This project is made possible with generous funding from the Dean of Education via a Learning Transformed Grant (March 2020) to support the Faculty’s Strategic plan 2019 – 2024
Project Title:
Diminishing the equity gap for rural school associates, faculty advisors, and teacher candidates
Project Team:
Yvonne Dawydiak, Learning Design Manager, Teacher Education
Dr. Leyton Schnellert, Associate Professor, EDCP & Eleanor Rix Chair for Rural Education
Susanne Maguire & Heather Shippit, WKTEP, UBC T. Ed. Nelson
Dr. Marianne McTavish, Associate Dean, Teacher Education
This project seeks to develop and share online resources through an online community of practice. It is intended to build upon work by Dr. Leyton Schnellert for rural educators. Specifically, the project will work with appropriate faculty and graduate students to develop module resources to support rural (and nonrural) educators by providing all parties associated with practicum with engaging, accessible resources.
Goals:
-Provide leadership in areas of education policy and practice and in educational networks,
-Strengthen existing partnerships to enhance school-based learning experiences, placements, and
professional education and development
-Advance learning and research opportunities that are globally informed, relevant, timely,
technology-enabled, and responsive to societal needs
Project Description:
The BEd program relies heavily on the expertise of experienced teachers to mentor teacher candidates
preparing for a career in education. It can be difficult to find and retain experienced mentors who are
also abreast of current research and practice in the field and many teachers, in particular those in rural settings, do not have access to professional development opportunities to enable them to continue
learning. This can create a knowledge gap between what TCs are learning on campus and what they are
observing or being expected to do in the field. Having a shared language of teaching between faculty,
students, faculty advisors and school advisors would support rich conversations and opportunities while students are on practicum and ‘bridge the gap’ so to speak. This project seeks to develop and share online resources through an online community of practice. Specifically, this project would work with appropriate faculty and graduate students to develop a module of resources on topics relevant to rural educators including “Practical Practicum Modules”, Place & Supportive Learning Communities. By providing all parties associated with practicum with engaging, easy to access resources, we hope to help facilitate learning opportunities and open, informed dialogue.
Funding: $10,000
Initial Phases of Project Completed Fall 2020. Additional Phases pending further funding.
