Faculty of Education | University of Regina | Autumn 2021
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Pickard , Dr . LeOra Cordis , Dr . Meredith Cherland , and Dr . Ray Petracek . Nick says , “ The embodiment of what I experienced as an undergrad drew me to work at the U of R because of the respect I had for the professors who taught me . The relational quality they modelled , I wanted to emulate in the Faculty .”
Nick continues , “ The privilege of teaching alongside my former professors was very gratifying . They invested their time in me , so I felt a responsibility to pass that forward to my students , and to get in the trenches and teach .”. But , beyond their encouragement , Nick says , “ I always felt that I could have a greater impact by teaching future teachers . I wanted to help shape the field of education and to create a voice for health , outdoor and physical education and the vital role it plays in the lives of children and youth .”
To further his influence , in 2003 , Nick took on the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs role : “ Working with undergrad programs — that was my passion — finding ways to meet with faculty in groups and talk about programs and the ways to deliver the best program .”
Over the years , Nick also chaired the HOPE subject area and sat on various committees and external boards , at one point serving as president of the Canadian Association for Health , Physical Education , Recreation , and Dance ( CAHPERD--now PHE Canada ). It was meaningful , to “ find a network of colleagues with a similar passion for human movement and the critical importance of the outdoors , and to have the opportunity to sit around tables and influence changes provincially and nationally ,” says Nick .
Nick fondly recalls his summer outdoor education class that he taught every 2 to 3 years , where he took students for a 3-week trip on the Churchill River in northern Saskatchewan . Part of the experience was a “ solo ,” where students were dropped off on an island by themselves for 25 -30 hours . “ It was an opportunity to be by yourself without technology . We believed that this experience allowed students to take time for inward reflection . Students were always saying , ‘ Don ’ t take solo out of the course . It ’ s the best thing I could have done .’ For some , the experience was like an epiphany .” says Nick .
Quoting Nel Noddings , “ We live storied lives and we tell stories about our lives ,” in answer to the question of what advice he offers colleagues , Nick says : “ Invest in what it means to be a pedagogue , know the stories about teaching and embody those stories . Know the story of the teacher education program of the Faculty of Education . We have a responsibility to the voices that came before us . Never lose sight about why you are here and continue the story .”
In answer to the question of what is significant about the work done in the Faculty of Education , Nick says , “ The responsibility of our work may seem simple but it is complex because we work with people . It ’ s a www2 . uregina . ca / education / news