Congratulations to Dr. Danielle Lamb and Rose Alexis, École Peter Greer Elementary, on receiving funding from the Partnership Recognition and Exploration Fund for their project, Co-Creating a New Understanding of Eagles.

Learn more about the other 2023 summer funded projects.

Project Description:

École Peter Greer Elementary (PGE) is located in the unceded, traditional, and ancestral territory of the Syilx Okanagan People. This project seeks to reimagine space and place at PGE and co-create new understandings of eagles and their importance to this place. For decades, the eagle has been a mascot at the school. The clipart eagle image that dons the school gym, the uniforms, and all the branded material is a reminder of the colonial present. Working with a Syilx artist, and local storytellers, we would like to introduce students to captikʷł, a collection of Syilx Okanagan teachings about eagle.

Storytellers will support the project by sharing captikʷł, a collection of teachings about Syilx Okanagan laws, customs, values, governance structures and principles that, together, define and inform Syilx Okanagan rights and responsibilities to the land. The Syilx artist will provide experiences that support students (grade 4/5) as they navigate the ideation process, and provide technical instruction to realize their works. Students will have the opportunity to explore different art forms as led by the artist. Students will also collaborate with peers, creating a cohesive body of work that intersects with the learnings from the captikʷł. The students and artist will also co-create a piece of artwork that can be displayed at the school.

This project comes from our desire to find ways to live better in this place. It is also a response to call 62 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and UBC’s Strategic Plan.

This project will affect the way the students interact with art and stories about the spaces and places that they live. For many students, this may be the first time that they get to learn with, from, and alongside a Syilx artist. Bringing Syilx art to the school will also allow the greater school community to see, learn, and reflect on what it means to be in the Syilx territory and what our responsibilities are to this space and place. We hope that by weaving together art and story, students will come to gain a deeper appreciation not only about this space and place but also the importance of eagle. The deliberate scaffolding of the project will help students to work towards a co-created project and an opportunity to display their work in the school—a reminder of the student’s and school’s commitment to reconciliation.

On Friday, Oct. 27, join us for a panel discussion on insights for English as an Additional Language (EAL) teaching and learning.

Bringing together theory, research, and practical knowledge, this panel features speakers from UBC Vancouver’s English Language Institute and Department of Language and Literacy Education to share their insights into EAL teaching and learning. Topics span the nexus of theory and practice to make classroom connections and provide a meaningful glimpse into the work of our colleagues from the lower mainland. There will be an opportunity for questions and conversation.

Friday October 27, 2023
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
1137 Alumni Ave, EME 2181 (Engineering, Management, and Education Building) [campus map]

This event is open to everyone and there is no cost to attend; however, we ask that you please register as we have limited space. 

Register

Panellists:

Anwar Ahmed, Assistant Professor, Department of Language and Literacy Education, UBC
Jas Gill, Associate Director of Instruction and Learning, English Language Institute, UBC
Andrew Scales, Director, English Language Institute, UBC
Barbara Taylor, Instructor, English Language Institute, UBC

Discussant:

Scott Douglas, Director of Pro-D and EAL Programs, Okanagan School of Education, UBC

UBC’s Okanagan School of Education is a BC TEAL Supporting Institution

Learn about the our Doctor of Education (EdD) program. Hosted by the EdD Academic Lead and the Program Manager, this online information session will provide you with a brief overview of the program, what you can expect from the degree and the application process. There will also be an opportunity for questions.

Wednesday, October 25
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. PDT
Online via Zoom

Register

Whether you’re interested in applying for the Bachelor of Education program this year, or in the future, here are a few tips to guide you along the way.

1. Start reviewing the admission requirements early!

The most often asked question is ‘what courses do I need to get into the program?’

The admission requirements are listed on our Bachelor of Education page.

As part of your application and to assist you in reviewing (and checking off) the academic admission requirements for your chosen pathway, there are self-assessment worksheets: Teaching Children and Teaching Adolescents. You will submit these self-assessments during the application process. There is a guide available to help you complete these assessments and it includes examples eligible UBCO courses for Canadian Studies and Lab Science.

If you have questions about whether or not your course meets the course requirements, please contact Academic Advising, please visit the Student Advising Services webpage to contact them or book an appointment.

2. Gain experience working with the age group you think you want to teach

A minimum of 75 hours of practical experience (volunteer or paid) working with children or youth is required. We recommend you work/volunteer with the age group that you wish to teach. You will be asked about your experience when you submit your Supplemental Application Form.

On this form, you will also be asked to write a personal essay: Becoming an educator opens doors to many opportunities to teach, learn, and contribute in a variety of contexts including but not exclusive to schools. What are your goals as an educator? Highlight and provide examples of the qualities and experiences you bring to the challenge of becoming an educator.

TIP: We understand you might change your mind about what you’ve written. We do allow you to re-submit a Supplemental Application Form. However, you must resubmit as a fully completed application. We recommend you save copies of your written answers in a word document, so if you wish to modify your answers, you don’t have to re-type everything.   

TIP: Once you have submitted your summary of experience (up to three experiences can be listed), and moved on to the next experience or Personal Essay question, you will not be able to go back to edit your experience on the supplemental application form.

A range and variety of instructional experiences is encouraged to better prepare for the program. Typical experiences for applicants include but are not limited to working in school classrooms as a volunteer or assistant, teaching dance, coaching team sports or working as a summer camp counselor.

TIP: Not sure where to go for experience? You can contact your local school district, recreation/community centre, youth group, art gallery or museum to see if they have any opportunities. 

3. References

You will need two professional references from individuals who have personally observed you working with children and/or youth in a face-to-face or online instructional capacity, either in a group or with an individual.

References must be credible authorities who can speak to your abilities, experiences and interests relevant to the teaching profession. They cannot be a family member or friend.

Examples of appropriate references:

• An individual who has personally observed you in a face-to-face (as opposed to an online) context where your primary role was to instruct or interact with children and/or youth
• School administrator (e.g., principal, vice-principal)
• Teacher at an elementary, middle or secondary school
• Camp director
• Daycare program coordinator
• TA-supervising professor

You will send each of your references the link to the Confidential Report on Applicant, your student number and name as provided in your BEd application, the pathway you are pursuing and email address. Once your reference has submitted their confidential report, you will receive a confirmation email.

This form is confidential and is only used for admission purposes. As the applicant, you should not see the completed form.

Interested in teaching French?

You’ll need to meet the admission criteria for either the Teaching Children or Teaching Adolescents Pathway, in addition, you’ll need to submit one of the following as proof of French competency:

• Successful completion of the Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) and/or Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF)  (additional information below) OR
• A written assessment by faculty of the French Department of a Canadian university that you have demonstrated knowledge  of the French language to indicate you are capable of conducting all French language teaching OR
• Demonstration of  completion of all of your education in the French language OR
• A letter from a Francophone Education Authority indicating your proficiency (i.e. CSF, SD 93) OR
• Completion of a minimum of 4 year post-secondary degree in an institution where French is the language of instruction. 

French Pathways Information Session

We’re hosting two online sessions: Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 and Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 for prospective French Pathways applicants.

Learn more

4. Sending in transcripts if you are not currently a UBC student

Submit your official transcripts for any post-secondary studies at institutions other than UBC by mailing them to:

The University of British Columbia
Undergraduate Admissions
2016 – 1874 East Mall
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z1

For more information on sending transcripts visit you.ok.ubc.ca

5. Need help?

If you have questions about your application or need assistance please visit the Student Advising Services webpage to contact them or book an appointment.

Applying to UBC Vancouver

If you are applying to the UBC Vancouver Teacher Education program, you will need to submit two references and your personal essay to them directly.

The Okanagan School of Education is offering alumni the opportunity to purchase a branded nameplate. Nameplate dimensions are 2”x10” in dark blue with white text.

Nameplates are $40, and will be available for purchase until end of day, October 5, 2023.

To order your nameplate:

• Visit our online store
• Add the nameplate to cart
• Add in your preferred teacher name e.g. Mme Smith, Mr. C
• Provide your personal information. Please note, the form will request your student number. If you recall your UBCO student number, you are welcome to add it in. If not, please provide any eight numbers.
• Provide your payment information
• We will follow-up with you for delivery information. We anticipate that nameplates will be able to be delivered in late November/early December.

Interested in teaching in French? Join us for an online session where you will learn about the Bachelor of Education (BEd) French Pathways program. 

Session 1 * – Thursday, October 5th 2023
12 – 1 p.m. PDT (3 – 4 p.m. EDT)
Online via Zoom
 

Session 2 * – Friday, November 24th 2023
12 – 1 p.m. PST (3 – 4 p.m. EST)
Online via Zoom

*Both sessions will be offered in French, but Q&A can be in English / Les séances seront offertes en français.

You will learn about the admissions criteria, French language proof of competency, scholarship opportunities, how the program can build your confidence in speaking French, and more. The session will be facilitated by the French Pathways Recruitment and Communication Coordinator as well as the French Pathways’ Field Advisor.  

The session will include a brief presentation followed by an opportunity for participants to ask questions.  

REGISTER HERE

Missed a session?  

For more information, please contact us at parcours.francais@ubc.ca 

——- MESSAGE EN FRANÇAIS ——

Session 1  – Le jeudi 5 octobre 2023
12 à 13 h HNP (15 à 16 h HNE)
En ligne via Zoom
 

Session 2  – Le vendredi 24 novembre 2023
12 à 13 h HNP (15 à 16 h HNE)
En ligne via Zoom

Intéressez d’enseigner en français : joignez-vous à une séance en ligne pour en apprendre davantage sur le programme et les critères d’admission des Parcours français du baccalauréat en éducation (B.Ed.).   

Des exemples de thèmes abordés sont : la preuve de compétence de français, les prérequis du programme, les bourses potentielles, ainsi que la manière dont le programme soutient les candidat·es dans le développement de leur confiance et de leurs compétences langagières en français. 

La séance sera animée par la coordonnatrice des communications et au recrutement, ainsi que par la conseillère des Parcours français et comprendra une brève présentation suivie d’une période de questions. 

INSCRIPTION ICI

Vous avez manqué la session? 

Pour plus d’information communiquez avec nous à parcours.francais@ubc.ca 

On Thursday, Sept. 14, we celebrated our graduate award recipients and welcomed our newest graduate students to our scholar-practitioner community.

Please join us in congratulating:

• Serina Penner, Vicki Green Graduate Award
• Camille Rousseau, Stephen Daniel Pope Graduate Award
• Leslie Shayer, Doctoral Studies Outstanding Conference Presentation
• Karin Wiebe, Outstanding Doctoral-level Graduate Student Award
• Meredith Rusk, Doctoral Studies Outstanding Dissertation Award

Dr. Christopher Martin’s book, The Right to Higher Education: A Political Theory, was the 2023 winner of the The Canadian Association of Foundations of Education (CAFE) Outstanding Publication Award!

To celebrate this fantastic achievement, the introductory chapter of the book (digital version) is free to read until Sept. 16, 2023.

READ THE CHAPTER

Abstract

Q&A with Dr. Martin

Should a person’s right to education end after high school? Dr. Christopher Martin’s recent book, The Right to Higher Education sets out a novel account of the point and purpose of higher education, something that has been a controversial debate both in public settings and in policy.

Read more

The Okanagan School of Education is pleased to share that Dr. Roísín Seifert has joined the School as a postdoctoral researcher —the School’s first postdoc!

Working with Dr. Bill Cohen, assistant professor, Seifert will be engaging in a community driven research initiative known as YEEHAH — Youth, Elders, Ecology, Horses And Health. YEEHAH, in partnership with the En’owkin Centre, will be working with the seven Syilx communities of the Okanagan Nation Alliance to start a program that connects youth with horses, elders and the land. The project is still in its early stages and is taking shape as community connections are formed.

Seifert acknowledges that while Indigenous horse based cultural wellness program aren’t a new concept, this is the first movement to formalize and study the effects of such a program in the Thompson Okanagan.

Seifert hopes to collaborate with community researchers and local individuals, and play a supportive role in bridging the gap between cultural movements and research processes.

“It’s really a privilege to be working on this initiative,” says Seifert.

They are excited about their involvement with UBCO as they appreciate being part of an institution that is actively striving to address colonialism. The university’s dedication to progress aligns with their own values and fuels their passion for making a difference. While acknowledging their position as a settler, Seifert remains committed to decolonization and supporting indigenous initiatives.

Seifert’s position is funded by Mitacs, a nonprofit national research organization that supports academics in bringing innovative projects, learn more about Mitacs at mitacs.ca.

***

It was a love for horses that inspired Seifert to pursue a career in academia. Growing up in Ireland, America and England, they started off riding neighbors farm ponies then moving up to working for horse riding lessons at age 11, and the passion has continued to grow. So much so, that Seifert’s doctoral thesis explored the roles of horses in contemporary Native American culture.

“I hadn’t intended on pursuing my PhD, but when I was offered funding to study Indigenous horse culture it was too good of an opportunity to pass up,” says Seifert. “I was delighted to receive three years of funding!”

Their research topic had had almost nothing written about it since 1955. Even then, the research was limited as it was looking at the history of what people used to do.

“I was very naïve. Having not lived in North America as an adult, I didn’t have an understanding of the settler colonial context. I showed up in the community, which is absolutely not how you should approach community research,” they say. “I fortunately found families in the community that were passionate about horses, and embraced me and the research.”

Their research focused on what is now referred to as the Nez Perce, Umatilla and Colville Tribes in the United States. They spent 14 months living, researching, collaborating and working with their hosts, and their horses.

“One thing that came out of my PhD research was that I noticed a shift from horses being partners in everyday life to being partners in cultural continuity, revitalization and even healing in some cases,” they say. “I was starting to see programs popping up in the communities where people were starting different types of more formal horse programs in addition to the informal programs put together on an adhoc basis by community members. I noticed it was a more formal way that horses were becoming almost accomplices in cultural resurgence.”

Since that time, Seifert had been on the lookout for ways to support these emerging horse programs. While they were seeking the right opportunity, they spent time working as an Indigenous liaison in National Parks throughout Canada, a wildfire fighter, researcher with the Resilience Research Institute, and anthropology instructor.

“After hearing elders constantly reiterating the importance of being on the land, I took a career break from office-focused academic work and decided to find roles where I could be in nature instead,” they say. “There was some overlap, and at one point I was teaching classes at Selkirk College, online, while working in wildfire mitigation full-time. It was a little hectic, but it worked out.”

It wasn’t until a few years later that Seifert, while speaking with Dr. Mike Evans, Professor, Anthropology in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Science, was connected to Dr. Bill Cohen who had been hoping to develop a horse program for some time, and out of this meeting came the project now known as YEEHAH.

Please join us in warmly welcoming our new Bachelor of Education (BEd) French Pathways Coordinator, Dr. Jody Dlouhy-Nelson.

Jody Dlouhy-Nelson (elle/elle; she/her) is an educator-researcher of White prairie settler/colonizer ancestry. She works and studies at UBC Okanagan, on the beautiful, unsold, and traditional land of the Syilx Okanagan Nation. Jody spent her early French Immersion and FSL career in Saskatchewan school divisions, followed by several years in Central Okanagan Public Schools, and Sea to Sky (SD48) School District. Her career as a K-12 French Immersion, French Literacy and Humanities teacher; a district French Immersion program coordinator; a principal; and a district administrator of International Education recruitment/marketing was rich with language/culture learning.

Jody recently received her PhD in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies, with her focus in illuminating how beginning teachers create decolonizing and Indigenizing spaces for their students in this Place of the Syilx People. Her dissertation is available on the UBC library website. She was involved as a research assistant on the Co-Curricular Making: Honouring Indigenous Connections to the Land, Culture and Relational Self SSHRC partnership grant in the Okanagan School of Education. Throughout this time, she has worked closely with supervisor and mentor, Dr. Margaret Macintyre Latta, and mentor, Dr. Bill Cohen.

Jody feels privileged to be moving into this new role and looks forward to making connections with all involved, with a mind to a hopeful future.

Welcome Jody!