Public Discussions of Education

BC Teacher Education Roundtable (2013)

To be held in May 2013 at Trinity Western University, Langley. The host will be Dr. Kim Franklin, Dean of Education, TWU. The theme of the conference is Teaching for the Inclusive Classroom. Assisting her will be administrators and instructors in the TWU Teacher Education program.

BC Teacher Education Roundtable (2012)  hosted by University of the Fraser Valley

Held May 3-4, 2012

The 2012 Teacher Education Roundtable was hosted by the Teacher Education Program, Faculty of Professional Studies, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC.  The Roundtable theme was “Teacher Education and 21st Century Learning: A ‘Complicated Conversation.’” An evening wine and cheese event opened the event. Dean Rosetta Khalideen presented greetings on behalf of UFV and the Teacher Education Program.  The wine and cheese event was well attended; it following sessions organized by the BCTF Liaison committee and the Ministry of Education’s BC Teacher Regulation Branch. 

The Roundtable sessions began on May 4th with approximately 70 registrants including Deans of Education, Program and Placement Coordinators, Teacher Educators, Education Advisors and Program Developers. Following the morning “coffee and conversations,” UFV Elders in Residence, Eddie Gardner and Charlotte Point, welcomed participants to traditional Sto:lo Territory with the UFV song and a prayer. Dr. Eric Davis, UFV Provost and Vice President Academic, also brought greetings. Awneet Sivia, UFV’s Teacher Education Program Department Head, introduced the Roundtable theme: “Teacher Education and 21st Century Learning” and referred to it as a “complicated conversation” (Pinar, 2000) between teacher education curricula and the changing landscape of the K-12 education system. Following this brief overview, each institution provided “5 minute snapshots” of their programs with updates focused on “one unique feature of their program and one challenge their program faced.”  Presentations were made by all the BC teacher education programs: UBC Vancouver (Frank Blye), UBC Okanagan (Lynn Bosetti), SFU (Kau’i Keliipio, Ken Murray, Vandy Britton and Catherine Johnson), UNBC (Peter MacMillan), TWU (Kim Franklin), TRU (Patricia Neufeld), VIU (Harry Janzen), UVIC (Ted Riecken) and UFV (Awneet Sivia) The presentations highlighted those issues facing BC teacher education programs: enrolment declines, balancing academic requirements with practicum realities, and programmatic autonomy.  Highlights included the variety of programming options, international modules, inclusion of First Nations-focused programming, inquiry-based and case- based curricula, and integration of alternate practica/field experiences.

A panel presentation followed the program briefings. Invited panelists included: Rod Allen (Superintendent, Student Achievement Ministry of Education), Dr. Karen Nelson (Superintendent Fraser-Cascades District #75), Dr. Paul Neufeld, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education SFU), and Dr. Sheryl MacMath (Faculty member, TEP at UFV). Panel members spoke about the “complicated” relationship between teacher education programs and current and future trends in the K-12 system.  Mr. Allen spoke about the BCED plan and the necessity to forge a partnered approach to teacher preparation—one that is attune to these initiatives and responsive in design. Dr. Nelson presented her findings from public forums held in her school district. She highlighted the necessity in BC teacher education to respond responsibly in the areas of First Nations/Aboriginal Education and Special Education. Dr. Neufeld described a five phase project called “Teacher Education for the 21st Century (TEF 21)” which involves an environmental scan of trends that might well influence education in the coming decades, ones such as online teaching and alternate learning options. He outlined three options: de-schooling (the breakdown of schools), re-schooling (reforming schools from current conventional structures), and status quo (maintaining what is currently happening with improvements). Dr. MacMath, or her part, urged the involvement by the academy (our universities) in helping to shape the future of education and teacher education in the province.

Following the panel presentations, breakout group discussions were held in various locations to explore issues raised by the panelists. UFV Faculty Members, Barbara Salingre, Sandy Hill and Dr. Dianne Common facilitated discussions on questions arising from the panel presentations. Summaries were presented at the plenary session which followed lunch.

The lunch buffet included savoury Indian fusion food and desserts representing the fruits of the Fraser Valley region.  Following lunch, groups presented discussions in a power point presentation initiated by UFV Education Librarian, Heather Compeau. Most groups mentioned the importance of teacher education programs remaining responsive and autonomous in preparing  future teachers. 

Following the panel presentations debrief, role-related groups met for an hour to discuss specific topics.  Concurrent sessions were chaired by: Dr. Harry Janzen (Chair, Deans of Education), Awneet Sivia (Program Developers, Program Chairs/Heads, Associate Deans, Program Coordinators), Sandy Hill (Placement and Field Coordinators) and Barbara Salingre (Education Advisors). Both the Program Developers and the Program Coordinators have scheduled a follow-up meeting in the fall to continue discussions.

Following these meetings, Dr. Lynn Bosetti, on behalf of ABCDE, announced the following award recipients: Teacher Educator of the Year Award to Dr. Peter Grimmett, UBC Faculty of Education, and Education Advocate of the Year Award to Edna Terbasket, Executive Director, Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, Kelowna and member of the Okanagan Indian Band. Both award recipients gave interesting responses. As well, Dr. Kim Franklin, Dean of Education, Trinity Western University announced that TWU will host the Teacher Education Roundtable in 2013. 

UFV’s Dr. Rosetta Khalideen gave closing remarks and adjourned the Roundtable, wishing everyone safe travels, and thanking all who attended the Roundtable.  She made a special note of thanks to the UFV Teacher Education Program Department members for their efforts in arranging this event for the first time in the history of University of the Fraser Valley. 

The panel presentations were videotaped and are available on the UFV website:  www.ufv.ca/teachereducation/TERoundtable.htm .

BC Teacher Education Roundtable

Held May 5-6, 2011, University of Victoria, Victoria

The Teacher Education Education Roundtable for 2011 was hosted by the Faculty of Education at the University of Victoria. UVic chose as its theme for the Roundtable, “Making Indigenous Education Meaningful.”

A well-organized and friendly wine and cheese reception opened the Roundtable on the evening of May 5, held at UVIc’s University Club. Greetings were brought by Dr. Allison Preece, Associate Dean, on behalf of Dr. Ted Riecken, Dean of Education, University of Victoria who was travelling abroad.

On May 6, following a “Morning Mingle” offering breakfast items of pastries, scones, muffins and coffee, approximately sixty registrants, including Deans of Education, and teacher educators from across the province, assembled in the Lam Auditorium. Dr. Allison Preece, Associate Dean, UVic Faculty of Education, welcomed everyone and gave a brief outline of the day’s activities. She called upon two elders from the Songhees First Nations for a prayer/song of welcome.

The program was organized to invite representatives of all BC teacher education programs to share what is happening in their programs, including any new developments and new programs. Each representative spoke for five minutes about how their university is dealing with the following issues: (1) Projecting a distinctive identity in a competitive field; (2) Supply and Demand—Ethical questions/concerns; and (3) Responding to a Diverse and Changing Demographic. The speakers were UFV-Rosetta Khalideen; SFU-Paul Neufeld; UBC-Rita Irwin; UBCO-Sharon McCoubrey; UNBC-Colin Chasteauneuf; TRU-Charlie Webber and Jack Miller; TWU-Louella Neufeld; VIU-Harry Janzen; and UVic-Allison Preece. (Also present were two representatives of College of the Rockies in the East Kootenays where the UVic teacher education program is delivered).

Following a break, the second plenary session consisted of a highly interesting and inspiring panel discussion entitled “Making Indigenous Education Meaningful in Teacher Education Programs.” Members of the panel included: Onowa McIvor, Director of Indigenous Education, UVic; Nick Claxton, Indigenous Advisor/Coordinator, UVic; Dawn Smith, Sessional Instructor, UVic; Justine Durrant, Student, UVic. Mr. Claxton showed the Roundtable participants an eight-minute video of work undertaken by faculty and students in their Indigenous Education program. This was followed by interactive discussion of panellists with audience members.

At noon, a hot lunch was served in the Ceremonial Hall of the First People’s House on the UVic Campus, consisting of delicious seafood soup, deep-fried oysters, clam fritters, rice, soda bread, fresh vegetable platter, and berry crumble with beverages.

Following lunch, Dr. Harry Janzen announced the 2011 winners of ABCDE’s Awards: Mary-Lynn Epps, Nanaimo teacher, for the Teacher Educator Award, and Chief Edward John, for the Education Advocate Award. Both award winners were unable to be present to accept their awards, which will be mailed to each winner.

Dr. Rosetta Khalideen also announced, following lunch, that the 2012 Teacher Education Roundtable will be held at her institution, University of the Fraser Valley, located in Abbotsford. The UFV Education program staff will be involved in organizing next year’s event.

Back in the Education building, role-related groups met for over one hour in the afternoon to conduct their afternoon discussions on selected topics. The groups consisted of the Field Experience Coordinators, Program Developers, and Academic Advisors. The Deans of Education met separately for their regular meeting during the annual Roundtable.

At 2:30 pm, a third plenary session was held in the Lam Auditorium. It was the Signing Ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding agreed by IAHLA (Indigenous Adult Higher Learning Association), FNESC (First Nations Education Steering Committee) and ABCDE (Association of BC Deans of Education). Members of the MoU Working Group present were Dr. Jack Miller (Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops), Dr. Colin Chasteauneuf (University of Northern B.C.), Ms. Deb Jeffrey (FNESC) and Ms. Karen Bailey-Romanko. (The fifth member of the Working Group, Dr. Ted Riecken, was unable to be present). Present as an observer was Ms. Barbara Forsythe, representing the Government of BC’s Ministry of Advanced Education.

Signatories to the MoU consisted of IAHLA’s Joe Elliott, Chemainus First Nations, FNESC’s Barbara Balthorpe, FNESC Vice President, and Harry Janzen, Chair of ABCDE. Members of the audience received a copy of the MoU, and each organization received a signed copy of the agreement.

Speakers were Jack Miller who outlined what the MoU is intended to accomplish, and afterwards, Barbara Balthorpe for FNESC, and Joe Elliott for IAHLA. Dr. Miller also announced that on June 16, the Working Group will assemble to begin the hard work of more detailed planning that will follow this agreement.

Dr. Harry Janzen thanked everyone and turned the meeting back to the host.

Dr. Allison Preece gave some closing remarks and adjourned the Roundtable, wishing everyone safe travels, and bidding colleagues adieu until next year. Dr. Preece thanked key organizers of the event, members of the Education staff--Luanne Krawetz and Mariann Olchowy--who had been responsible for organizing an excellent day with all of its creature comforts, care, and attention to detail.

BC Teacher Education Roundtable

The 2011 Teacher Education Roundtable Conference was held at Vancouver Island University’s Faculty of Education.

BC Teacher Education Roundtable

Held May 6-7, 2010, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

The Education Roundtable was hosted by the Faculty of Education Teacher Education Office at UBC.  UBC chose as a theme for the Roundtable, “Digital Technologies in Classrooms.” A wonderfully-organized wine and cheese reception opened the Roundtable on the evening of May 6, held at St. John’s College, UBC Campus.  The next morning, on May 7, approximately fifty registrants, including several Deans of Education, and many teacher educators representing the range of teacher education programs in BC, participated in reviewing digital technologies in public school classrooms. They considered the influence of technologies on teachers and students and the possible implications for preparing both new and experienced teachers.

In the first plenary session, UBC’s Associate Dean of Education, Dr. Rita Irwin, welcomed the participants. The keynote speaker, Dr. Ross Laird, Chair of Creative Writing, Kwantlen Polytechnic University offered his educational and cultural analyses of the relationship of digital technologies to school populations. He invited the audience to imagine how teacher education programs might better prepare teacher candidates for the digital revolution.

Dr. Laird’s address was followed by a panel of current and former classroom teachers who presently work, or have recently worked, in programs of teacher education. Each panelist provided examples of the influence of digital technologies on her or his own classroom, e.g. the internet, offering each one’s pedagogical insights and analyses.  Discussion followed between audience members and panelists; these included responses to Dr. Laird’s stimulating presentation.

Later, break-out groups consisting of forum participants met to share personal and institutional experiences stimulated by Dr. Laird’s address and the panelists’ comments. Each group’s key points and conclusions/recommendations were shared at a second plenary session. As well, digital notes were later distributed to forum participants. While break-out groups were in session, the Deans of Education met for a short meeting which is regularly scheduled during the Roundtable.

As part of the closing ceremonies, the Chair of ABCDE, Dean Ted Riecken, University of Victoria, thanked UBC for hosting the Roundtable so admirably. He also presented the annual ABCDE Education Advocate Award to outgoing UBC Dean of Education, Dr. Rob Tierney, and the ABCDE Teacher Educator Award to James Blower, Kamloops teacher, who continues to be an outstanding mentor in his school for student teachers enrolled in the Thompson Rivers University Teacher Education program. Each award recipient received an engraved plaque and a sum of money from ABCDE.

Dr. Riecken announced the 2011 Teacher Education Roundtable conference will be hosted by his institution, the University of Victoria Faculty of Education, in early May 2011, and that everyone will be warmly welcomed to the capital at that time.

UBC Teacher Education Office staff received many compliments for hosting an outstanding Roundtable conference: the conference materials, program organization, creature comforts, bountiful lunch, and helpfulness—all were very much appreciated. ABCDE thanked Rita Irwin, Anne Scholefield, and all the TEO staff members for a very fine event.

BC Teacher Education Roundtable

Held May 7-8, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, British Columbia

Held May 11-12, 2006 at Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia.

Another very successful Teacher Education Roundtable Conference was held May 11-12 2006, at Thompson Rivers University, hosted by the School of Education. Dean Kathryn McNaughton and her Education faculty colleagues warmly welcomed sixty-five persons who represented the eight teacher education institutions in BC, as well as the University College of the Fraser Valley which is launching a new teacher education program in the province in September 2006. Delegates from the BC College of Teachers, the B.C. Teachers’ Federation, and the Federation of Independent Schools Associations were also present. The Drum and Song group from Sk’elep School of Excellence honoured the delegates with a welcome song.

The guest speaker was Dr. Terry Sullivan, Superintendent of the Kamloops-Thompson School District #73, who addressed the conference theme “School-University Partnerships,” including an encouraging account of the vibrant relationships that can exist between school districts and teacher education institutions.

Also presenting were two members of the Faculty of Education, University of Victoria, Luanne Krawetz and Tim Hopper, who told of their ongoing work with children, schools, and teachers in Afghanistan. Charlotte Holten, a teacher in Victoria who has been actively involved in this partnership, joined her university colleagues in providing her perspective from the classroom.

ABCDE presented its second Teacher Educator of the YearAward, this year to an outstanding Burnaby teacher, Susan Montabello. Susan was nominated by Simon Fraser University Faculty of Education for her remarkable work in her school, in her community, and with student teachers.

BC Teacher Education Roundtable Conference
                           
Held May 11, 2005 
 
Hosted by Trinity Western University School of Education, Langley
Sponsored by the Association of B.C. Deans of Education
 
http://www.twu.ca/education/conference.aspx

The purpose of the conference each year is to provide a venue for sharing ideas, discussing common concerns, and gaining new insights into best practices for teacher education.

Faculty, faculty associates, and staff members from B.C.’s eight approved teacher education programs were joined by representatives from various educational stakeholder groups, including the B.C. College of Teachers, the BCTF, and the Ministry of Education.

The program featured a keynote address by Meguido Zola, Director of SFU’s  Professional Development Program. The conference included sessions which highlighted new developments in the various programs, as well as other issues of concern.  One focus was implementation of the Letter of Understanding signed last year by the Council of the B.C. College of Teachers and the Deans of Education (ABCDE) in connection with the review and approval of teacher education programs in the eight member institutions of the ABCDE.

The conference also included an evening panel discussion on accountability and assessment in B.C. schools. Speakers on the panel discussion, chaired by Dr; Paul Shaker, Dean of Education, Simon Fraser University, included Hugh Burke (Principal, Meadowridge School, Maple Ridge), Anita Chapman (Assistant Director, Professional Social Issues Division, B.C.T.F.), Iain Fisher, (Teacher, North Surrey Secondary School), Jan Hare (Language and Literacy Education, U.B.C.), Sandra Mathison (Head, Education and Counselling Psychology and Special Education, U.B.C.), Monica Pamer (Lead Director, Achievement and Assessment Department, B.C. Ministry of Education), Don Truscott, (Superintendent, Langley School District #35), and Terri Watson (President, B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils).

Dede DeRose, Principal, Kamloops-Thompson School District #73, was recipient of ABCDE’s first Teacher Education Award. HarroVan Brummelen, ABCDE Chair, made the presentation.