empower individuals to exercise self-determination regarding their gender and sexuality. By providing students with the knowledge, empathy, and understanding required to navigate the complexities of our diverse society, educational institutions become strongholds of acceptance and unwavering support for every student, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Our collective commitment to SOGI education resonates deeply with the core principles of equality and inclusion that underpin our Faculty. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Miigwech – Thank you
Dr. Jan Hare, Dean pro tem
If you are experiencing hate or discrimination, please know that help is available. If you witness discrimination, I encourage you to take steps to support those in the situation. Below is a list of available supports and resources at UBC:
- If you believe you or others are in physical danger, contact Campus Security (call 604 822 2222) or the police (call 911) immediately.
- You can request an advising appointment with an impartial human rights advisor at the Equity and Inclusion Office.
- You may also want to contact the Office of the Ombudsperson for Students, an independent, impartial, and confidential resource that supports students in addressing and resolving concerns about unfair treatment at UBC.
- Other UBC staff members are available to help, such as academic advisors from your program or faculty or staff and faculty members in your department.
- The University provides a wide range of health and wellness resources, including counselling services.
- SOGI UBC offers a variety of resources to support you in creating safer and more welcoming schools.
Learning and Leadership in the Early Years | November 21, 2023
Dean’s Community Engagement Series
Join Dr. Jan Hare, Dean pro tem, UBC Faculty of Education, for the third annual speaker series putting a spotlight on important questions and significant priorities that are engaging educators today.
This virtual session will feature Dr. Jeffrey Wood of Laurentian University, Aimee Blow of the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District, and Kirsten Deasey of the Sunshine Coast School District.
Together they will explore innovative approaches and practices that best support Early Years (0-8 years) learners, families and school communities. They will share research and experience on topics such as building inclusive early years environments, critically reflective teaching practices and pedagogies, enhancing supportive family structures, and transformative leadership approaches.
Event Details
Date: November 21, 2023
Time: 4:30-6:00pm PT
Format: Online via Zoom
Learn more about the 2023-2024 Dean’s Community Engagement Series
About Dr. Jeffrey Wood
Jeffrey is from Métis and settler ancestry and lives on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek under the Robinson-Huron Treaty. He is a professor in the School of Education and the School of Indigenous Relations at Laurentian University and is the Early Learning Lead for the Moosonee and Moose Factory District School Area Boards. Jeffrey has been researching and working with young children for the past 25 years. His research interests include: early childhood education, early literacies, inquiry learning and Indigenous education. Jeffrey has been teaching at Laurentian University since 2005.
About Aimee Blow
Aimee Blow is a District Learning Coordinator and a specialized Kindergarten teacher with Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools. She completed her Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Vancouver Island University in 2020. She has additional training in becoming a Pedagogist with the ECPN (Early Childhood Pedagogy Network), mentorship, Reggio Inspired practices, and emergent curriculum. She is known for her passion and dedication for our BC Early Learning Framework. In her roles, she engages in critically reflective and collaborative teaching practices. Aimee believes that we can collaboratively reflect on (re)defining our image of the child, the role of the educator in the Early Years (0-8 yrs) and inclusive early years environments, to better reflect our own local contexts.
About Kirsten Deasey
Kirsten Deasey, District Principal of Learning, Innovation and Childcare with School district No. 46 (Sunshine Coast) has been involved in the early years for more than 30 years, teaching preschool, kindergarten, inclusion and coordinating district early years, literacy, numeracy & curriculum E – 12 supports. Since 2003, Kirsten has worked with an inspired team of district and community based early years educators to develop and implement a continuum of support for early years children and families, using playful approaches designed to support our youngest citizens.
Shamali Arsakulasuriya
Development Coordinator
Scarfe 2601
Tel 604 827 4982
Email shamali.arsakulasuriya@ubc.ca
New Annual Award: MET Award for Indigenous Students
August 31, 2023
UBC Faculty of Education is delighted to offer the new annual MET Award for Indigenous Students
In support of the UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan and the goals outlined the Final Report of the Dean’s Task Force on Race, Indigeneity, and Social Justice, the MET Award for Indigenous Students creates pathways for Indigenous students to earn graduate-level credentials.
Theme 1: Student recruitment, retention and success: Provide scholarships and funding that address the specific needs, achievements and contributions of racialized and Indigenous communities, with attention to intersectionality
— Final Report, Task Force on Race, Indigeneity, and Social Justice
This annual award will cover program tuition for either the 30-credit master’s degree or 15-credit graduate certificate for an Indigenous student. Current Indigenous MET students and new Indigenous applicants to the program are encouraged to apply by September 23, 2023.
The inaugural award will be issued for the January 2024 program start. Going forward, the award will be given each September, beginning September 2024.
Learn about the Faculty of Education’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization, anti-racism, and sustainability.
Learn about MET’s Anti-Racism Speaker Series and Virtual Inclusive Makerspace.
Dr. Eli Puterman elected Member to the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists
September 14, 2023
Dr. Eli Puterman, Member of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists
Dr. Eli Puterman is among ten UBC faculty members who have been inducted as a fellow or new member to the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) in 2023.
Founded in 2014, the RSC’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists is a handpicked selection of top mid-career scholars and artists in Canada. College Members have already received recognition in their fields for excellence and serve as ambassadors of their fields. The term of Membership in the College is seven years.
Dr. Puterman’s research program develops and implements physical activity and exercise programs in collaboration with and for hard-to-reach and high-stress individuals to determine how such programs can improve mental and physical wellbeing.
— RSC Press Release
Dr. Eli Puterman is a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Health, and a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar.
More Members of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists in the Faculty of Education
Dr. George Belliveau
Elected 2017
Dr. Janice Forsyth
Elected 2019
Dr. Margaret Kovach
Elected 2015
Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada in the Faculty of Education
Dr. Jean Barman, FRSC
Academy of the Arts and Humanities
Elected 2002
Dr. Bonny Norton, FRSC
Academy of Social Sciences
Elected 2016
Dr. Peter Seixas, FRSC
Academy of Social Sciences
Elected 2004
Dr. Veronica Strong-Boag, CM, FRSC
Academy of Social Sciences
Elected 2001
Dr. John Willinsky, FRSC
Academy of Social Sciences
Elected 2000
UBC Homecoming 2023 | September 23, 2023
UBC Homecoming: Faculty of Education
Open House
Truth and Reconciliation: Connect, Create, and Learn
Join us at 2023 UBC Homecoming for the Faculty of Education’s open house, where you can embark on a journey of learning focused on Truth and Reconciliation through interactive activities. Enjoy a welcoming, all-ages atmosphere filled with shared stories and educational, meaningful crafts, including:
- Design buttons
- Weave cedar bracelets
- Crochet red dresses
- Crochet orange sweaters
Featured Reading: The Secret Pocket
At 11:00 am, join alumna Peggy Janicki, BEd’01, MEd’14, for a reading of her recently published book, The Secret Pocket, which captures the story of how Indigenous girls at a residential school sewed secret pockets into their dresses to hide food and survive.
Date
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Time
11:00 am – 2:00 pm PT
Location
Scarfe Foyer, 2125 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4
Speaker
 |
Peggy Janicki, BEd’01, MEd’14 “I am a Teacher, graphic/facilitator, artist, and author (Spring 2023). I have worked as a classroom Teacher, District Teacher, Indigenous Mentor Teacher, union leader, and adjunct Professor. I identify as a worker and a Canoe Puller. A tenet of Coast Salish War Canoe racing is to “keep your head down and pull!”; it alludes to not looking around at distractions and putting ALL your energy into your paddle. In the spirit of my training and discipline I wish to exert my energies towards creativity, sovereignty, futurity, and joy in its’ many forms” (Janicki, 2022). Janicki, M. (2022, March 5). Introduction. |
More Information
View the entire UBC line-up for Vancouver and the Okanagan here.
2023-24 Welcome Message from the Dean pro tem
September 5, 2023
Message from Dr. Jan Hare, Dean pro tem
Aanii – Greetings!
As we prepare for the commencement of a new academic year, I extend a heartfelt welcome to all members of the UBC Faculty of Education, including those joining us in person and for virtual programming.
September marks a time of great excitement for us all. We embark on a fresh journey of discovery, growth and inspiration in our teaching, research, and engagement. Our vibrant community, comprised of students, faculty, instructors, staff, alumni, donors, emeriti, and neighbouring and global communities, all play a pivotal role in fostering an environment where innovative ideas flourish and transformative learning thrives. I appreciate everyone’s contributions to these endeavours.
I want to acknowledge the wildfires that continue to impact members of our community in the Okanagan and beyond. Your ability to persevere and show compassion in the face of incredibly difficult circumstances is deeply appreciated. The solidarity and empathy we show as a Faculty community are vital as we commence the new academic year.
As we navigate a world that is constantly evolving, we find guidance and inspiration in our strategic plan, Learning Transformed, as well as in the Task Force on Race, Indigeneity, and Social Justice. UBC’s broader reports on Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence, Indigenous Strategic Planning, and Climate Action also shape our course in the coming year. These documents collectively provide the principles that steer our efforts, guiding us as we forge connections and collaborations within our academic community and beyond.
I extend my gratitude to all our colleagues in the Teacher Education Office for meticulously organizing three days of enriching and collaborative orientation sessions for all participants in this year’s BEd program. Last week’s events, attended by faculty, faculty associates, seconded teachers, esteemed guests, and new students, provided an immersive orientation that addressed both practicalities and aspirations for the upcoming year. Keynote speaker, Jo Chrona, led transformative sessions on the intersections between Indigenous and anti-racism education for faculty and teacher candidates. The active participation during these sessions exemplifies our Faculty’s collaborative commitment to fostering a more inclusive educational landscape.
As I enter the third year in my role as Dean pro tem, I remain committed to the persistent priorities of equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization, anti-racism and sustainability as foundations for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. I continue to seek direction from the Indigenous Faculty Circle and the Black Faculty Collective I formed last year. These guiding structures to the Dean have resulted in a Black scholar cluster hire and a new specialization in the EdD program focused on Indigenous leadership and resurgence. Both these initiatives will get underway this year. Along with the Office of Research in Education, we will launch a set of funding opportunities aimed at enhancing research culture and creating additional opportunities for research and leadership stream faculty. I will also work with senior leadership members to build practices that ensure we foster a Faculty environment where all community members are valued and respected for their varied contributions.
On a national level, I will co-chair, along with Dr. Jennifer Tupper, Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta, the revision of the Association of Canadian Deans of Education (ACDE) national Accord on Indigenous Education.
As the year unfolds, I encourage each of you to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Engage your colleagues, seek out new research partnerships, and foster an environment of curiosity and innovation that nurtures the holistic growth of every member of our community.
I wish you all the best in a year brimming with inspiration, discovery, transformation and shared success.
Miigwech – Thank you.
Jan Hare, Dean pro tem
