January 6, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome back. I hope your holiday break was restful and rejuvenating, filled with moments of joy among family, friends, community and land. As we step into 2025, I am excited to re-engage with the dynamic spirit of our Faculty of Education and look forward to the opportunities ahead.
The Faculty is advancing a strategic planning process guided by UBC’s vision, emphasizing extensive community consultation and a decolonial approach. Led by Drs. Margaret Early and Lynne Tomlinson, and supported by Dr. Surita Jhangiani and Paula Sabti, we are seeking members for an Internal Community Consultative Team. Interested faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to apply by Wednesday, January 15, 2025, to help shape our inclusive and strategic direction.
Join us on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, for our inaugural Research Showcase and Celebration. This event will feature research posters from across our Faculty, showcasing groundbreaking research and innovative projects that are shaping the future of education. We will also honour distinguished awardees from the past year, celebrating their contributions to the field of education and our community. This gathering presents a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, explore potential collaborations, and immerse in the latest educational advancements.
I am delighted to share that Dr. Julia Sinclair-Palm has assumed the debut role of Director for the forthcoming Robert Quartermain Centre for SOGI-Inclusive Excellence in Education (RQCSIEE). Dr. Sinclair-Palm brings deep expertise and fresh perspectives to this pivotal role, and her leadership will be instrumental in advancing the Centre’s mission to promote equity in education.
I am also pleased to present the second annual Global Speaker Series on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Inclusion, featuring Dr. Dennis Francis, a distinguished scholar from the University of Glasgow and a renowned advocate for equity and inclusion. Join us on Thursday, February 13, 2025, as we explore the power of global storytelling to challenge stereotypes, foster meaningful dialogue, and strengthen community understanding.
Our School of Kinesiology has been appointed to the Global Sport University Network (GSUN) Leadership Council, an international consortium tackling complex global challenges through sport-related research and innovation. This recognition places our school at the forefront of global collaboration, where it will contribute to groundbreaking research and influence the future of sport worldwide.
This year marks the half-century anniversary of NITEP and the graduation of its 500th student. In commemoration, NITEP will host a special celebratory event in March, as well as a visioning and strategic planning Think-In session, where NITEP students will play a central role in shaping the program’s future while honouring its impactful legacy and commitment to Indigenous education.
Preparations are underway for the Friday, January 24, 2025, TEO Education Career Fair, British Columbia’s premier teacher recruitment event. This dynamic gathering connects our talented teacher candidates with over 40 school districts, offering a unique chance to network with potential employers, explore emerging hiring trends, and take meaningful steps toward their professional futures.
These events and initiatives highlight just some of the exceptional talent, dedication, and innovation within our Faculty. I encourage you to seize the opportunities presented, join in the celebrations, and contribute to our shared goals as we strive for an exceptional year in advancing education together.
Miigwech – Thank you.
Jan
