Faculty of Education Education News Fall 2012 / Winter 2013 Page 17 from various locations in Nunavut ), with other teacher education students and faculty from the Faculty of Education , as well as with teacher education students from Aboriginal teacher education programs such as the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program ( SUNTEP ), and First Nations University of Canada ( FNUC ). Another outcome of the partnership is the establishment of an annual symposium located in Iqaluit , Nunavut designed as professional development for NTEP administrators , instructors , and students , along with U of R faculty .
“ I am delighted that Nunavut Arctic College has seen fit to extend its contract with the University of Regina . This latest contract is a tribute to the strong spirit of collaboration and trust that has grown up between our two educational institutions over the past 5 years ( 2007 - 2012 ). In this context , the fact that Laura Merritt , an NTEP graduate , has won the STF Prize in Education , representing our most distinguished
graduate in this fall ’ s Convocation , speaks eloquently both to her personal achievement and to the quality of the program that is being delivered ,” says Michael Tymchak , who as former Dean of Education was instrumental in forming the initial partnership with NAC / NTEP , and while serving as Director of SIDRU worked with the partnership , and who now continues to work as Program Consultant since his retirement in June 2012 . At the initial signing in 2007 , Dr . Tymchak said , “ Our success is determined not by the words of the document we sign , but by how we work together ,” and this renewed agreement bears witness to the quality of the work that has been done together .
The new agreement holds new promise . Along with maintaining the distinctive NTEP B . Ed . Program , expansions include the possibility of a Secondary program . Student exchange and visitation opportunities . There will be opportunities developed for NTEP members to become “ Adjunct ” U of R faculty and visiting scholars , as well as U of R faculty becoming visiting scholars with Nunavut Arctic College . Technologymediated distance learning will be promoted , creating opportunities for courses , workshops , and other professional development activities . The University of Regina will also explore the feasibility of other program expansions as requested by Nunavut Arctic College . “ The Faculty of Education at the University of Regina has worked closely and respectfully with First Nations and Métis partners for the past 40 years . Our first 5 years working with Inuit partners in Nunavut have been mutually beneficial for everyone involved . We look forward to our continuing partnership and continuing progress in the critical field of Indigenous Teacher Education ,” say Dean of Education and SIDRU Director , James McNinch .
Dean , James McNinch , Faculty of Education , U of R ; Director of Education Programs , Brian Manning , NTEP / NAC ; President Vianne Timmons , U of R Photos credit : Trevor Hopkins